New Devices for Varicose Veins
This article was originally published in Start Up
Executive Summary
There's nothing even remotely sexy about varicose veins. Yet medical device companies and their investors are starting to view the opportunity for treating these bulging blue leg veins as downright alluring. The recent introduction of minimally invasive technologies, combined with shifting demographics and favorable reimbursements, are fueling talk of blockbuster potential for this hybrid clinical/cosmetic market.
You may also be interested in...
Beauty: In the Eye of the Stakeholder
A $12-billion market and growing, the field of aesthetic medicine has exploded with new treatments and techniques for improving and restoring the quality, health and appearance of aging skin. Techniques such as tissue tightening, skin resurfacing, cellulite treatments, dermal augmentation, and fat removal are just some of the new advancements in aesthetic medicine that were highlighted at the 2007 American Academy of Dermatology meeting.
VeinRx Inc.
VeinRx's balloon-controlled venous ablation technology is designed to address both the medical and cosmetic varicose vein markets. It is a single-use, catheter-based product for delivering a sclerosant to the diseased vein. The balloon prevents the chemical from migrating out of the treatment zone. Physicians thus have greater control over both the dosage and the treatment area. There's also a potential safety benefit since the sclerosing agent cannot disperse into the general circulation.
Venousonics Ltd.
Venousonics hopes to be the first company to launch a completely non-invasive technology for treating varicose veins, and eventually smaller veins as well. It is delivering highly-focused ultrasound through the skin to induce cavitation. The ensuing microbubbles explode and destroy the vein wall, resulting in vessel closure. The Israeli company aims to provide fast, effective and pain-free relief of venous reflux.