The Closure Procedure and Catheter

I. VNUS® Closure Procedure

An alternative treatment option to traditional vein-stripping surgery, the VNUS® Closure Procedure, brings state-of-the-art technology to an age-old disease.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

Using ultrasound, your physician will position the catheter into the diseased vein, through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated, causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.

Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Your doctor may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time. Patients who undergo the procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.

Benefits of the procedure:

• Relief of symptoms
• Resume normal activity within a day
• Outpatient procedure by skilled physicians
• Local or general anesthesia
• Good cosmetic outcome with minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling

II. VNUS ClosureFAST^TM Catheter

As leaders in the field of vein-disease treatment, UCLA offers our patients the latest in treatment technology.

The new generation VNUS ClosureFAST^TM catheter delivers controlled radiofrequency energy and monitors treatment temperature for the purpose of closing diseased veins. The procedure reduces treatment time and minimizes post-procedure pain and bruising.

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Image of ClosureFAST Catheter