Those in Rochester, New York who are suffering from varicose veins or other symptoms related to superficial venous reflux may find relief in VNUS, a minimally-invasive treatment that's helped many in the area find relief. It is an outpatient procedure that involves the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the vein lining, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut so that blood may not longer flow through the vein. Other veins in the area will carry out blood flow, and symptoms should begin to improve as circulation is improved in the area.
Ultrasound visualization is used during the procedure. The leg will first be cleaned and local anesthesia is administered to the thigh area above the knee. Next, a small needle will be placed in the vein and the catheter is guided through. Radiofrequency energy is then applied to the vein wall and the catheter is taken out of the vein. The vein will collapse due to the exposure to the energy, which leads to the closure of the vein. A bandage will be placed on the treatment site, and patients are typically allowed to walk around and resume normal activities.
Most procedures take about half an hour to an hour to perform, and most are allowed to return home the same day after a short observation period. Some say that there is some mild pain during the treatment, but a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the treatment area. While many are allowed to resume their normal activities right away, patients are typically encouraged to abstain from sports or heavy lifting for about a week after the treatment as the body heals. Patients may show significant improvement in symptoms after a couple of weeks, and the aesthetic appearance of the veins may take a couple months to improve.
Patients may report minimal to no scarring, bruising and swelling after the treatment, and these side effects typically go away after a couple of weeks. Some of the potential risks and complications of the procedure include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, hematoma, phlebitis, infection, numbness, tingling, and skin burn. Patients should discuss these risks with a Rochester vein specialist, and should go over all treatment options so that they receive the proper treatment.
Insurance may cover the cost of VNUS is the patient exhibits symptoms of varicose veins. However, companies may first require that the patient attempt a trial period of wearing compression stockings and exercise to treat the symptoms before insurance will cover the cost of treatment. If used for purely cosmetic purposes, VNUS may not be covered by insurance. Make sure you discuss this with a specialist as well as your insurance company for more specific information regarding your insurance plan and coverage.
Learn more about VNUS in Rochester, New York.
