The VNUS Closure procedure (now known as Venefit™), an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery, brings state-of-the-art technology to an age-old disease.
The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and only requires a simple local anaesthetic. Using ultrasound, your surgeon will position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein, through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated, causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.
Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Your doctor may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time.
More than 70% of varicose veins are suitable for day case treatment using the Closure procedure. There may be a few visible varicose veins left after treatment, but these do not cause symptoms and become less visible with time. As with any surgical procedure there is a small risk deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
We do not know how VNUS treatment compares with conventional treatment in the long term, although results over the last 5 years appear to be as good as or even better than surgery.
Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.
Learn more about the VNUS Closure procedure that treats varicose veins.
Highlights of the VNUS Closure Procedure
Click below to view a short video about the VNUS Closure procedure
- Relief of symptoms
- Resume normal activity within a day
- Outpatient procedure
- Local or general anaesthesia
- Good cosmetic outcome with minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling
The VNUS Closure™ procedures treat leg veins in the superficial and perforating systems that have venous reflux, the underlying cause of varicose veins. Patients with thrombus (blood clots) in the vein segment to be treated should not have the VNUS Closure procedures. Individual results may vary based on each patient’s condition. As with all medical procedures, potential risk 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. Consult with a physician to receive more information.