Join Us on Facebook
Join Us on Facebook
Closure®/Radiofrequency Ablation
The Closure® procedure or radiofrequency ablation has replaced the need for surgery of varicose veins in most cases. It is well tolerated and requires minimal recovery time. The procedure is performed in the office using local anesthesia. It involves the passage of a catheter into the diseased vein. This catheter heats the wall of the vein using radiofrequency energy. This process causes the vein to collapse and seal off, thereby eliminating the varicose vein. The procedure itself takes about 15 -20 minutes. Plan on being in the office for about one hour.
Before the Procedure
You will be given the option to receive a mild sedative. A prescription for this will be given to you at the time that you schedule your procedure. Our goal is to make you comfortable and relaxed throughout your treatment. The atmosphere in the procedure room is very soothing and relaxing. You may bring your own music (CD, iPod, etc.) to listen to. The procedure itself takes 30 – 60 minutes. Plan on being in the office for 2 – 3 hours.
The Procedure
The vein is mapped using the ultrasound. Your leg is cleansed and the skin is anesthetized (numbed with a local anesthetic called Lidocaine). This will cause a slight burning sensation. The catheter is then placed and advanced using ultrasound guidance. The skin along the course of the vein is then numbed. These steps take about five minutes. This is the only time that you should feel discomfort during the procedure. The area surrounding the catheter is now anesthetized. Radiofrequency energy is then applied to the vein wall as the catheter is slowly withdrawn. As stated above, this energy heats the wall of the vein and causes it to close off. After treatment, ultrasound imaging is used to confirm that the vein is sealed shut. If a portion of the vein is not closed, the catheter can be reinserted and energy reapplied. A small dressing is placed over the entry site followed by your compression hose.
ClosureFAST® is the latest technology in radiofrequency ablation. The procedure is very similar to that described above. However, the temperature with which the catheter heats the varicose vein is significantly higher (120° C vs. 85° C). The duration of application of the heat is significantly shorter with the new procedure, reducing the time to one third to one sixth of the procedure time for the standard Closure® procedure.
Following the Procedure
Most patients report a marked improvement in their symptoms within days to weeks after the procedure. Usually the leg looks better before it feels better. Immediate cosmetic results do not usually occur. Please be patient since this is a process. Approximately 30 – 40% of patients will need further treatment to achieve the final desired result. The need for further treatment is determined at your follow-up visit. The follow-up visit is extremely important and should not be missed.
As with any medical intervention risks and complications, though unusual, can occur with the Closure® procedure. We will discuss these with you in detail at the time of your office visit.
Further Information
Further information can be obtained at the website of the Closure® manufacturer, VNUS: www.vnus.com.
