If you are suffering from varicose veins and bulging leg veins, the VNUS Closure may be right for you. VNUS Closure represents one of the most pivotal high-tech developments in vein treatment in the last five decades. VNUS Closure uses radiofrequency energy to eliminate the root cause of deeply rooted venous reflux that causes varicose veins. In other words, VNUS Closure stops the problems with varicose veins at the root of the problem.
The treatment of varicose veins begins with a thorough consultation to determine the root cause of abnormal vein development. The health of your veins is an important part of your circulatory system as well as the overall health of your body. With age and overall activity, the venous system may become susceptible to changes and may begin to develop bulging varicose veins that impair the normal and efficient circulatory system. Most patients who have venous disease have one or two conditions that are commonly known as venous insufficiency and venous reflux. During your initial consultation with board certified vein surgeon Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, a comprehensive vein mapping and medical history will be performed to determine the root cause of your varicose veins and vein problems. As you may know, varicose vein may develop differently among adult men and women. Some patients may have bulging varicose veins whereas others may have less prominent veins, but more symptomatic vein disease such as leg pain, leg swelling, cramping, throbbing, itching, burning, and vein related skin changes. There are millions of healthy adult men and women who suffer with varicose veins and vein disease in the United States. The majority of these patients live with the chronic symptoms associated with venous disease. Fortunately, early treatment of venous disease may dramatically improve symptoms and may improve one’s vein health.
At the Santa Monica Vein Center we are experts in the management of venous insufficiency, venous reflux, medical vein disease, and cosmetic spider veins. Our comprehensive approach begins with a thorough consultation and vein mapping in which we attempt to determine the root causes of your varicose veins and spider veins. In doing so, the origin of the abnormal veins can be discovered and treated. The diagnosis of vein disease begins with transilluminated vein mapping and with duplex ultrasound. These two modalities help Dr. Karamanoukian deal underneath the skin to determine how deeply involved the vein problem lies. For those patients who have less prominent bulging veins, but medically symptomatic pain, swelling, leg heaviness, muscle fatigue, vein related skin changes, and varicose veins, treatments are available to treat the vein problem at its origin in order to improve lifestyle and quality of life.
The VNUS closure procedure is also known as the Venefit procedure. It is a revolutionary new treatment protocol for venous insufficiency and venous reflux that has altogether replaced traditional and old fashioned vein stripping surgery. The VNUS closure procedure was developed approximately 10 years ago and has gone through several general technological improvements in order to minimize discomfort and minimize pain during the procedure. Of all the techniques available for medically symptomatic varicose vein disease, the venous procedure and endovenous ablation are commonly referred to as the goal standards for the treatment of venous insufficiency.
The VNUS closure procedure is performed using a small radiofrequency fiber that is carefully positioned within the abnormal veins of the legs and thighs. In doing so, safe radiofrequency energy is delivered to the unwanted vein in order to cause its eventual collapse. By removing these unwanted and damaged veins, the venous circulation is improved and made more efficient. VNUS closure procedures are recommended for those patients who have venous insufficiency, venous reflux, and symptomatic vein disease.
If you are unsure of what symptomatic vein disease is, it relates to the development of symptoms that can affect quality of life. The most common vein related symptoms include leg pain, leg swelling, leg heaviness, early muscle fatigue, skin changes, vein ulcers, itching, burning, leg cramps, leg throbbing, and restless leg.
The VNUS closure procedure delivers radiofrequency energy into the unwanted vein eventually causing its collapse. The body will then begin the process of absorbing the unwanted vein and a quick and painless ultrasound perform by Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian in the postoperative period helps tract the course of treated vein after surgery. Usually, the vein wall begins to shrink up and is eventually absorbed by the body. The veins around the treated vein are then rerouted naturally in order to improve the overall leg circulation.
Recovery after the venous procedure is relatively simple. Some patients will note minor bruising and swelling along the treated area, whereas others will return to work quickly after the procedure. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian at the Santa Monica Vein Center prefers the outpatient approach to the venous procedure in which only local anesthesia is used to numb the skin during the treatment. The patients are allowed to drive home and a single bandage is placed over the treatment site. Dr. Karamanoukian will provide you with specific postoperative instructions including directions regarding exercise and postoperative activity. The patients often return to work the same day of the procedure and can resume normal activities thereafter.
Benefits of the closure procedure
The major benefit of the VNUS closure procedure begins with a treatment unwanted and diseased veins in the legs and thighs. These varicose vein related blood vessels often are inefficient and can cause serious problems with your venous system. By controlling or eliminating these veins, Dr. Karamanoukian can help make your venous circulation more efficient and better performing. The benefits of the procedure are to improve symptoms related to varicose veins and venous insufficiency, including leg swelling, leg pain, throbbing, leg cramps, early muscle fatigue, restless legs, itching, burning, and vein related skin changes. The procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery with quick recovery. Local anesthesia is typically use for VNUS closure and minimal scarring or bruising is noted after the procedure.
Common Questions and Answers about VNUS closure
What is the closure procedure?
The VNUS closure procedure is a state of the art technique for the treatment of medically symptomatic varicose veins and vein disease. The treatment uses safe radiofrequency energy which is delivered to the diseased veins in your legs and thighs. The treatment uses local anesthesia on an outpatient basis and the patient usually return to work within an hour or two after surgery. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a board certified vein specialist and has performed countless VNUS closure procedures.
Does the VNUS closure procedure use laser energy?
There are many different types of endovenous vein ablation available in the United States. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is an expert in both endovenous laser ablation and endovenous radiofreqency ablation. Both procedures use a minimally invasive technique to close off unwanted and diseased veins in the legs and thighs. In doing so, the root source of varicose veins is treated and the patients are able to return to normal activities immediately after their procedure. VNUS Closure uses radiofrequency (RF) energy whereas EVLT uses laser energy.
