<p>Minimally invasive methods (in particular laser ablation) have established themselves as the gold standard for the treatment of varicose veins. Mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) is a similar method that does not require anesthesia.</p>
<p>MOCA is performed with a ClariVein catheter. This high-tech device is used to treat varicose veins without the use of heat (as in laser ablation, for example), therefore without the need for anesthesia (multiple punctures at the entrance to the treated vein).</p>
<p>As with all minimally invasive methods, MOCA is a procedure after which the patient goes home immediately. Using specialized Doppler control, a thin catheter is inserted into the vein through a puncture, which requires a single-puncture anesthetic.</p>
<p>The technique uses a combination of mechanical damage to the inner layer of the treated vein (the rotating metal tip of the catheter) and chemical ablation (injection of a liquid sclerosant through the tip of the catheter). This results in irreversible and permanent damage to the venous wall. While laser and radiofrequency ablation treat the vein with high temperature, MOCA achieves the same effect without the use of heat.</p>
<p>Some surgeons use foam sclerotherapy to treat trunk (large, deep-seated) veins. Clinical studies have shown that while foam sclerotherapy is effective for small superficial veins, it is not effective for deeper and larger (“feeding“) veins. The reason for this is the insufficient penetration of the sclerosing agent into the thicker venous wall (of the trunk veins). Modern clinical studies have shown that the MOCA method solves this problem by using mechanical damage to the inner layer of the venous wall. This allows the sclerosing agent to penetrate the entire vascular wall.</p>
<p>Like all medical methods, MOCA has advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account. For example, in order to apply MOCA, the vein must be straight and have a certain diameter. Therefore, the doctor, after discussing with the patient, must decide which method or methods to use in the treatment of the specific case.</p>
<p>The price of MOCA (ClariVein) is approximately the same as Laser Ablation (EVLA).</p>
<p>Our team became acquainted with the method in 2014 at a seminar organized by the European Venous Fofum (EVF) in Limassol, Cyprus. There, the device was presented and we were able to work with it for the first time under the guidance of Dr. Steve Elias (USA). He is the basis for the development of the special catheter and the introduction of the method worldwide. Difficult and lengthy negotiations with companies importing medical equipment followed, which ultimately ended in success. So we can now offer our patients this new, modern method.<br />
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