VNUS™ Closure Procedure

Treatment of varicose veins

The VNUS™ Closure Procedure, is a targeted endovenous therapy, to treat varicose veins. The VNUS™ Closure Procedure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) in which a vein specialist inserts a Covidien ClosureFast™ endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) catheter to collapse and close enlarged leg veins. After the vein is sealed shut, blood then naturally re-routes to healthy veins.

What to Expect

The ClosureFast™ catheter is inserted into the vein through a tiny incision below the knee. Guidedby ultrasound imaging, the physician treats a 7 cm segment of vein with a 20-second burst of radiofrequency energy, causing the vessel to shrink around the catheter. The physician withdraws the catheter, treating each segment until the entire length of the vein has been sealed. An average 45 cm length vein can be treated in this manner in just three to five minutes.  Light sedation is given prior to procedure for comfort.

Unlike painful vein stripping surgery or laser ablation, the catheter delivers uniform, consistent heat to each segment and temperatures do not exceed 120° C.1As a result, the VNUS™ Closure Procedure causes less bruising and allows for rapid patient relief and recovery. The VNUS™ Closure Procedure is commonly performed in a clinic or same-day hospital setting.

Minimally Invasive

The VNUS™ Closure Procedure eliminates the need for groin surgery and general anesthesia. The procedure also results in little to no scarring and is generally performed using local anesthesia in a vein specialist’s office or an outpatient surgical facility.

Less Pain, Less Bruising, Faster Recovery

The 2009 RECOVERY Study compared the experience of patients treated with the ClosureFast catheter and those treated with the 980 nm laser. The study demonstrated:

• Less pain, bruising and complications with the ClosureFast™ catheter

• Up to four times faster improvement in patients’ quality of life with the ClosureFast™ catheter versus laser based on a quality of life questionnaire

Other studies have shown that patients receiving the VNUS™ Closure Procedure return to normal activity and work significantly faster than those undergoing vein stripping.

Positive Clinical Outcomes

The ClosureFast catheter has been shown in a prospective, international multicenter study to be 93% effective at three years using Kaplan Meier analysis.

The VNUS™ Closure Procedure is performed as a medical necessity as diagnosed by a trained vein specialist. It is not designed to address spider veins or cosmetic issues. However, the successful treatment of CVI using the VNUS™ Closure Procedure can produce cosmetic improvements.

As with any medical procedure, you should consult your vein specialist and review all safety information associated with any procedure.