VNUS: An Out-Patient Procedure to Treat Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are troubling for many individuals in the South Ogden, Utah area suffering from them. These veins appear bulging from the skin and are often purplish or bluish in color, making them embarrassing for many individuals. As if that wasn't bad enough, varicose veins may also lead to pain and heaviness in the legs. Thankfully, however, many minimally-invasive procedures are available to help individuals overcome varicose veins safely and effectively. VNUS is one such procedure designed to help patients find relief from varicose veins by delivering radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, heating it and causing it to collapse and seal shut.

VNUS is an out-patient procedure that may be performed in a doctor's office, a surgical center or a hospital. A local anesthetic with moderate sedation may be used to help ensure patient comfort throughout the treatment process. A single needle stick or an incision is then made to insert a thin catheter into the greater saphenous vein. As mentioned, the radiofrequency energy is then applied to the vein wall, which causes it to heat, collapse and seal. With the problem vein closed, healthy veins in the area are able to take over blood flow and empty blood from the legs. Symptoms should begin to improve as the normal blood flow is restored. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour to perform, although this varies.

After the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed and a bandage is placed over the insertion site. The leg may be tightly wrapped for about a day to help aid in the healing process. The physician may recommend that the patient walks, wears a compression stocking and refrains from standing for long periods after the procedure is complete. This is meant to help aid in recovery. Normal activities may be resumed after about one to two days. Heavy lifting and sports should be avoided for about a week after treatment.

The procedure may be associated with mild pain during treatment. A local anesthetic is given to numb the skin for those who feel pain during treatment. Patients may notice improvement in symptoms after about one to two weeks. The appearance of the veins typically requires a few months to improve. Patients are encouraged to seek consultation with a South Ogden physician for more information regarding what to expect.

As with many medical procedures, there are certain risks and complications associated with VNUS. These may include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, numbness, tingling and skin burn. Patients who are interested in VNUS should consult a physician in the South Ogden area to go over these potential risks and to determine if the procedure is right for them.

Insurance companies may cover the cost of the VNUS procedure is the patient has symptoms of varicose veins, but if it is used for cosmetic purposes, insurance companies may not cover treatment. Before covering the procedure, though, insurance companies may require a trial period of wearing compression stockings or exercise.

Learn more about VNUS in South Ogden, Utah.