VNUS Treats Varicose Veins, Superficial Venous Reflux

Superficial venous reflux may result in varicose veins as well as other negative symptoms, making treatment important for many sufferers of this condition in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and around the country. There are several minimally-invasive treatment options available to help patients find relief from varicose veins, which may appear bulging from the skin and may be purplish or bluish in color. As a result of the veins' unsightly appearance, many feel self-conscious or embarrassed of their appearance. What's more, varicose veins may have the added side effect of causing pain and heaviness in the legs, making treatment very important to those suffering from this condition.

VNUS is one such minimally-invasive treatment that's helped many patients overcome varicose veins and superficial venous reflux. This is an outpatient procedure that may be performed in the comfort of a doctor's office or surgical center, while some procedures may be performed in a hospital. A single needle stick or small incision is made through which a thin catheter may be inserted into the greater saphenous vein. Next, the catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, which causes it to collapse, heat and seal shut so that blood may no longer flow through it. Local anesthesia as well as moderate sedation is used to make sure patient comfort is a priority throughout treatment.

Health veins in the area may take over blood flow, emptying blood from the legs back up towards the heart. Symptoms should subside significantly once normal flow is re-established and returns to the area. Once the catheter is removed, a bandage will be put on the treatment site and the leg should be wrapped four a day or so to help the healing process. Compression stockings may be worn afterwards, and the Pittsfield vein specialist may encourage the patient to walk and refrain from standing for long periods of time after treatment. This could help to speed up the recovery process and ensure proper healing. In many cases, patients are able to resume normal activities after a couple of days, but should avoid prolonged standing and heavy lifting.

Because there is no general anesthetic and the procedure is just minimally-invasive, many consider VNUS an attractive procedure with several benefits. Being able to walk out of the facility under their own power a few hours after the procedure is another convenient benefit that the treatment method allows. With vein stripping and surgery procedures, a general anesthetic is often required, as well as a longer time of recovery. Patients may also be required to spend a longer period at the medical facility after treatment.

Possible side effects and complications associated with VNUS may include minimal to no scarring, bruising or welling after the procedure. These side effects may disappear after a couple of weeks, though. Other possible complications include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, skin burn, numbness and tingling. These are all risks that should be discussed further with a vein specialist in the area prior to undergoing treatment.

Medical insurance may cover the cost of treatment in cases in which symptoms are present. Insurance companies may require a trial period of wearing compression stockings, losing weight or exercising before they will cover treatment. Patients should discuss this with a Pittsfield vein specialist and their insurance company.

Learn more about VNUS in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.