Radiofrequency Occlusion

The Radiofrequency Occlusion or VNUS® procedure is a minimally invasive treatment alternative for patients with a condition known as superficial venous reflux, often resulting in varicose veins and other painful symptoms.

The procedure is an outpatient procedure performed in doctors' offices, surgical centers and hospitals. Local anesthesia with moderate sedation is used to ensure comfort during treatment. Using a single needle stick or a small incision, a thin catheter is inserted into the greater saphenous vein. The catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and seal shut.

During this procedure, a very thin laser fiber is inserted into the damaged underlying vein with damaged valves. The thin fiber is then sent through with ultrasound guidance to the upper end of the abnormal vein. This is when the local anesthestic is then delivered to the entire vein and the laser heats the inside of the vein as it slowly withdraws back down the vein. There will be only one visible site on the surface of the skin- a small puncture site about the size of an IV catheter.

After the endovenous laser treatment, the blood re-routes through the remaining normal veins to circulate the blood back to the heart and reduce the abnormally high venous pressure in the legs. Since patients are no longer under high sustained pressure, patients quickly realize significant improvement in leg discomfort and the varicose veins generally decompress and disappear relatively quickly. Any prominent veins that may persist may easily be treated by minimally invasive phlebectomy techniques or sclerotherapy. The possible side effects include skin numbness, blood clots and phlebitis and vein inflammation.

Once the damaged vein is eliminated, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs. As normal return flow is re-established, the symptoms should improve noticeably.

Following the procedure, the catheter is removed, and a bandage is placed over the insertion site and the leg may be wrapped typically for 1 day to aid in the healing process. The doctor may ask the patient to walk, wear compression stockings, and to refrain from standing for long periods of time following the procedure to help speed your recovery. Many patients resume normal activity within 1-2 days.

Patient benefits of the Closure include minimal invasiveness, requiring no general anesthestic and the ability for most patients to walk out of the medical facility within hours. Vein Stripping is often performed under general anesthesia which necessitates a longer time within the medical facility.

Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician