The VNUS Closure catheter procedure is a relative newcomer to varicose vein removal. This procedure uses a small catheter, inserted directly into the varicose vein, to heat the vein wall so that the vein closes completely. Once the vein is closed, it disappears from view and blood is naturally rerouted through other, healthier veins in the area. This procedure has shown a host of benefits to patients, making it one of the more popular innovative solutions for varicose veins on the market today.
Who is a Candidate for VNUS Closure?
VNUS Closure is a good option for patients with varicose veins that are too large to respond well to other types of treatment like sclerotherapy. It is often considered for patients who are experiencing uncomfortable physical symptoms from their varicose veins, including:
- Leg pain or cramping
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Burning or itching of the skin around the vein
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- An open sore above the inner ankle (venous ulcer)
Patients receiving the VNUS Closure procedure should be in relatively good health and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.
What are the Benefits?
There are a number of benefits in considering the VNUS Closure procedure over traditional vein stripping today, including:
- Minimally invasive procedure uses a needle poke rather than tiny incisions to treat veins
- The procedure usually has less post-operative discomfort than other procedures
- Patients enjoy excellent results with few risks and almost no downtime involved
- With no scarring to worry about, this procedure has cosmetic benefits as well
While the procedure is still fairly new, the outcomes for patients have been mostly favorable, with many getting excellent results with nearly no recovery time afterward. The procedure also takes less time to complete than vein stripping, sometimes requiring just a few minutes if the patient is only having a few veins treated in a single session.
What is the Procedure Like?
The VNUS Closure catheter procedure is performed right in our vein clinic located in southern California. The patient is given a local anesthetic, and then a small catheter is fed into the vein to be treated. Temperature controlled RF energy is administered into the vein, causing it to heat and close off. Once the catheter is removed, a dressing is applied to the insertion site. The patient is encouraged to walk around right after the procedure and is allowed to resume normal activities as early as the next day.
What can I Expect Afterward?
Recovery from the VNUS Closure procedure is minimal, with most patients resuming all normal activities within 24 hours. Because there is no incision made, discomfort, swelling and bruising are kept to a minimum. Patients typically see improvement to uncomfortable symptoms within a week and the varicose vein disappears completely within a few months. In some cases, sclerotherapy may be used in combination with the VNUS Closure procedure, to remove smaller spider veins from the area.
Is VNUS Closure a Permanent Solution for Varicose Veins?
Because the VNUS Closure procedure permanently closes off the varicose vein, it is considered a permanent solution. However, other varicose veins can appear in the area over time, requiring additional treatment sessions to maintain the cosmetic appearance.
The VNUS Closure catheter procedure is a relative new procedure that has shown great promise in effectively treating large varicose veins. If you would like to say goodbye to your unsightly varicose veins once and for all, contact Varicose Vein Surgeons for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
