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ClariVein® (MOCA): A Modern, Gentle Option for Treating Varicose Veins

  • Writer: Dr. Soroush Sohrabi
    Dr. Soroush Sohrabi
  • Apr 21
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 26

Many patients with varicose veins are often presented with a single treatment option. However, advances in vascular care have made several minimally invasive treatments available — including Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), and the newer ClariVein® MOCA (Mechanochemical Ablation) technique. Understanding the differences between these treatments empowers you to make an informed choice based on your anatomy, comfort, and recovery goals.

🔍 Key Points at a Glance

  • Varicose veins can cause pain, heaviness, swelling, cramps, and visible bulging veins

  • Laser and RFA are heat-based treatments that require multiple needle injections

  • MOCA (ClariVein®) is a non-thermal, minimally invasive alternative

  • MOCA reduces pain, bruising, and skin damage while enabling faster recovery

  • The best treatment depends on your vein anatomy, goals, and ultrasound findings



What Are Varicose Veins and Why Should They Be Treated?

Varicose veins form when vein valves become weak or leaky, allowing blood to flow backward — a condition called venous reflux. This causes veins to enlarge, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Visible twisted or bulging veins

  • Leg pain and heaviness

  • Night-time cramps

  • Swelling and itching

  • Skin discolouration or ulcers in advanced cases

Left untreated, varicose veins can worsen over time and impact quality of life. Early treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Heat-Based Treatments: Laser (EVLA) and Radiofrequency (RFA)

Both EVLA and RFA work by delivering thermal energy through a catheter placed inside the vein. The heat causes the vein wall to collapse and seal shut. However, because these treatments use heat, they require tumescent anesthesia — multiple needle injections along the vein to both numb the area and protect surrounding tissue.

While effective, thermal methods carry some downsides:

  • Multiple injections may cause discomfort

  • Risk of bruising, skin burns, and nerve injury, especially near the skin or nerves

  • Longer recovery compared to non-thermal options

A Gentler Alternative: ClariVein® MOCA

MOCA (Mechanochemical Ablation) is a non-thermal, image-guided technique that uses a rotating wire to mechanically irritate the vein wall while delivering a sclerosing agent (medication) to close the vein. It typically requires only 1 or 2 small needle entries, avoiding the need for tumescent anesthesia.

What Sets MOCA Apart?

  • No heat used → eliminates risk of burns and nerve injury

  • Fewer injections → less procedural discomfort

  • Less bruising → only 2–5% of MOCA patients report bruising, compared to up to 48% with thermal ablation

  • Faster recovery → patients return to normal activities sooner

How to Choose the Best Varicose Vein Treatment

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The ideal treatment should be determined after:

  • A thorough clinical evaluation

  • A detailed Doppler ultrasound scan

  • Consideration of your personal goals and comfort preferences

  • The experience and recommendation of your vascular surgeon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is MOCA suitable for all types of varicose veins?MOCA works well for many cases but may not be ideal for very large or tortuous veins. Your suitability will be assessed during your consultation and ultrasound.

Why is MOCA less painful than Laser or RFA?MOCA avoids the use of heat and multiple needle injections, which are the main causes of pain and bruising in thermal procedures.

Will I need time off work after treatment?Most patients resume normal activities within 1–2 days after MOCA. Recovery times for Laser or RFA may be slightly longer due to post-procedural tenderness.

Conclusion

If you’re considering varicose vein treatment, it’s important to know your options. Laser and RFA are well-established techniques, but ClariVein® MOCA offers a modern, needle-sparing, and less painful alternative — especially beneficial for those seeking a quicker recovery with fewer side effects.


Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book a consultation today to find out which treatment is best for you.We’re here to help you move forward with confidence, comfort, and expert care.

 
 
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