Below, find some Frequently Asked Questions on the Closure Procedure and the VenaCure Treatment.

The Closure Procedure

When is the Closure procedure used?
Closure is used, like vein stripping, to eliminate reverse blood flow in the saphenous vein, but without physically removing the vein, and can be performed without general anesthesia.   Like other venous procedures, the Closure procedure involves risks and potential complications.  Each patient should consult their doctor to determine whether or not they are a candidate for this procedure, and if their condition presents any special risks.  Complications reported in medical literature include numbness or tingling (paresthesia) skin burns, blood clots, temporary tenderness in the treated limb.
Is the procedure painful?
Patients report little if any pain during and after the procedure.
How quickly can I resume normal activity?
Patients walk immediately following the procedure and typically resume normal activities within one day.
How soon will my symptoms improve?
Many patients notice an immediate relief of symptoms including pain, leg heaviness and fatigue. The complete benefits of the procedure may take 1-2 weeks.
Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the procedure?
Patients report minimal or no scarring, bruising or swelling following the procedure.
What if I need the vein for bypass surgery in the future?
The procedure treats diseased veins only which are not appropriate for bypass surgery.
Is the procedure covered by insurance?
Many major insurance carriers cover the Closure Procedure, based on medical necessity for symptom relief.

The VenaCure Treatment

How is a laser procedure different from surgery?
Surgery involves considerable preparation, general anesthesia, the risk of infection, pain in the affected areas, and a lengthy recovery period. The medical laser technology used in VenaCure eliminates all of that. It's "minimally invasive." The entry point through which your physician gets the laser fiber to the target area is extremely small, not even requiring stitches.There is really no "recovery" to speak of. In fact, you'll be up and walking as soon as it's over, able to return to full normal activity. The risk of infection is extremely low. It's not painful.
I've heard about lasers being used in medicine but I'm not sure how they work. Are they safe?
Simply put, a laser is a highly concentrated beam of light. Medical lasers work by delivering this light energy to the targeted tissue with extreme precision so as not to affect the surrounding tissue. And they've proven their safety and effectiveness through years of use in all kinds of medical procedures, from ophthalmology to dermatology. In the hands of a skilled physician, lasers offer far less risk and complications than conventional surgery.
Exactly how does a laser treat varicose veins?
Your veins carry blood from the capillaries to the heart. In your leg, this means the blood has to flow upward, against gravity. Consequently, these veins have one-way valves to prevent the blood from backflowing. Over time these valves can fail to close tightly, allowing blood to pool and causing the bulging and twisting characteristic of varicose veins. VenaCure fixes this problem at the source by delivering just the right wavelength of laser energy to just the right tissue, causing the incompetent vein to close. Your body automatically routes the blood to other healthy veins.
What is the actual procedure like?
It takes about 45 minutes and requires just local anesthesia. Your physician then inserts a thin laser fiber into the vein through a sheath and the laser light is emitted through the fiber. While you might feel some unfamiliar sensation, it is not painful. And it's all done in an outpatient setting like your physician's office or a one-day surgery center.
How do I prepare?
Simply avoid taking any food or liquid two hours before the procedure.
How long before I see the results?
There may be some slight swelling right after the procedure, but you could start seeing results immediately.
Will they last?
VenaCure has proved to be 97% effective-an outstanding record of success. Therefore, you should experience no reoccurrence in the veins that have been treated. Follow-up procedures may be desired to obtain optimal aesthetic results.
Will my insurance cover it?
Check your policy and call your insurance provider to find out what their exact coverage will be.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Paoli Hospital interventional radiologist,
Call 1-866-CALL-MLH.