FAQs

  • What is superficial venous reflux?

    Superficial venous reflux is a condition that develops when the valves that usually keep blood flowing out of your legs become damaged or diseased.  This causes blood to pool in your legs. Common symptoms of superficial venous reflux include pain, swelling, leg heaviness, and fatigue as well as varicose veins in your legs.

  • What is the Closure® procedure?

    The Closure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial venous reflux.
    A thin catheter is inserted into the vein through a small opening. The catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse, and seal shut.

  • How does it work to treat venous insufficiency?

    Since valves can’t be repaired, the only alternative is to re-route blood flow through healthy veins. Traditionally, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from your leg.  The Closure procedure provides a less-invasive alternative to vein stripping by simply closing the problem vein instead.  Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs.

  • How is the Closure procedure different than vein stripping?

    During a stripping procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and ties off the vein after which it is removed from your leg through a second Incision in your calf. In the Closure procedure, there is no need for groin surgery.  The vein remains in place and is simply closed using a special (Closure) catheter inserted through a small skin puncture.  Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room, under a general anesthetic.  The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis typically using local or regional anesthesia.

  • How long does the procedure take?

    The Closure procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. Plan on spending 2-3 hours at the facility on the day of treatment.

  • Where will the procedure be performed?

    The Closure procedure is performed in doctors’ offices, surgical centers and hospitals as an outpatient (day surgery) procedure.

  • Is the procedure painful?

    Your physician will give you a local or regional anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Patients report feeling little if any pain during the Closure procedure.

  • Will the procedure require any anesthesia?

    Local or regional anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area.

  • How quickly can I return to my normal activities?

    Many patients can resume normal activities within 1-2 days.  For a few weeks following the treatment, your doctor may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest that you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting for example) or prolonged periods of standing.

  • How soon will my symptoms improve?

    Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms soon after receiving the procedure.

  • Are there any potential risks or complications?

    As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the Closure procedure. Each patient should consult their doctor to determine if their condition presents any special risks. Your physician will review potential complications of the Closure procedure at the consultation. Potential complications can include numbness or tingling(paresthesia), skin burns, vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma and infection.

  • Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the treatment?

    Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the Closure procedure. On occasion, there may be slight tenderness or numbness during the weeks after treatment.

  • Is the Closure procedure suitable for everyone?

    Only your doctor can tell you if the procedure is a viable option for your vein problem.

  • How long will the treated vein remain shut?

    Current published reports suggest that over 90% of treated veins remain closed after 2 years [1].

  • What happens to the treated vein left behind in the leg?

    The vein simply becomes a fibrous tissue after treatment. Over time, the body will probably re-absorb this fibrous tissue. One study reported that the treated vein is indistinguishable from other body tissue one year after the Closure procedure was performed [2].

  • Is the Closure treatment covered by my insurance?

    Insurance coverage is determined on a per case basis. Most insurance companies determine coverage for all treatments, including the Closure procedure, based on medical necessity. Your physician can discuss your insurance coverage further at the time of consultation.

[1] Wei5$, R. el al. Controlled radlofnquency endovenous occfuslon using a unique radlofrequency catt1eler under duplex guidance to eliminate saphenous varicose vein reflux: a 2 -year follow- p. O@mlatol Surg ZOOZ: 28:38-42

[2] Pid1ol, el al. Role of Duplex Imaging in Endovenous OblltenJlon for Primary Venous lnsulflciency. J. EncloYaK Thef’ 2000; 7:451-459.