How Does VNUS Work?

Superficial venous reflux, which in many cases results in varicose veins, may be problematic for individuals in Towson, Maryland and around the country. Varicose veins may be purplish in color and may be very unsightly due to their bulging appearance. What's more, they may even lead to pain and heaviness in the legs, leading many patients to seek relief from this condition. Through minimally-invasive treatments such as VNUS, however, patients have found relief from this often troublesome condition.

The procedure works to treat the defective vein using radiofrequency energy to destroy the vein so that blood may no longer flow through it. This is an outpatient procedure that is performed under ultrasound visualization. The specialist performing the procedure will clean the leg and a local anesthetic will be injected into the thigh area above the knee for patient comfort. A small needle will then be placed into the vein and a catheter is guided through it. Radiofrequency energy is then applied to the vein and the catheter withdrawn. The energy will heat the vein causing it to collapse, which leads to the eventual closure of the vein.

A bandage will be placed over the insertion site and compression may be provided to keep the area clean. Patients may walk and resume normal activities following treatment, although those who play sports or partake in heavy lifting are often encouraged to delay resumption of these activities by five to seven days. Patients may notice improvement in symptoms after one to two weeks and the cosmetic appearance of the condition may take a few more months to improve. Possible side effects associated with VNUS include minimal to no scarring, bruising and swelling, although these should disappear within one to two weeks.

As with most medical procedures, there are certain risks and complications that have been associated with this procedure. These may include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, numbness, tingling and skin burn. Individuals interested in this treatment should discuss the possible risks with a medical professional in the Towson area to help determine if this procedure is right for them. Individuals with large varicose veins may be considered a candidate for treatment and those with spider veins may be encouraged to seek other means of treatment. This procedure has been used to provide treatment to patients of many different ages. A vein specialist should be consulted before undergoing this procedure.

Insurance companies may offer coverage of VNUS if varicose vein symptoms are present, although many may require a trial of compression stockings, exercise and other conservative methods of treating the symptoms of varicose veins before insurance will cover the cost of additional treatment. Patients should note, however, that conservative methods of treatment such as diet, exercise and compression stockings do not get rid of varicose veins, but rather help relieve the symptoms of the condition. The only way to get rid of varicose veins is to destroy or remove the problem veins. With VNUS, radiofrequency energy destroys the vein which overtime becomes fibrous tissue and disappears.

Learn more about VNUS in Towson, Maryland.