Which procedure involves injecting a solution into a vein to treat varicose veins?

• A. Laser therapy
• B. Surgery
• C. Sclerotherapy
• D. Cryotherapy

Answer: (C)

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant into a vein to cause its lining to become irritated, leading to inflammation and scarring that collapse and seal the vein. Over time the redirected blood flow uses healthier veins, and the treated vein fades. This direct injection into the vein is what sets it apart from other treatments: laser therapy uses energy to seal the vein without injecting a chemical, surgery physically removes or ties off the vein, and cryotherapy destroys tissue by freezing. Sclerotherapy is specifically the method that treats varicose or spider veins by chemically closing the vein through an injected solution.