VNUS and the Treatment of Varicose Veins

Updated on: August 18, 2014

Varicose veins are a problem that individuals in Staten Island, New York and other parts of the country are likely not eager to experience. They may appear bulging from the skin and may be purplish or bluish in appearance, giving them a very unsightly appearance. To top it off, varicose veins may even lead to pain and heaviness in the legs, making treatment important to many sufferers of the venous condition. Fortunately, however, several minimally-invasive treatments are now available to help individuals overcome this condition in a safe and effective manner without requiring invasive surgery that may require a general anesthetic and an overnight stay in a hospital.

One such treatment is VNUS—a minimally-invasive treatment performed on an outpatient basis in a doctor's office, surgical center or hospital. A local anesthetic and mild sedative may be used to provide patient comfort throughout the treatment. Ultrasound visualization is used during the procedure for greater accuracy. The leg is first cleaned and the local anesthetic injected into the thigh area above the knee. A small needle is then placed into the vein and a Closure Catheter is guided through it. When it is in position, radiofrequency energy is applied to the vein and the catheter is then withdrawn. This radiofrequency energy heats the vein, causing it to collapse. This also leads to the eventual closure of the vein.

A bandage will be placed over the insertion site after the treatment and addition compression may be applied to keep the area clean. Patients may walk and resume normal activities following the procedure, which usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to perform, although this varies. Patients may typically return to work about a day after a day. Those who participate in sports or heavy lifting should delay those activities by about a week. For further information, though, patients should speak with a specialist in the Staten Island area and follow their recovery instructions.

Symptoms may improve about one to two weeks after the procedure, but the cosmetic appearance should begin to improve after a few months. Side effects may be present as well. Some may report minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling, and most of these disappear after about one to two weeks. Potential complications are a risk with just about any medical procedure. With VNUS, complications may include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, numbness, tingling and skin burn. For more information about these risks, patients should seek consultation with an experienced specialist in the Staten Island area.

Insurance may cover the procedure is the patient is suffering from varicose veins with symptoms. However, insurance companies may first require a trial period in which the patient treats the symptoms of varicose veins using compression stockings or exercise or weight loss before they will cover the cost of treatment. For further information, interested individuals should speak with a specialist in the area as well as their insurance company.

Learn more about VNUS in Staten Island, New York.

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