Approximately 25 million people in the U.S. suffer from the discomfort of swelling and varicose veins of the legs due to superficial venous reflux disease. This condition has traditionally led patients to undergo vein stripping surgery. Now, patients can be treated with the minimally invasive Closure procedure.
The procedure consists of four principal steps.
1. Noninvasive ultrasound of the saphenous vein to determine the location of the disease.
2. Physician inserts the Closure Catheter into the vein and advances it to the uppermost segment, then injects a volume of dilute anesthetic fluid into the area surrounding the vein. Saline is then slowly infused into the vein.
3. Noninvasive ultrasound is used to confirm the catheter tip position and the physician delivers RF Energy (typically 85 degrees Centigrade or 185 degrees Fahrenheit) and withdraws Catheter (occurs over 15 to 18 minutes).
4. Confirm Closing of vein after treatment with ultrasound imaging. If a portion of the vein is not closed, the catheter can be reinserted and energy reapplied. Physicians often complete the procedure in 45 to 60 minutes.
Patients are usually instructed to walk regularly for several days after the Closure procedure and return within 72 hours for an ultrasound examination. Physicians may prescribe compression stockings to be worn for several days or weeks after the procedure.
Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.
