Varicose Veins & Venous Reflux Disease – There is a Solution

By Dr. Steven Kaufman

Many people, almost 25 million Americans in the U.S., suffer from venous reflux disease and may not even know it. Venous reflux occurs when a vein valuve that keeps blood flowing out of the legs becomes damaged or diseased, causing blood to pool in the legs.

People who suffer from venous reflux may have the following symptoms:

Leg pain
Leg swelling
Leg heaviness or fatigue
Varicose veins
Skin changes

There are several factors that may cause venous reflux such as multiple pregnancies, prolonged standing, genetics and obesity. Traditionally, patients with venous reflux disease would have to undergo painful vein stripping surgery and endure a 2-4 week recovery period. Now there is a better alternative called the CLOSURE® procedure.

The CLOSURE® procedure is done on an outpatient basis, in an office setting, with a local anesthetic. The procedure is minimally invasive and provides almost immediate relief of symptoms. Patients typically resume normal activity within 1-2 days with little or no scarring, bruising, or swelling.

So how’s it done? First, an ultrasound image is used to detect the damaged vein so the CLOSURE® catheter can be inserted. Once the catheter is inserted the physician injects an anesthetic fluid into the area surrounding the vein which numbs the leg and protects the surrounding tissue. The catheter then begins to deliver radio frequency energy, which heats the vein wall so the vein will shrink, and then the catheter is slowly removed closing off the vein. The blood is naturally rerouted to healthier veins.

After treatment the physician uses the ultrasound imaging again to confirm the vein was closed. The whole procedure is typically completed in 45-60 minutes. The long-term success rate is over 90% with the CLOSURE® procedure, compared to the vein stripping surgery at around 60-70%. It is also safer and less painful than the comparable procedure performed with laser.

You no longer have to suffer from the symptoms of venous reflux disease as the CLOSURE® procedure is widely covered by insurance. There is an alternative that is safe, minimally invasive, and can have you back to your normal activities before you know it.

Published in Northern Colorado Woman’s Paper,
November-December 2005, page 7

To determine which treatment option is recommended for your individual situation, please call 970-498-VEIN (8346) to schedule a consultation.