4. How is the Closure procedure different from vein stripping?
During a stripping procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and ties off the vein, after which a stripper tool is threaded through the saphenous vein and used to pull the vein out of your leg through a second incision just above your calf. In the Closure procedure, there is no need for groin surgery. Instead, the vein remains in place and is closed using a special (Closure) catheter inserted through a small puncture. This may eliminate the bruising and pain often associated with vein stripping (i.e., that may result from the tearing of side branch veins while the saphenous vein is pulled out). Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room, under a general anaesthetic, while the Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically using local or regional anaesthesia.

A study found that 80.5% of patients treated with the Closure procedure returned to normal activities within one day, versus 46.9% of patients who underwent vein stripping. Also, Closure patients returned to work 7.7 days sooner than surgical patients. Patients treated with the Closure procedure had less postoperative pain, less bruising, faster recovery and fewer overall adverse events.

5. How long does the Closure procedure take?
The Closure procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes, though patients normally spend 2-3 hours at the medical facility due to normal pre- and post-treatment procedures.

6. Is the Closure procedure painful?
Patients report feeling little, if any, pain during the Closure procedure. Your surgeon will give you a local or regional anaesthetic to numb the treatment area.

7. Will the procedure require any anaesthesia?
The Closure procedure can be performed under local, regional, or general anaesthesia.

8. How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?
Many patients can resume normal activities immediately. For a few weeks following the treatment, your surgeon may recommend a regular walking regime and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.

9. How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.

10. Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the Closure procedure?
Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the Closure procedure.

11. Are there any potential risks and complications associated with the Closure procedure?
As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the Closure procedure. Potential complications can include: vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, haematoma, infection, paresthesia (numbness or tingling) and/or skin burn. Your surgeon will discuss these with you at your consultation.

12. Is the Closure procedure suitable for everyone?
Only a surgeon call tell you if the Closure procedure is a viable option for your vein problem. Experience has shown that many patients with superficial venous reflux disease can be treated with the Closure procedure.

13. Is age an important consideration for the Closure procedure?
The most important step in determining whether or not the Closure procedure is appropriate for you is a complete ultrasound examination by your surgeon. Age alone is not a factor in determining whether or not the Closure procedure is appropriate for you. The Closure procedure has been used to treat patients across a wide range of ages.

14. How effective is the Closure procedure?
Data from a prospective multicenter study have shown 97.4% vein occlusion 1 year post-treatment.

15. What happens to the treated vein left behind in the leg?
The vein simply becomes fibrous tissue after treatment. Over time, the vein will gradually incorporate into surrounding tissue. One study reported that 89% of treated veins are indistinguishable from other body tissue one year after the Closure procedure was performed.

16. Is the Closure treatment covered by my insurance?
Many insurance companies are paying for the Closure procedure in part or in full. Most insurance companies determine coverage for all treatments, including the Closure procedure, based on medical necessity. The VNUS® Closure procedure has positive coverage policies with most major health insurers.

17. What are patients saying about the Closure procedure?
98% of patients who have undergone the Closure procedure are willing to recommend it to a friend or family member with similar leg vein problems.