What is VNUS Closure?
VNUS Closure is a method for treating superficial venous reflux, a condition that causes unsightly varicose veins as well as other vascular problems.
What does the procedure entail?
VNUS Closure is inserted through a small incision in the skin and into a saphenous vein. The catheter then emits a radiofrequency energy, which heats the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Once the vein has been sealed, healthy veins in the leg take over the blood flow.
How many treatments are required?
One treatment is usually all that is necessary to diminish the appearance of varicose veins. The treated veins may become unsealed, allowing blood to return into the vein and causing it to fill up again. In this case, additional treatment is necessary to maintain long-term results.
Is VNUS Closure safe?
VNUS Closure is safe, although it does have a few risks. These include vessel perforation, inflammation of veins, blood clots, infection, numbness and burns.
Will there be any downtime?
There is no downtime after a VNUS Closure treatment. You may resume your normal activities immediately following treatment.
What are the benefits of VNUS Closure over other treatments?
VNUS Closure is a quick procedure, has no downtime and causes minimal discomfort.
What can be expected post-treatment?
You may begin walking as soon as the treatment is over. Compression garments will most likely be worn for a few days following treatment. You should notice a significant reduction in pain and the appearance of varicose veins.
Who are candidates for VNUS Closure?
Those with unsightly and painful veins are good candidates for VNUS Closure. Consult with your doctor to make sure VNUS Closure is the right treatment for you.
Who should avoid VNUS Closure?
Those with recurrent varicose veins after previous vein stripping treatments should avoid Closure. Also, those with varicose veins that are not related to saphenous vein reflux should not undergo a VNUS Closure procedure.
How does the treatment feel?
A local anesthesia is used to numb the area of the leg being treated, so there should be little to no pain. Some patients feel the warmth of the catheter.
What are the alternative treatments?
Vein Stripping is an alternative treatment in which the varicose veins are actually removed from the leg. There are also laser treatments, such as ELT and ELAS, that reduce the appearance of varicose veins.
Is additional treatment necessary?
Additional treatment is necessary only if varicose veins return after treatment. However, some recurring varicose veins may not be curable with Closure or any other venous treatment.
Instructions for before treatment:
Schedule a consultation to make sure VNUS Closure is the right procedure for you. Avoid aspirin and blood thinning medications. Wear loose fitting garments to the treatment center.
Instructions for after treatment:
You may begin walking as soon as the treatment is over. Compression garments should be worn for a few days following treatment. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Additional Information
Twenty to 25 million Americans have varicose veins. Venous reflux, often the underlying cause of varicose veins, frequently forces people to dramatically change their lifestyles, especially when they have standing professions and can no longer tolerate being on their feet all day.
Whether the initial cause is genetics, pregnancy, prolonged standing, excess weight, inadequate exercise or a damaged saphenous vein, the physiology of varicose veins is nearly always the same. The valves in the saphenous vein are damaged – physicians call them “incompetent” – and the veins near the skin surface are stretched and distorted from the increased pressure caused by blood flowing in the wrong direction. Venous reflux (caused by incompetent valves) in the saphenous vein is often the underlying cause of varicose veins. Although the condition is rarely life-threatening, it is often painful and unattractive.
The Closure ® procedure is an outpatient (day surgery) treatment now offered at Dekalb Surgical Associates. Patients suffering from the discomfort of varicose veins no longer need to undergo general anesthesia and surgery to get relief from their symptoms.
Historically, patients have had several choices for treating varicose veins, depending on the severity. They could make lifestyle changes, such as eating less, exercising more and wearing support hose. This regimen has proven helpful in somewhat reducing leg pain and further deterioration of the vein, particularly in mild cases. But sooner or later most patients return to their previous lifestyles, and thus their previous symptoms typically re-occur.
What is VNUS® Closure
The Closure ® System was developed over a four-year period to treat superficial venous reflux. This patented technology uses a very small catheter and radiofrequency energy to occlude, or seal shut, the saphenous vein. The physician typically makes a single small incision near the knee and inserts the slender Closure Catheter into the saphenous vein. The catheter is then positioned near the groin, energized and slowly withdrawn, sealing the vein shut. There are no stitches, and most patients return to normal activity within a day or two.
The Closure procedure has been the subject of numerous studies and journal articles. The results from a peer-reviewed, multi-center, randomized trial comparing recovery rates and quality of life between patients treated with conventional vein stripping and the Closure procedure (radiofrequency vein ablation) were published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery. This is the third randomized trial showing that patients who receive the Closure procedure consistently experienced less post-operative pain, and returned to normal activities and work faster than patients whose veins were surgically stripped. In addition, published studies found that at 12 and 24 months following the Closure procedure, 90% or more of treated veins remained reflux-free and a significant reduction of limb pain, fatigue and edema was observed. In one study, which also assessed patient satisfaction at 6 months, 98% of patients indicated they would recommend the Closure procedure to a friend with similar leg vein problems. More than 75,000 patients have been treated with the Closure procedure to date. For many patients, the procedure is covered by health insurance.
Like other venous procedures, the Closure procedure involves risks and potential complications. All patients should consult their doctors to determine whether or not they are candidates for this procedure, and if their conditions present any special risks. Complications reported in medical literature include numbness or tingling (paresthesia), skin burns, blood clots and temporary tenderness in the treated limb.
Click here to view a brief slide presentation regarding this technique (may be slow to load).
Click to view a brief video clip about varicose veins. (Time is only 27 seconds. Requires Windows Media Player).
If you would like to be evaluated for possible VNUS Closure treatment for your varicose veins, call our office at 404-508-4320, to schedule an appointment.
