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Varicose Vein Ablation
Varicose veins are abnormal veins that can occur in the legs. They can be small, thin purple-colored lines (called "spider veins") that lie just below the skin surface, or they can appear as thick, bulging or knotty veins. People with varicose veins frequently say that their legs feel "full" or tired, or are heavy, itch or throb. Varicose veins can be painful. Sometimes people with varicose veins experience swelling of the legs or ankles.
Varicose veins are a common medical condition. It is estimated that 25 million people in the United States suffer from painful symptoms of varicose veins. While many people think that varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue, there is in fact often an underlying medical problem that causes varicose veins. This medical condition is called venous reflux disease.
Venous reflux disease is the impaired return of venous blood from the legs and feet, often manifesting as varicose veins, swollen ankles, aching legs, skin changes or venous ulcers. In many cases, venous reflux disease is the result of over-dilation of the venous vessels in the legs. This dilation eventually prevents the valve cusps from closing properly resulting in reflux. The pooling of blood results in ineffective flow back to the heart.
It is important to know that venous reflux is a progressive disease. That means that if left untreated, it can progress to more serious symptoms, including skin changes such as discoloration, inflammation and even ulcers. Varicose veins caused by venous reflux disease will not go away by themselves.
Traditionally patients diagnosed with venous reflux would undergo varicose vein stripping surgery. By surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome varicose vein from your leg. Now, patients can be treated with the Vnus Closure procedure -- by closing the diseased vein instead of painful vein stripping surgery. This procedure is fast, is performed while you're awake and typically allows you to return to normal activities the next day.
A typical procedure begins with noninvasive ultrasound imaging of the varicose vein to trace its location. This allows the physician to determine the site where the Closure catheter will be inserted and to mark the desired position of the catheter tip to begin treatment.
After the physician accesses the diseased vein, the Closure catheter is inserted into the vein and advanced to the uppermost segment of the vein. The physician then typically injects a volume of dilute anesthetic fluid into the area surrounding the vein. This numbs the leg, helps squeeze blood out of the vein and provides a fluid layer outside the vein to protect surrounding tissue from heat once the catheter starts delivering RF energy. Saline is then slowly infused into the vein from the tip of the catheter to further create a near-bloodless field inside the vein, allowing the catheter to preferentially heat the vein wall, rather than the blood.
Noninvasive ultrasound is used to confirm the catheter tip position and the physician then activates the RF generator, causing the electrodes at the tip of the catheter to heat the vein wall to a target temperature of typically 85 degrees Centigrade or 185 degrees Fahrenheit. As the vein wall is heated, the vein shrinks and the catheter is gradually withdrawn. During catheter pullback, which typically occurs over 15 to 18 minutes, the RF generator regularly adjusts the power level to maintain target temperature to effectively shrink collagen in the vein wall and close the vein over an extended length.
After treatment, ultrasound imaging is used to confirm closing of the vein. If a portion of the vein is not closed, the catheter can be reinserted and energy reapplied. After the procedure, the narrowed vein gradually becomes fibrous, sealing the interior of the vein walls and naturally redirecting blood flow to healthy veins. The entire procedure typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes.
Example of patient treated with Closure procedure.
To learn more about the Varicose Veins and the Closure Procedure please contact Dr. Evan Oblonksy at the Premier Vein Center. (847) 590-8888