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CVVI Procedures

CVVI-Cardiovascular & Vein Institute

New Venefit procedure offing hope to patients with varicose viens.

The Venefit™ Procedure

The Venefit™ procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to vein stripping for the treatment of varicose veins and its common underlying cause, venous reflux. Varicose veins are swollen, dark blue or purple blood vessels that you can see and feel beneath the skin. They often look like twisted cords, and usually appear on the calves, inside of the legs and ankles.

Varicose veins form when the valves within a vein falter and allow some blood to flow backward. The vein weakens under the additional strain and balloons outward, raising the skin surface. This is not only a cosmetic problem, but if the reflux progresses to chronic venous insufficiency, it becomes a medical issue as well. That condition can cause serious symptoms including swelling and pain in the legs, leg fatigue and skin ulcerations

Instead of surgically removing the diseased vein, the Venefit™ procedure delivers radio frequency (RF) energy via a catheter to the clogged vein. The RF energy causes the collagen to heat and then shrink. This contraction results in collapse and closure of the vein. Venefit™ offers a number of benefits over vein stripping and other treatment methods including faster treatment and recovery time, less discomfort during and after the procedure, and little or no scarring, bruising or swelling. Additionally, it allows patients to avoid the risks of undergoing invasive groin surgery and having general anesthesia.

Venefit™ features advantages when compared to various forms of laser ablation treatment as well. Traditional laser ablation heats the blood within the affected vein to extremely high temperatures, at which point a steam bubble develops. This damages the vein and causes it to collapse. But this intense heat can do harm to the vein walls, which may result in the patient suffering from considerable bruising and pain following the procedure. Venefit™, on the other hand, employs controlled, consistent heat that gently and safely contracts and seals the affected veins. This leaves the vein walls undamaged and intact, greatly reducing the likelihood of pain or bruising in Venefit™ patients.

The Venefit™ procedure can be an effective treatment method for adults of all ages who have been diagnosed with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. Both men and women may be good candidates for the procedure. After a thorough evaluation, your vein specialist can determine whether this form of therapy is the best option for your specific needs.

A Venefit™ procedure can be performed under local or regional anesthesia as an in-office or outpatient treatment. It is typically completed in 45 minutes to an hour. Anesthetic and a saline solution are injected to numb the leg, and the surgeon will make a very small incision just below the knee. A catheter is inserted through this incision. Ultrasound imaging is used to locate the treatment site and guide the catheter. The doctor then delivers a 20-second pulse of radiofrequency energy and, after confirming with the imaging that the vein has been fully closed, withdraws the catheter. If necessary, the catheter may be reinserted numerous times to apply the RF energy to multiple areas of diseased vein.

  • VARICOSE VEINS

    CVVI-Cardiovascular & Vein Institute

  • ULCER

    CVVI-Cardiovascular & Vein Institute

  • SWELLING

    CVVI-Cardiovascular & Vein Institute

  • SKIN CHANGES

    CVVI-Cardiovascular & Vein Institute


Experience the VenaSeal™ Closure System

The VenaSeal™ closure system is the only non-tumescent, non-thermal, non-sclerosant procedure that uses a proprietary medical adhesive delivered endovenously to close the vein. This unique approach eliminates the risk of nerve injury when treating the small saphenous vein, which is a risk sometimes associated with certain thermal-based procedures. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the procedure is safe and effective. The procedure is administered without the use of tumescent anesthesia, avoiding patient discomfort associated with multiple needle sticks.

What to Expect

Before the VenaSeal™ Closure Procedure

You will have an ultrasound imaging exam of the leg that is to be treated. This exam is important for assessing the diseased superficial vein and planning the procedure.

During the Procedure:

Your doctor can discuss the procedure with you. A brief summary of what to expect is below:
•You may feel some minor pain or stinging with a needle stick to numb the site where the doctor will access your vein.
•Once the area is numb, your doctor will insert the catheter (i.e., a small hollow tube) into your leg. You may feel some pressure from the placement of the catheter.
•The catheter will be placed in specific areas along the diseased vein to deliver small amounts of the medical adhesive. You may feel some mild sensation of pulling or tugging. Ultrasound will be used during the procedure to guide and position the catheter. •After treatment, the catheter is removed and a bandage placed over the puncture site.

After the Procedure:

You will be taken to the recovery area to rest. Your doctor will discuss with you what observations will be performed following treatment.

More Information VenaSeal

Medtronic announced today U.S. availability of its VenaSeal closure system. This is the first procedure of its kind approved for the treatment of symptomatic venous reflux (varicose veins) in the U.S.

News Information

CVVI

Cardiovascular & Vein Institute

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