 Varicose Vein Treatments - Radio Frequency Closure FAQ
At the Vein & Skin Care Institute, we believe any time is the right time to begin varicose vein treatment. We hope we can answser some of your questions here, however, please keep in mind each indivdual is unique and it's always best to call us to set up a free consultation to discuss your specific needs.
How are varicose veins treated?
How does it work?
What is superficial venous reflux?
How does it work to treat venous insufficiency?
How is the Closure procedure different from vein stripping?
What are the patient benefits?
After the saphenous vein is occluded, or closed, can it grow back?
Can a Closure catheter be used on both legs?
How long is the recovery period?
Do insurers regard Closure as a cosmetic procedure?
What potential risks and complications are associated with Closure?
How soon will my symptoms improve?
Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the treatment?
What happens to the treated vein left behind in the leg?
If both legs undergo Closure procedures and a vein is later needed for a heart bypass, would the surgeon be able to harvest another vein in lieu of the saphenous vein?
Which patients are not considered good candidates for Closure?
How are varicose veins treated?
At Vein & Skin Care Institute we treat them using Radio Frequency Closure®. A minimally - invasive surgical procedure that uses radio frequency energy to occlude, or close, the saphenous vein running down the inside of the leg. The Closure System received commercial clearance from the U.S. government in March 1999. In extensive clinical tests and more than 300 cases conducted in Europe and the United States, VNUS Medical Technologies has demonstrated that the Closure system is safe, occludes veins and significantly reduces patient symptoms.
How does it work?
The Closure catheter delivers bipolar radio frequency energy directly into the vein wall. The passage of heat through the vein wall causes resistive heating, which shrinks the vessel. The Closure catheters flexible electrodes let the vessel collapse around the catheter closing the vein and eliminating reflux, or "valve leakage."
What is superficial venous reflux?
Superficial venous reflux is a condition that develops when the valves that usually keep blood flowing out of your legs become damaged or diseased. This causes blood to pool in your legs. Common symptoms of superficial venous reflux include pain, swelling, leg heaviness, and fatigue as well as varicose veins in your legs.
How does it work to treat venous insufficiency?
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. Closure 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 it is removed from your leg through a second incision in your calf. In the Closure procedure, there is no need for groin surgery. The vine remains in place and is simply closed using a special (Closure) catheter inserted through a small skin puncture. Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room under general anesthetic. The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis typically using local or regional anesthesia.
What are the patient benefits?
Unlike vein stripping, the Closure procedure is minimally invasive and lets most patients walk out of the medical facility within hours. It also requires no general anesthesia. More specifically, Closure quickly normalizes venous blood pressure in a treated leg. This typically results in a reduction or elimination of pain or swelling associated with varicose veins. Convalescence following stripping can take weeks and involve significant pain.
After the saphenous vein is occluded, or closed, can it grow back?
In theory, blood flow can resume. However, the probability is very low. Current data suggests that over 90% of treated veins remain closed after 1 year. Success rates are based on data after treatment.
Can a Closure catheter be used on both legs?
Yes, if the same patient is treated in one session.
How long is the recovery period?
Most patients are home within hours of the procedure. The normal procedure is to wear a compression hose on the treated area for a few days. Many patients can resume normal activity within a day. Your doctor may recommend a regular walking regimen for a few weeks. However, you should refrain from very strenuous activity and prolonged periods of standing.
Do insurers regard Closure as a cosmetic procedure?
It depends on the physician's diagnosis. Patients with venous disease in their large leg veins (saphenous) often present with symptoms such as leg pain, leg fatigue, or swelling. There is a medical necessity to provide a therapeutic procedure for these patients and this is regularly recognized by most insurers. Treatment of leg veins in patients exhibiting only visible varicose veins and no other symptoms, such as incompetence of the saphenous vein, are generally not reimbursed by insurance companies.The Closure procedure is new enough that insurers are just now becoming aware of it.
What potential risks and complications are associated with Closure?
Like other venous procedures, Closure involves risks and potential complications. To determine if they are a candidate and if their condition presents any special risks, each patient should consult their doctor. Potential complications include numbness or tingling (Paresthesia), skin burns, blood clots and temporary tenderness in the treated limb.
How soon will my symptoms improve?
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms soon after receiving the procedure.
Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the treatment?
In most cases there is little to no swelling following treatment. On rare occasions, there may be slight tenderness or tingling for the first few weeks after treatment.
What happens to the treated vein left behind in the leg?
The vein simply becomes a fibrous tissue after treatment. Over time, the body will probably re-absorb this tissue.
If both legs undergo Closure procedures and a vein is later needed for a heart bypass, would the surgeon be able to harvest another vein in lieu of the saphenous vein?
Yes. Most cardiac surgeons prefer to use an internal mammary artery (IMA) for heart bypasses. Also, the saphenous vein below the knee may serve as a possible bypass conduit.
Which patients are not considered good candidates for Closure?
Each patient should consult with his or her doctor for a final determination. The following people are not considered candidates for Closure procedure.
- Patients with a pacemaker or internal defibrillator;
- Patients with thrombus in the vein segment to be treated;
- Patients with an aneurismal section in the vein segment to be treated;
- Patients with peripheral arterials disease as determined by an Ankle-brachial index of <9.
Back To Top
|
