Radiofrequency ablation/Vnus Closure

In the United States, however, vein stripping has been rendered virtually obsolete by new, minimally invasive catheter technology that enables even severe varicose veins to be successfully treated in a doctor’s office under a local anesthetic in just a few minutes. A device is inserted into the diseased vein, where a catheter or fiber delivers either radiofrequency (RF) or laser energy to heat and seal the vessel. The technique is extremely successful and far less painful and traumatic to the patient than vein stripping.
Physicians using the VNUS ClosureFAST™ catheter, the only radiofrequency device on the market today for the treatment of venous reflux, report that most patients return to normal activity almost immediately following the procedure, with little or no post operative pain.

Procedure

The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, we will position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter powered by radio-frequency(RF) energy delivers heat to the vein wall. As the thermal energy is delivered, the vein wall shrinks
and the vein is sealed closed. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.
Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. We may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time. 
Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.