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The ClosureFast procedure treats venous reflux in the superficial venous system, often underlying cause of painful varicose veins.
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red or flesh colored. They are often raised above the skin on legs and look like twisted, bulging cords. They can also be associated with pain, aches, heaviness, restless legs, or burning and itching of the skin.
Varicose veins are caused by weakened valves and veins in your legs. Normally, one-way valves in your veins keep blood flowing from your legs up toward your heart. When these valves do not work correctly the pressure builds up. The veins then become weak and large. Varicose veins can also be hereditary. Being overweight or having a job where it requires you to stand for long periods of time can cause to varicose veins.
Venous reflux disease is a progression medical condition and if left untreated, may worsen over time and develop into a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Varicose veins are common and aren’t usually too serious but in some cases varicose veins can be a sign of blockage in the deeper veins called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The physician will begin by looking at your legs and feet, He will then check your legs for tender areas, swelling, skin discoloration, sores and any signs of skin breakdown. The next step would be an ultrasound to scan your leg(s), your physician will determine if venous reflux is present.
The ClosureFast procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, your physician will position the catheter into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. The small catheter delivers heat to the vein wall, causing it to shrink and the vein to seal closed. Once the disease vein is closed, blood will reroute itself 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. Your doctor may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time. The average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days.
Most patients report feeling little, if any, pain during the ClosureFast procedure. Your physician should give you a local or regional anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
Patients treated with the ClosureFast procedure may resumes normal activities more quickly than patients who undergo surgical vein stripping or laser ablation. With the ClosureFast procedure, the average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days. For a few weeks following the treatment, your vein specialist may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within one to two weeks following the procedure.
Most patients report limited to no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the ClosureFast procedure using the ClosureFast catheter.
Although the ClosureFast procedure and 980 nm endovenous laser ablation are both minimally invasive procedures, a comparative multicenter study shows that the ClosureFast procedure shows was associated with statistically significant lower rates of pain, bruising, and complications. Patients undergoing the ClosureFast procedure also reported improvements in quality of life measures up to four times faster than patients treated with 980 nm endovenous laser ablation.
During vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a tool is threaded through the diseased vein to pull the vein out of the leg. With the ClosureFast procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then treated and left in place. This minimally invasive approach reduces the likelihood of pain and bruising associated with vein stripping surgery.
Many insurance companies pay for the ClosureFast procedure in part or in full. The ClosureFast procedure has coverage policies with major health insurers. Please discuss coverage with your insurance provider prior to seeking treatment.
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery