VNUS® CLOSURE® FOR VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY

What Is Venous Insufficiency?

Healthy veins contain valves that open and close to help the return of blood back to the heart. Venous Insufficiency, also known as reflux, develops when the valves that keep the blood moving up the legs toward the heart become damaged or diseased. As a result, the valves no longer close properly allowing blood to ‘back up’ or pool in the lower legs. This leads to dilated veins or varicose veins. This problem however, is not always visible from the surface of the leg. Only a vascular ultrasound of the legs can diagnose Venous Insufficiency. Venous Reflux disease is progressive. If left untreated symptoms will worsen over time leading to more severe problems. Symptoms of venous reflux are: Aching or Pain Swelling of the lower extremities Leg fatigue, and heaviness, Restless legs or cramping Skin changes or ulcerations

What Is VNUS® Closure®?

VNUS® Closure® is a treatment that replaces traditional vein stripping for the treatment of Venous Insufficiency. The Closure procedure allows the physician to make a single, small incision in the leg and seal the vein shut with a small catheter using radiofrequency. Once the vein is sealed or closed, blood flow diverts to healthy veins that have good valves. Patients feel little, if any, pain during or after the procedure. Often visible varicose veins will improve with the Closure procedure. Any remaining cosmetic veins can then be treated by other means. Best of all, patients return to normal activities within a day. The procedure itself takes approximately 45-60 minutes per leg.

How Do I Know If I Am A Candidate For VNUS® Closure®?

Since reflux can only be determined by ultrasound patients must have an ultrasound evaluation. Consultations for Vein treatments include screening for venous insufficiency. If additional scans or appointments are needed, your practitioner will tell you during the consultation.

What Are The Patient Benefits?

Unlike vein stripping, the Closure procedure is minimally invasive, requiring no general anesthesia and lets patients walk out of the office within hours. Stripping, on the other hand, is performed under general anesthesia which requires a longer stay in a medical facility. Recovery following stripping can take weeks and involves significant pain. Risks are similar to vein stripping, but with much less chance of occurrence.

Why Doesn’t Closure Eliminate All Varicose Veins Like Those Seen In People?

Even though VNUS® Closure® helps correct the pressure caused by reflux in the leg, the damage done to veins by years of reflux may be irreversible. Such veins may not always respond like healthy elastic veins when the pressure is reduced. In those cases other procedures may then be done to eliminate those remaining veins. Sometimes this is done at the same time as the Closure procedure and sometimes it is done at a later date.

Are Patients Satisfied?

According to the VNUS® Corporation 98% of patients are satisfied and would recommend the procedure to a friend. Skin Spectrum has had very positive feedback from patients about the procedure. Most patients are pleasantly surprised at how easy the procedure and recovery is completed.

Is VNUS® Closure® Covered By Insurance?

Insurance coverage is determined on a per case basis however, most insurance companies now cover Closure as a medically necessary procedure. Skin Spectrum does not contract with any insurance companies. Your practitioner will discuss how you can obtain ‘out of network’ coverage during the consultation.

What Can You Expect During And After The Procedure?

The procedure is done in the office with an oral sedative. Patients often talk to the physician throughout the procedure and feel little if any discomfort. Once the procedure is complete, the legs are wrapped in Ace Bandages and then compression hose are put on over the wraps. These wraps remain in place for 48 hours. After 48 hours the Ace wraps are removed and the compression hose only is worn during the day for a minimum of two weeks. Immediately following the procedure patients are asked to walk for 45-60 minutes. Patients are also encouraged to do regular activities and walk for 10-15 minutes every hour while awake for the next two weeks. Heavy or high impact exercise and cardiovascular workouts are discouraged until the patient is released to full activity by the physician.

How Much Does VNUS® Closure® Cost?

One leg: Right or Left - $4115.00 Both legs done at the same visit - $5615.00 Any additional treatments for other veins are in addition to the above prices.