The Closure procedure is a relatively new method used to treat varicose veins that are caused by broken valves in the Greater Saphenous Vein. Approximately 30% of patients with varicose veins have this situation. The traditional way to treat this situation is with a vein stripping. The Closure procedure has basically replaced the vein stripping procedure and has made vein stripping an antiquated procedure
The Closure procedure closes down and seals off the Greater Saphenous Vein, effectively removing it from your circulation without removing it from your body. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and leaves no scar. It has a short and relatively pain-free post-operative recovery period, and is performed under local anesthesia in the doctor’s office at the Texas Vein and Vascular. The treatment itself normally takes less than one hour
Procedures
There are two basic types of procedures; one is called VNUS™ and the other is called ELVS or EVLT. The main difference between these two types of procedures is the type of energy that is
used to heat the catheter tip.
All these procedures treat the Greater Saphenous Vein from the inside using a catheter with a heated tip. All procedures produce the same clinical results with no significant differences in the recovery time or potential for complications.
Although Dr. Alonso has been trained in both types of procedures, he prefers the VNUS Closure procedure because is causes less pain and bruising and the heat energy delivered to the vein wall is much more stable.
The basic steps in the ablation procedure (either by radiofrequency or laser) are as follows:
- The area of the leg to be treated is cleansed with a sterile disinfectant soap.
- An ultrasound study is done using a sterile ultrasound probe.
- A small area of skin is then anesthetized, usually just below the knee.
- Through this anesthetized skin, a needle is then inserted into the greater saphenous vein.
- Through the needle, a catheter is passed up into the greater saphenous vein to the top of your thigh.
- Once the catheter is in place, a larger area of your leg (from the calf to the top of your thigh) needs to be anesthetized with some more local anesthetic. This is the ONLY part of the procedure that is a little uncomfortable, because we have to give you a moderate amount of local anesthetic.
- The catheter is connected to its energy source, and the catheter is slowly withdrawn, delivering energy to the wall of the vein as the catheter is backed out of the vein.
- The catheter-delivered energy heats the vein wall, causing it to shrink and collapse.
- The vein then seals itself shut, preventing blood from pooling and lowering the pressure in the vein to zero.
- We put a band-aid on your leg, you put on your support stocking, and you walk out of the office with a healthier leg!
The Benefits and Expected Results
- A simple procedure
- Performed under local anesthetic in the Doctors Office
- Minimally invasive, minimal risk of scarring or postoperative infection
- Less than one hour treatment time
- Rapid recovery with reduced postoperative pain
- Normal activities can be resumed immediately
- Excellent clinical and cosmetic results