Frequently asked questionsAbout Varicose Veins
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red or flesh colored. They are often raised above the skin on legs and look like twisted, bulging cords. They can also be associated with pain, aches, heaviness, restless legs, or burning and itching of the skin.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a progressive medical condition that may worsen over time. As varicose veins progress to become CVI, other painful symptoms like leg swelling, skin damage and ulcers may occur. There are a number of factors that contribute to varicose veins and CVI, including pregnancy and heredity.
The Venefit procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to effectively treat patients suffering from varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A vein specialist inserts the ClosureFast catheter into the diseased vein to provide consistent and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to shrink and seal closed. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins.
The Venefit procedure is just a new name for the VNUS Closure procedure, providing the same clinically proven results with the same great patient recovery profile.
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 Venefit 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.
Although the Venefit procedure and endovenous laser ablation are both minimally invasive procedures, a comparative, multi-center study showed that the Venefit procedure was associated with statistically significant lower rates of pain, bruising and complications. Patients undergoing the Venefit procedure also reported improvements in quality of life measures up to four times faster than patients treated with endovenous laser ablation (the study was conducted with a 980nm laser).
The Venefit procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes, although patients may normally spend 2-3 hours at the medical facility due to normal pre- and post-treatment procedures.
Most patients report feeling little, if any, pain during the Venefit procedure. Your physician should give you a local or regional anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
The Venefit procedure is usually performed under local or regional anesthesia. It is generally performed in a vein specialist's office or an outpatient surgical facility.
Patients treated with the Venefit procedure may resume normal activities more quickly than patients who undergo surgical vein stripping or endovenous laser ablation. With the Venefit procedure, the average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days.
For a few weeks following the treatment, your physician may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.
Patients report limited to no scarring, bruising or swelling following the Venefit procedure using the ClosureFast catheter.
As with all medical procedures, potential risks and complications exist including vessel perforation (when the catheter punctures the vein wall), thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (when a blood clot travels to the lungs), phlebitis (inflammation of the vein), infection, nerve damage, arteriovenous fistula (an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein), hematoma (bruising), and skin burn. As with all medical procedures, consult your physician to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Only a vein specialist can tell you if the Venefit procedure is the right option for your vein problem. Experience has shown that many patients with varicose veins or CVI can be treated with the Venefit procedure.
The most important step in determining whether or not the Venefit procedure is appropriate for you is a complete ultrasound examination by your vein specialist. Age alone is not a factor in determining whether or not the Venefit procedure is appropriate for you. The Venefit procedure has been used to treat both women and men across a wide range of ages.
The Venefit procedure has been shown in a large international, multi-center study to be 93% effective over three years.
Many insurance companies pay for the Venefit procedure in part or in full. The Venefit procedure has coverage policies with major health insurers. Please discuss your coverage with your insurance provider prior to seeking treatment.
Preparing for your appointment
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
- Bring all health insurance cards and information.
- Notify us if any of your information has changed
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Leave valuable items at home
