The VNUS Closure Procedure
The Closure procedure is similar to endovenous laser therapy but instead of using laser, direct heating of the wall is used close the abnormal vein trunk (Figure 1). Like endovenous laser therapy, VNUS closure can be performed on an outpatient basis usually using local anaesthesia in which the doctor numbs the leg before treatment.
The Closure procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, the special catheter is positioned into the diseased vein, through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter powered by radiofrequency (RF) delivers heat to the vein wall. As the thermal energy is delivered, the vein wall shrinks and the vein is sealed shut so it cannot carry any more blood. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.
The temperatures involved are much lower than laser and the recovery is typically milder. Recurrence risk is similar to endovenous laser therapy.
Since 1998 more than 300,000 of these procedures have been performed worldwide. When stripping surgery and the endovenous procedures are compared, results are in favour of the endovenous procedures. Patients who undergo these procedures have less pain, usually resume normal activities faster and return to work more than a week earlier compared to vein-stripping patients. 98% of patients who have had these procedures are willing to recommend them to a friend or family member.
Should I have laser or microwaves to treat my veins?
At The Vein Clinic we offer both endovenous laser therapy and VNUS closure. The VNUS closure procedure uses much less heat energy to damage the abnormal veins than laser and may be associated with less bruising after the procedure. You will be given enough information during your consultation to decide what the best treatment option is for your veins. Like most operations, excellent results can be obtained with either technology by surgeons who regularly perform large numbers of these procedures. Recently published data suggests that 5 years after treatment, 85% to 94% of the treated veins remain closed and free from venous reflux, the underlying cause of varicose veins.
