The Closure procedure treats superficial venous reflux disease in leg veins. Venous reflux disease develops when the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart become damaged or diseased. As a result, vein valves will not close properly, leading to symptoms of: |
- Varicose veins
- Leg heaviness and fatigue
- Pain
- Skin changes and skin ulcers
- Swollen limbs
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| Are you a candidate? |
| Using ultrasound to scan your leg(s), your physician will determine if superficial venous reflux disease is present. |
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| Experience the Closure procedure |
The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, your physician will position the Closure Catheter into the diseased vein, through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins. |
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Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day. |
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| A Treatment That Works |
In a comparative trial versus vein stripping surgery, results were in favor of the Closure procedure. Findings indicated that patients who underwent the Closure procedure:1
- 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
The Closure procedure has proven to be highly effective, with higher than 90% of veins treated remaining reflux-free at two years.2 Results also demonstrate long-term relief of symptoms:3 |
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| Visual Results4 |
The Closure procedure results in good cosmetic outcome with minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling. |
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| For More Information |
To learn more about the VNUS Closure procedure, please click here to download a copy of the patient brochure. |
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( In order to read the brochure, you will need to have a copy of Adobe’s Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Acrobat Reader is available free of charge from Adobe ) |
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Q: How is the Closure procedure different from the traditional treatment method of vein stripping surgery? |
A: During vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a stripper tool is threaded through the diseased vein, to pull the vein out of the leg. With the Closure procedure, only one small puncture is made at the insertion site and the vein is then closed and left in place. This minimally invasive approach eliminates pain and bruising associated with vein stripping surgery. |
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| Q: Is the Closure procedure painful? |
| A: Patients report feeling little, if any, pain during and after the procedure. |
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| Q: How quickly can I resume normal activity? |
A: Patients are walking immediately following the procedure, and typically resume normal activities within one day. |
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| Q: How soon will my symptoms improve? |
A: Many patients notice an immediate relief of symptoms such as pain, leg heaviness and fatigue. The full benefits of the procedure may take 1-2 weeks. |
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| Q: Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the procedure? |
A: Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the Closure procedure. |
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| Q: What if I need the vein for bypass surgery in the future? |
A: The Closure procedure treats diseased veins only, which are not appropriate for bypass surgery. Physicians can use other healthy vessels should bypass surgery be necessary. |
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| Q: Is the VNUS Closure procedure covered by insurance? |
A: Most major health insurers cover the Closure procedure. Your physician can discuss your coverage further at the time of the consultation. |
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- Lurie F, Creton D, Eklof B, Kabnick LS, Kistner RL, Pichot O, et al. Prospective randomized study of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration (Closure) versus ligation and stripping in a selected patient population (EVOLVES study). J Vasc Surg 2003;38:207-14.
- Lurie F, et al. EVOLVeS 2-year results. Presentation at the XVII annual meeting of European Society of Vascular Surgery, Dublin, Sep 5-7, 2003.
- Data on file – VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.
- Photos courtesy of Michael A. Vasquez, MD, F.A.C.S.
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