Venefit Procedure for the Treatment of Varicose Veins
Posted: Monday, October 7, 2013
Venefit Procedure for the Treatment of Varicose Veins
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about 60 percent of adults have varicose veins. They are more common in women than men, but either sex can be affected. Varicose veins for some people are simply unsightly and unappealing, but for others, they cause pain in the leg. They are often associated with venous reflux disease, which causes pain with standing or sitting for prolonged periods. In the past, vein stripping was required, but this was painful. Now there are new Treatment of Varicose Veins options offered by Michigan vein doctors, such as the Venefit procedure (previously known as the VNUS Closure procedure).
About the VNUS Closure Procedure
This procedure is minimally invasive and an outpatient Michigan vein treatment procedure performed by vascular surgeons in a vein clinic. A catheter called a ClosureFAST is inserted into the vein after making a small incision, where heat is delivered to the vein wall. This thermal energy shrinks the vein wall and seals the vein closed. The blood is then transferred to the healthy veins in the legs.
When is the Venefit Procedure Done?
The Venefit procedure is not for all cases of varicose veins. It is for more serious instances where the individual has venous reflux disease. That means there is an underlying vein where the valves have failed, allowing blood to flow backward down the leg. Reflux puts excess pressure on the surface veins, causing them to become varicose or spider veins over time. The Venefit procedure seals off those damaged veins below the surface, relieving symptoms and allowing the surface varicose veins to shrink back to their normal size. This procedure helps to close certain veins only, including the Great Saphenous Vein, the Small Saphenous Vein and some perforator veins. If you are having severe pain because of vein disease and have a profession where you stand or sit most of the time, you are generally a good candidate for this varicose vein treatment procedure.
How is it Performed?
There are four main steps vascular surgeons perform for this procedure, starting with mapping the veins. The mapping is done through ultrasound imaging to trace the location of the problem veins. Then a small puncture is made in the skin and the catheter is inserted into the vein. The vein is numbed with a local anesthetic so you don’t feel anything. Electrical energy is then delivered to the vein which causes the vein to shrink and close. The last step is another ultrasound to ensure the vein has closed.
Recovery
You will be asked to refrain from strenuous physical activity for the first week after the procedure and gradually increasing it after that. Over the counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen are acceptable if you experience discomfort though many people do not require any. You will have a bandage over the skin puncture as well as a compression stocking to wear for about a week after the procedure. A post-closure ultrasound is performed in a vein clinic within a week following the procedure.
Risks and Complications
The potential risks and complications of the Venefit procedure are minimal as compared to vein stripping procedures. Risks include infection, nerve irritation, skin burn, bruising, vessel perforation, pulmonary embolism and inflammation of the vein. The Venefit/VNUS closure procedure is less invasive than vein stripping, with a shorter recovery time and significantly less pain and discomfort after the procedure. It is a great alternative for treating large varicose veins.