Your legs are made up of a network of veins. A healthy vein contains valves, which open and close to assist the return of blood to the heart. Varicose veins are caused by damaged or diseased valves, which result in backward flow of blood in your legs, a condition known as venous reflux. This can cause blood to pool in your legs and lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and varicose veins.
The VNUS Closure procedure, an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery, brings state of the art technology to an age-old disease.
The closure procedure is an outpatient (day surgery) treatment. Local or regional anesthesia is typically used to numb the treatment area. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein through a small opening, using only a single needle stick. The catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and seal shut. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs. As normal return flow is re-established, your systems should improve noticeably.
Following the procedure, the catheter is removed, a bandage is placed over the insertion site and your leg may be wrapped typically for 1 day to aid healing. Your doctor may ask you to walk, wear compression stockings, and to refrain from long periods of standing for a period of time following the procedure to help speed your recovery. Many patients resume normal activities within 1-2 days.
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