Varicose Vein Treatment: The VNUS Closure ProcedureA 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. In the past, this condition was treated with traditional vein stripping surgery, which led to prolonged and painful recovery. The VNUS Closure procedure is an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery, bringing state of the art technology to an age-old disease. The Closure procedure is an outpatient (day surgery) treatment performed in SkinCare Physicians' surgical suite. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, and a thin catheter is inserted into the vein through a small opening. The catheter delivers radiofrequency 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 flow is re-established, your symptoms should improve noticeably. Following the procedure, a bandage is placed over the insertion site and your leg may be wrapped to aid healing. You will be asked to walk, wear compression stockings, and to refrain from long periods of standing for approximately one week to help speed your recovery. Most patients resume activities within 1-2 days following the procedure. Also see Sclerotherapy for Superficial Leg/Hand/Chest Veins. |