VNUS Closure
Available only at Medical Cosmetic Center, we are pleased to offer the VNUS Closure® procedure, in addition to other treatment modalities for comprehensive management of vein disease. The Closure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment alternative for patients with a condition known as superficial venous reflux, which often results in varicose veins and other painful symptoms. Venous reflux disease develops when the valves that keep blood in the veins flowing out of the legs and back to the heart become damaged or diseased. This can cause blood to pool in your legs and lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, swollen limbs, leg heaviness and fatigue, skin changes and skin ulcers, and varicose veins. Varicose veins are known for their distinctive blue color and bulging appearance under the skin.Highlights of the VNUS Closure® Procedure
- Relief of symptoms, as well as the varicose veins
- Resume normal activity within a day
- Outpatient procedure
- Local anesthesia
Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the procedure site, and an ACE wrap compression may be provided to aid healing. Your doctor will encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing for a period of time. Patients resume normal activity within one day. Excellent cosmetic outcomes are usual with minimal to NO scarring, bruising, or swelling.
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| Closure® Procedure | Vein Stripping & Ligation | Endovenous Laser (EVL) |
| Typical Results 48 Hours After Procedure |
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| Proven Advantages over Vein Stripping in Randomized Comparative Trial | Quicker return to normal activities3 Less pain, bruising, and discomfort during early recovery3 | N/A | No randomized comparative trial reported |
| Absence of Varicose Veins at 12 Months | 90% of legs treated4 | 85% of legs treated6 | This type of outcome not reported. |
| Return to Normal Activities within 24 Hours | 89.1% of patients7 | not reported | 69.8% of patients7 |
A Treatment That Works
At two years following treatment, patients who had undergone the Closure procedure reported superior quality of life compared to vein stripping patients.1
Three randomized trials of the Closure procedure versus vein stripping, including the multi-center comparative trial published August 2003 in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, show very similar results.2,3,4 In the most recent trial every statistically significant outcome was in favor of the Closure procedure, resulting in1:
- Experienced less post-operative pain and bruising
- Resumed normal activities within one day
- Returned to work more than a week earlier than vein stripping patients
Visual Results:
Pre-treatment One week post-treatment
FAQ's VNUS Closure® procedure
How does VNUS Closure work to treat superficial venous reflux?
Since valves can't be repaired, the only alternative is to re-route blood flow through healthy veins. Traditionally, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from your leg. The Closure procedure provides a less invasive alternative to vein stripping by simply closing the problem vein instead. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs.
How is the Closure procedure different from vein stripping?
During a stripping procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and ties off the vein, after which a stripper tool is threaded through the saphenous vein and used to pull the vein out of your leg through a second incision just above your calf.
In the Closure procedure, there is no need for groin surgery. Instead, the vein remains in place and is closed using a special (Closure) catheter inserted through a small puncture. This may eliminate the bruising and pain often associated with vein stripping (i.e., that may result from the tearing of side branch veins while the saphenous vein is pulled out). Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room, under a general anesthetic, while the Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically using local or regional anesthesia.
Is the Closure procedure painful?
Although some people are more sensitive than others, patients generally report little pain. Some have said they can feel a little heat when the catheter is energized.
Will the procedure require any anesthesia?
The Closure procedure can be performed under local or regional anesthesia.
How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?
Many patients typically return to normal activities within a day.1 For a few weeks following the treatment, your doctor may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.
How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.
Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the Closure procedure?
Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the Closure procedure.
Are there any potential risks and complications associated with the Closure procedure?
As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the Closure procedure. Our physician will determine if you have any conditions that present any special risks. He will also review potential complications of the Closure procedure at the consultation.
Is the Closure procedure suitable for everyone?
Only our physician can tell you if the Closure procedure is a viable option for your vein problem. Experience has shown that many patients with superficial venous reflux disease can be treated with the Closure procedure.
What happens to the treated vein left behind in the leg?
The vein simply becomes fibrous tissue after treatment. Over time, the vein will gradually be absorbed into surrounding tissue.
Is the Closure treatment covered by my insurance?
Many insurance companies are paying for the Closure procedure in part or in full. Most insurance companies determine coverage for all treatments, including the Closure procedure, based on medical necessity. The VNUS® Closure procedure has positive coverage policies with most major health insurers.
Varicose Vein Self-Assessment Questionnare
