Understanding VNUS Closure

Varicose veins are often a troubling condition for patients in Gilbert, Arizona and in other parts of the country. Patients who are suffering from varicose veins are encouraged to speak with a vein specialist in the area to determine if they are suffering from varicose veins or spider veins. Both conditions may be considered embarrassing and unsightly, but varicose veins appear as bulging and may cause pain and heaviness in the legs, while spider veins do not. Making this determination is important as some treatments or procedures may be intended for treatment of one venous condition, but not the other.

Once it is established that the patient is indeed suffering from varicose veins, they may begin exploring their treatment options such as VNUS Closure. VNUS is used to treat those suffering from superficial venous reflux, which results in varicose veins in many cases. This is a minimally invasive procedure and may be performed in a doctor's office or vein treatment clinic as opposed to more invasive surgical options that may require general anesthesia and a significant recovery time.

Local anesthesia may be used with this procedure along with moderate sedation for patient comfort. A single needle stick or small incision is made and a catheter is inserted into the greater saphenous vein. The catheter is used to deliver radiofrequency energy to the vein wall. This causes it to heat, collapse and shut so that blood may no longer flow through it. Blood flow will be carried out by healthy veins in the area. Once normal blood flow is reestablished, the symptoms associated with varicose veins should go away.

Following treatment, the catheter is removed and a compression bandage is placed over the treatment area and left for about a day to help aid in the healing process. Patients may be encouraged to walk and wear compression stockings in the days following treatment, although patients should avoid long periods of standing or sitting. Patients are usually able to resume normal activities after one to two days, although this may vary. For more specific recovery information, patients are encouraged to speak with their vein specialist in the Gilbert area.

Most treatment sessions of VNUS take about half an hour to an hour to perform. As this is a minimally invasive treatment, VNUS is often associated with less postoperative pain, bruising and a faster recovery compared to vein stripping procedures. Some patients may experience mild pain during the treatment, but a local anesthetic may be administered if this is the case. As is true of most medical procedures, there are certain risks or complications associated with the treatment. These include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, skin burn and numbness or tingling. Patients who experience these side effects should consult their doctor.

Learn more about VNUS in Gilbert, Arizona. .