What is superficial venous reflux?
-A condition that develops when the valves that usually help blood flow upward towards the heart become damaged or diseased, and causes blood to pool in your legs.
What are the common symptoms of superficial venous reflux?
-Pain
-Swelling
-Leg heaviness and fatigue
-Varicose veins
-Spider veins
What is the Venefit Closure procedure?
-A minimally invasive treatment for superficial venous reflux
How does it work to treat superficial venous reflux?
-A thin catheter is inserted into the vein through a small incision in the skin. The catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) 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 flood from your legs.
How is the Venefit Closure procedure different from vein stripping?
-During a stripping procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the groin and ties off the saphenous vein. The saphenous vein is secured to the top of the stripper tool and the tool is then threaded through the vein towards the knee. A second incision is made just below the knee and the bottom end of the stripper is pulled out along with the saphenous vein.
-With the closure procedure, there is no need for vein stripping surgery. Instead, the saphenous vein remains in place and is treated using the closure catheter inserted through a small puncture in the knee area. This virtually eliminates the pain and bruising often associated with vein stripping when side branches tear while the saphenous vein is being removed.
-Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room, under a general anesthetic, while the closure procedure can be performed as an office procedure typically using local or regional anesthesia.
-Four randomized trials of the Closure procedure vs. vein stripping, including the most recent multi-center comparative trial, show very consistent results. The closure procedure was superior to vein stripping in every statistically significant outcome.
-Fewer adverse events
Faster return to normal activities
Faster return to work
Less postoperative pain during the first week
Fewer limitation on performing daily or strenuous activity.
How long does the procedure take?
-Approximately 45 – 60 minutes
Is the procedure painful?
-Patients report feeling little, if any, pain during and after the procedure.
Will the procedure require any anesthesia?
-The procedure can be performed under local or regional anesthesia.
How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activity?
-Many can resume normal activities within a day.
-For a few weeks following treatment, your doctor may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.
How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?
-Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.
Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling afterwards?
Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling following the procedure.
Is this procedure suitable for everyone?
-Only a physician can advise if the procedure is a viable option for your vein problem
-Experience has shown that the majority of patients with superficial venous reflux disease can be treated effectively with the Closure procedure.
Is age an important consideration for the Closure procedure?
-Age alone is not a factor in determining whether or not the Closure procedure is appropriate for you. The procedure has been used to treat patients across a wide range of ages.
-The most important step in determining whether or not it is appropriate for you is a complete ultrasound examination performed by your physician or qualified clinician.
How effective is the Closure procedure?
-Published data suggest that two years after treatment, 90% of the treated veins remain closed and free from reflux, the underlying cause of varicose veins.
-98% of patients who have undergone the Closure procedure are willing to recommend it to a friend or family member with similar leg vein problems.
What happens to the treated vein left behind in the leg after the procedure?
-The vein becomes fibrous tissue after treatment.
-Over time, the body may re-absorb this fibrous tissue.
-One study reported that the treated vein is indistinguishable from other body tissue one year after the Closure procedure is performed.
Will the procedure be covered by my insurance?
-Most insurance companies determine coverage for all treatments, including the
-Closure procedure based on medical necessity.
-The Closure procedure is covered by many major health insurers.
-Your physician can discuss your insurance coverage further at the time of consultation.
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