The Closure Procedure : A Treatment that Works
The VNUS Closure procedure, an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery, brings state of the art technology to an age old disease. The closure procedure is performed at The Vein Clinic Of Washington on an outpatient basis.
Steps of the Closure Procedure
Mapping the Saphenous Vein
A typical procedure begins with noninvasive ultrasound imaging of the diseased vein to trace its location. This allows Dr. Neimat to determine the site where the Closure catheter will be inserted and to mark the desired position of the catheter tip to begin treatment.
Step One
Step Two
Step Three
Step One :
Inserting the Closure Catheter
After Dr. Neimat accesses the saphenous vein, the Closure catheter is inserted into the vein and advanced to the uppermost segment of the vein.
Dr. Neimat then injects a dilute anesthetic fluid into the area surrounding the vein. This numbs the leg and provides a fluid layer outside the vein to protect surrounding tissue from heat once the catheter starts delivering RF energy. Saline is then slowly infused into the vein from the tip of the catheter to further create a near-bloodless field inside the vein, allowing the catheter to heat the vein wall, rather than the blood.
Steps Two and Three :
Delivering RadioFrequency(RF) Energy and Withdrawing the Catheter
Noninvasive ultrasound is used to confirm the catheter tip position and the physician then activates the RF generator, causing the electrodes at the tip of the catheter to heat the vein wall to a temperature of 85 degrees Centigrade or 185 degrees Fahrenheit. As the vein wall is heated, the vein shrinks and the catheter is gradually withdrawn. During catheter pullback, which typically occurs over 15 to 18 minutes, the RF generator regularly adjusts the power level to maintain target temperature to effectively shrink collagen in the vein wall and close the vein.
Confirming the Closing of the Vein
After treatment, ultrasound imaging is used to confirm closing of the vein. After the procedure, the narrowed vein gradually becomes fibrous, sealing the interior of the vein walls and naturally redirecting blood flow to healthy veins. Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site and additional compression is provided to aid healing. You are encouraged to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a short period of time. Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.
Call us today to schedule your Complementary Physician Evaluation
FAQ : About the Closure Procedure
Looking for more information about the Closure procedure? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions section. Learn More
Highlights of the Closure Procedure
- Relief of symptoms
- Resume normal activity within a day
- Outpatient procedure
- Local anesthesia
- Good cosmetic outcome with minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling
Patient Testimonials
I was surprised with how fast, painless, and comfortable the Closure procedure was. I wish I knew about this before, so I could enjoy life better.
Marilia Kleinpaul. Silver Spring, MD
I am very grateful to Dr. Samir Neimat and his wonderful staff for all their loving care when I was in his clinic for Superficial Venous Reflux Treatment. During the procedure I had no pain at all and even the injection for local anesthesia was painless. My appointments very suitable to my schedule and they helped with the insurance paperwork process without delay. I recommend Dr. Samir Neimat very highly.