VARIXIO is an automated system used to prepare sclerosant foam. Its purpose is to standardise some of the foam’s physical characteristics, reducing variation associated with manual preparation. However, the device does not determine whether sclerotherapy is indicated and does not, by itself, guarantee a better clinical result.
What is VARIXIO?
The system consists of an agitation device and a sterile single-use capsule in which the foam is prepared. Depending on the product and configuration used, preparation may use sterile air or a mixture of physiological gases, with different concentrations of sclerosant.
Standardisation mainly concerns the preparation process: the liquid-to-gas ratio, bubble size, stability and reproducibility. These factors may assist the operator, but treatment results also depend on diagnosis, venous anatomy, the concentration and volume of the medicine, injection technique, ultrasound guidance when needed and the patient’s characteristics.
When sclerosant foam may be used
Treatment with sclerotherapy may be considered for reticular veins, varicose veins or other selected venous conditions. Not all visible veins need the same treatment, and not everyone is a candidate for foam.
The problem to be treated must be established before proceeding. At Centro Medico Gargano, a sclerotherapy session is preceded by a vascular assessment with venous colour Doppler ultrasound to examine the superficial and deep systems, any reflux and the extent of insufficiency.
Standardisation does not mean an absence of risk
Automated preparation does not make sclerotherapy free of possible adverse effects or complications. Indications, contraindications, concentration, volume, gas and injection method must be chosen by the doctor for the individual case. It is therefore inappropriate to claim that using the device alone guarantees greater safety, no complications or a faster recovery.
As with any sclerotherapy treatment, goals, alternatives, limitations, possible adverse effects and the need for follow-up or additional sessions should be discussed before the procedure.
What the available studies show
Laboratory studies have described the physical characteristics of foam produced by automated systems. Observational studies of the clinical use of VARIXIO are also available. These data are useful, but they do not guarantee superiority for every patient over all manual preparation techniques.
An article published in 2024 reported follow-up of patients treated for great saphenous vein insufficiency using foam prepared with an automated system. Its findings also show that recanalisation and the need for further treatment can occur over time. This reinforces the importance of explaining limitations and follow-up to patients accurately.
How it fits into care at Centro Medico Gargano
At Centro Medico Gargano, any use of VARIXIO forms part of a wider pathway: consultation, clinical assessment, preliminary venous colour Doppler ultrasound, selection of the technique and subsequent reviews. The device is a preparation tool; it does not replace diagnosis or make sclerotherapy the right solution for everyone.
For an overview of available options, see the page about varicose veins in Naples. For information about the professional background and diagnostic pathway, see Phlebology in Naples.
Sources and further reading
- Technical description of the VARIXIO system.
- Study with three-year follow-up on the use of an automated microfoam preparation system.
For an initial assessment, you can book Colour Doppler Ultrasound + Vascular Consultation. If you have already had the required vascular assessment and sclerotherapy has been recommended, you can book a Vein and Spider Vein Sclerotherapy Session.
