Radiofrequency ablation is a minimal invasive treatment used to treat varicose veins. (Ablation can be described as a physician using heat to create scar tissue by damaging tissue.) The scar tissue results in a closed vein. Swift Vein Institute offers the Closurefast procedure for the treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
Rather than laser energy, radio frequency energy is used to heat and damage the internal wall of a vein. This results in the closing off of the varicose vein in the leg. The radio frequency energy is guided through a small tube (also called catheter) that is inserted through a tiny vein incision.
Endovenous Thermal Ablation
Endovenous thermal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a diseased vein and uses heat to seal it shut. Blood that would normally return toward the heart through these veins will then travel through other veins instead. Over time the treated vein shrinks and is absorbed by the body. Compared with surgical options like vein stripping, endovenous thermal ablation results in less pain and quicker average recovery time.6
Swift Vein Institute offers the Closurefast procedure, formerly known as the VNUS Closure™ procedure, for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. The Closurefast™ procedure is a minimally invasive segmental ablation treatment that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to provide an even and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins.
The Closurefast™ procedure allows for a quick, comfortable recovery and a return to everyday activities for the average patient, while also improving the appearance of varicose veins.6,7
The Closurefast™ procedure has been proven in clinical studies to have excellent long term effectiveness, with less pain and bruising than endovenous laser*.7
This procedure can be performed on large veins in the legs in an office setting with local anesthesia. Following the treatment, patients are able to walk and recovery is commonly short. Compression stockings (recommended by the physician) are necessary to wear for at least 1 week following treatment. The physician may use ultrasound diagnostics to ensure the vein is closed.
What to Expect from ClosureFast
Wondering what to expect prior to the ClosureFast procedure? The ClosureFast procedure is a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency ablation (heat) to seal off the diseased vein so blood gets rerouted to nearby healthy veins.
Leg preparation
Prior to the ClosureFast procedure:
- Leg will be evaluated using ultrasound
- Vein may be marked using a skin marker
Vein access and catheter positioning
- Local anesthesia will be given at the catheter entry site to numb the area
- The physician will access the vein through either a small incision or skin puncture
- Once the veins is accessed, the ClosureFast™ catheter is inserted and advanced to the treatment starting point
- The catheter’s position is verified using ultrasound
Anesthesia
Treatment path will be numbed
Procedure highlights
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
- Proven results with positive patient outcomes
- Lower rates of pain, bruising and complications and a faster improvement in patients’ quality of life when compared to 980 nm laser ablation5
- Average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days following treatment6
- Most patients report a noticeable improvement in symptoms within 1- 2 weeks following procedure6
- Can be performed under local anesthesia
- Covered by most insurance providers**
*A comparison of the patient experience between those treated with the Closurefast ™procedure, using the Covidien ClosureFast™ Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Catheter, and those treated with 980nm laser ablation.
ClosureFast is a trademark of a Medtronic company.
