772–774 ECCLESALL ROAD · SHEFFIELD · S11 8TB info@sheffieldveinclinic.co.uk
Sheffield Vein Clinic · Foam Sclerotherapy
A highly effective, non-surgical ultrasound-guided injection treatment for varicose veins — assessed and treated personally by Prof Steve Goode, NHS Consultant Interventional Radiologist.
Assessed and treated personally by Prof Goode
At your initial consultation
Minimally invasive treatment
No hospital stay required
Diagnosis and plan in one appointment
Many patients come to Sheffield Vein Clinic after years of managing their symptoms with compression stockings, or after being turned away from NHS treatment. At Sheffield Vein Clinic, your consultation includes a duplex ultrasound assessment performed personally by Prof Steve Goode — so the right treatment is recommended from your very first appointment.
Internal links: varicose veins · EVLA · Combination Therapy
Foam sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment in which a sclerosant solution is mixed with air or CO₂ to create a stable medical foam. Injected directly into the varicose vein under duplex ultrasound guidance, the foam displaces blood and causes a controlled reaction in the vessel wall — leading the vein to close and be gradually absorbed by the body.
The foam formulation allows a smaller volume of medication to treat a greater length of vein compared to liquid sclerotherapy, and its visibility under ultrasound means Prof Goode can monitor its spread in real time. It is used both as primary treatment and as part of a combination approach alongside EVLA.
Suitability is always confirmed by Prof Goode at your initial consultation, which includes a duplex ultrasound assessment.
A key component of combination therapy — foam treats remaining visible tributaries after the main incompetent vein is sealed by laser
Veins too small for EVLA but too large for microsclerotherapy are ideally suited to ultrasound-guided foam injection
Targeted ultrasound-guided foam is frequently the most appropriate approach for veins that have returned after previous treatment
Perforating veins contributing to varicose vein persistence can be targeted directly under ultrasound guidance
Prof Goode uses duplex ultrasound to identify target veins and confirm injection access points before treatment begins.
The sclerosant is mixed with air or CO₂ using a standardised technique to create a stable foam — visible under ultrasound throughout.
A fine needle or cannula is introduced into the vein. Prof Goode injects the foam while monitoring its spread in real time.
A compression stocking is applied immediately — critical for the best result. You will be asked to walk for 15–20 minutes before leaving.
Treated veins are reviewed at 6–8 weeks. Most patients achieve an excellent result in one to three sessions.
Clinical studies report high success rates for ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in closing varicose veins and reducing associated symptoms. Most patients notice improvement in aching, heaviness and swelling as treated veins are absorbed, with progressive cosmetic improvement over 6–12 weeks.
The number of sessions depends on the extent of the veins. Prof Goode will give you a realistic assessment at your initial consultation. For more complex venous disease, foam sclerotherapy works best as part of a planned combination approach with EVLA. See our pricing page for session costs.
Prof Steve Goode is a Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and newly appointed Professor. He performs the duplex ultrasound assessment and the treatment personally — so the clinician who understands your anatomy is also the one delivering your care.
A short clinical video demonstrating ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.
Your consultation with Prof Steve Goode includes a duplex ultrasound assessment — so you receive a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan built around your individual anatomy.