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What is VNUS® Closure®?
Closure is a minimally invasive alternative to vein stripping for patients with superficial venous reflux.
What is involved with the procedure?
The Closure procedure uses radiofrequency energy to heat the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. During the procedure, a thin catheter with an electrode tip is inserted into the vein and energy is delivered to the vein wall. As the catheter is withdrawn from the leg, a sealed vessel is left behind.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
It is minimally invasive and usually involves only a single needle stick. In addition, recovery time is short and most patients return to normal activities within a day. Oftentimes, the treatment is an outpatient hospital or office procedure, which can be performed under local anesthesia.
What are the potential risks?
As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist.Our surgeons can discuss this with you further at your consultation; however, possible complications include include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, paresthesia and skin burns.
Do insurance companies cover this procedure?
Many insurance companies are paying for the Closure procedure in part or in full; most determine coverage for all treatments, including the Closure procedure, based on medical necessity. The VNUS® Closure® procedure has positive coverage policies with most major health insurers. This can be discussed further at the time of your consultation.
How effective is this procedure?
The Closure procedure is performed with a medical device that was cleared for marketing in the USA in March 1999. Published studies report that over 90% of veins treated with Closure remain closed at 2 years.* Also, surveyed patients have been extremely satisfied, with 98% of patients surveyed at 6 months after the treatment indicating that they would be willing to recommend Closure to a friend or family member with similar leg vein problems.*
* Weiss MA. Controlled radiofrequency endovenous occlusion using a unique radiofrequency catheter under duplex guidance to eliminate saphenous varicose vein reflux. A 2-year follow-up. Dermatol Surg 2002; 28: 38-42
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