Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Treatment
When varicose veins need to be eliminated, a minimally invasive method is now available. It is much preferred by the RVI (Reeder Vein Institute) staff and patients over the old-fashioned "vein stripping" procedure, which often required general anesthesia, a brief hospital stay and weeks of uncomfortable healing and recuperation.
The minimally invasive procedure includes the following:
- Tiny incision in the skin where only local anesthesia is used. No long incisions or sutures are needed.
- Doppler ultrasound mapping of the precise location of the veins needing treatment.
- Insertion of a radiofrequency catheter into the vein, again using ultrasound to confirm proper placement.
- Activation of the radio frequency catheter as the device is slowly pulled back along the course of the vein being treated.
- Confirmation by ultrasound that the treated vein has been closed as a result of the energy transfer from the radiofrequency catheter.
ClosureFAST
Catheter
At RVI Dallas, Texas, The VNUS Closure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment alternative with less pain and less bruising when compared to traditional vein stripping surgery and laser treatment. Using the Closure system, physicians close the diseased veins by inserting the Closure catheter into a vein and heating the vein wall using temperature-controlled RF energy. Heating the vein wall causes collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. After the vein is sealed shut, blood then naturally reroutes to healthy veins. Patients are up and walking immediately and can usually resume normal daily activities within a day or two.
While there are laser options available and both give excellent results and are minimally invasive, Dr. Reeder believes at this time the VNUS method is the most gentle and has the highest patient satisfaction.
Back to Treatment Options