Varicose veins may be a sign of something more severe — VENOUS REFLUX DISEASE.
Syptoms of Disease
Venous reflux disease develops when the valves stop working properly and allow blood to flow backward (i.e. reflux) and pool in the lower leg veins. If venous reflux disease is left untreated, symptoms can worsen over time and could lead to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Venous reflux disease may cause the following signs and symptoms in your legs:
- Varicose veins
- Heaviness / tiredness
- Aching
- Itching
- Swelling
- Open skin sores
- Cramping
- Restlessness
Possible risk factors:
- Gender
- Age
- Family history
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Prolonged standing
- Obesity or excess weight
How is CVI diagnosed?:
- Current or previous pregnancies
- Smoking
- Current general health
- Past medical history
- Symptoms
- Physical exam
- Ultrasound and/or other non-invasive scans to check for the presence of disease
Procedure
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 with local, tumescent anesthesia
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the ClosureFast procedure painful?
A: Most patients report feeling little, if any, pain during the ClosureFast procedure.4 Your physician should give you a local or regional anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
Q: How quickly can I resume normal activity?
A: Patients treated with the ClosureFast procedure may resume normal activities more quickly than patients who undergo surgical vein stripping or laser ablation. With the ClosureFast procedure, the average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days.5 For a few weeks following the treatment, Dr. Fall may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.
Q: How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?
A: Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within one to two weeks following the procedure.
Q: Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the procedure?
A: Most patients report limited to no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the ClosureFast procedure using the ClosureFast™ catheter.
Q: How is the ClosureFast procedure different from endovenous laser?
A: Although the ClosureFast procedure and 980 nm endovenous laser ablation are both minimally invasive procedures, a comparative, multicenter study showed that the ClosureFast procedure was associated with statistically significant lower rates of pain, bruising, and complications. Patients undergoing the ClosureFast procedure also reported improvements in quality of life measures up to four times faster than patients treated with 980 nm endovenous laser ablation.
Q: How is the ClosureFast procedure different from vein stripping?
A: During vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a tool is threaded through the diseased vein to pull the vein out of the leg. With the ClosureFast procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then treated and left in place. This minimally invasive approach reduces the likelihood of pain and bruising associated with vein stripping surgery.
Q: Is the ClosureFast procedure covered by insurance?
A: Many insurance companies pay for the ClosureFast procedure in part or in full. The ClosureFast procedure has coverage policies with major health insurers. Please discuss your coverage with your insurance provider prior to seeking treatment.
