Cryo Laser and Cryo Sclerotherapy (CLaCS)
Surekha Varicose Veins Clinic is the 1st centre in India to offer the Cryo Laser and Cryo Sclerotherapy (CLaCS) treatment for the commonly found and much-neglected spider veins on legs. Spider veins, though seemingly minor, are indicative of the first clinical stage of chronic venous disease. Their presence may be associated with valve weakness of underlying leg veins, which can lead to advanced disease over time.
CLaCS is a novel Brazilian treatment pioneered by Prof. Dr.Kasuo Miyake in 1999. Over the years, it has been used to treat thousands of patients with spider veins and small varicose veins with extremely good and long-lasting results.”
Effective and Aesthetic Results after CLaCS
1) What is CLaCS?
CLaCS is an acronym for Cryo Laser and Cryo Sclerotherapy.
2) What does CLaCS comprise of?
There are 4 essential elements in CLaCS :
a)Vigorous COOLING OF THE SKIN to reduce discomfort from laser and injections.
b)The use of AUGMENTED REALITY to visualize feeder veins so that they can be treated.
c)The application of a TRANSDERMAL LASER to the feeder veins and spider veins.
d)INJECTION OF THE FEEDER VEINS AND SPIDER VEINS with a chemical sclerosant (sclerotherapy).
3) What is ‘Augmented reality’ in CLaCS?
‘Augmented reality’ in CLaCS is the technology used to visualise ‘feeder veins’ /’reticular veins’ (which cause spider veins); these are not visible to the ‘naked eyes’ in many instances. And if these remain untreated, the spider vein treatment fails. In CLaCS, augmented reality is provided by the VeinViewer (Christie, USA) – a device that images veins up to 1.0 centimeter beneath the skin using infrared sensing. The image is then projected back on to the skin in real time. This enables the phlebologist to see the feeder/reticular veins that would not be otherwise visible.
4) What type of laser is used in CLaCS?
1064 nm Nd:Yag transdermal laser is used. This laser causes a visible heat injury to the veins. Because of the wavelength of the laser, the energy is absorbed more by blood than skin. This allows selective damage to the vein (photothermolysis) without damage to the skin. At Surekha Varicose Veins Clinic, we use one of the best laser in the class – ‘Harmony Pro XL’ from Alma Laser, Israel.
5) What is the ‘sclerotherapy’ element in CLaCS?
The feeder veins, after being damaged by the laser, are then injected with a chemical sclerosant, again using the Vein Viewer images to guide the sclerotherapy injections. Following this the overlying spider veins of the skin are also treated with laser and injected. The sclerosant used is a mild one. It does not produce any post sclerotherapy matting/ pigmentation and is extremely safe since it does not cause anaphylaxis.
6) What is ‘cryo cooling’ in CLaCS?
The whole procedure of CLaCS is done using a cryo unit that produces a continuous flow of cold air to the sites of application of the transdermal laser and sclerotherapy injections. The skin cooling serves to provide surface numbness during the procedure. We use the latest and one of the best cooling unit -Cryo 6 from Zimmer, Germany.
7) Is CLaCS painful?
No. The high flow of ice cold air directed onto the skin at the site of laser or needle application removes most of the discomfort, and most patients have little discomfort from the treatment.
8) Do I need to get admitted for CLaCS? When can I resume work?
No. It is a ‘walk-in, walk-out’ OPD procedure. The patient can return to his/her routine activities within few hours.
9) After how much time can I see the effect (result) of CLaCS on my spider veins?
The veins begin to clear after 2 to 3 weeks. A full response may take up to 2 months. Please note that for the first 1-2 weeks the veins in the treated area may appear darker. As the veins begin to disappear the normal skin color returns.
10) How much result can I expect after the 1st session of CLaCS?
Typically, about 50 % – 70% clearing of veins is usual after the first session of CLaCS.
11) How many sessions of CLaCS are required to treat the spider veins?
After 2 sessions, a resolution of 80-90% is seen. Complete resolution, as in cosmetic cases, may require additional sessions.
12) How much time does 1 session of CLaCS require?
On an average, each CLaCS session lasts for an hour.
13) Can spider veins come back (recur) after CLaCS?
Since CLaCS targets the feeder veins, the developers of CLaCS and we at Surekha Varicose Veins Clinic believe strongly that the improvement after CLaCS will endure over time in the area which is treated. However, new spider veins can always develop in a different area.
14) Do I need to take any precautions after CLaCS treatment?
There are no specific precautions after treatment. A patient may return to work and usual activities with 4 -6 hrs. Exercise is permitted as well after 24 hrs.
15) Do I need to wear stockings after CLaCS treatment?
The difficult to wear, tight graduated compression stockings are not required after CLaCS treatment. This is a great advantage over the conventional foam sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins in which they are a must.
16) What are the complications of CLaCS?
No major complications are encountered after CLaCS treatment. There may be mild hyperpigmentation at the treatment site in few cases, but it resolves on its own within few months.
Conference Attended Dr.Ashish D. Dhadas
CLaCS Training
Who can undergo training?
Chronic venous disease is neglected in India. Surekha Training Centre offers varicose vein laser treatment training to increase accessibility and care.
Phlebologists who are interested in offering an alternative, effective, and modern treatment technique to their patients with C1 disease.