Endovenus closure is a minimally-invasive treatment for superficial veins in which the valve has become damaged or diseased. When the valve doesn’t work properly, it causes blood to pool in the legs and symptoms can include swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue as well as varicose veins in the leg. This condition is called venous reflux. As valves can’t be repaired, endovenus closure offers an excellent solution to shut down the damaged vein.
With the VNUS Closure® procedure, a thin catheter is inserted into the vein through a small opening. The catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and seal shut.
VNUS Closure® offers a less invasive alternative to vein stripping. The treated vein simply remains in place and is closed through the catheter treatment. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs. The “old” vein then becomes fibrous tissue and within a year typically is indistinguishable from other body tissue.
VNUS Closure® is performed on an outpatient basis in our offices using either local or regional anesthesia to number the area. The treatment usually takes less than an hour, but with pre-and post treatment procedures, patients should allow a couple of hours. Most patients return to normal activities immediately with a few limitations such as restriction on heavy lifting. A walking program is also usually advised for several weeks following treatment.
Many insurance companies will pay for this procedure on a full or partial basis, so be sure to check with your insurance. Contour Dermatology also offers financing through CareCredit® if desired.
According to studies by the manufacturer of the VNUS Closure® catheter, 99% of patients who have undergone this procedure are willing to recommend it to a friend or family member with similar leg vein problems.
If you are literally tired from varicose veins or simply tired of how your leg veins look, The Laser Center at Contour Dermatology can help you have younger looking legs again.
