 Diagnosis is Key.
Each case begins with a complete review of the patient's history and symptoms. After a thorough physical examination of the legs, the patient is given a Doppler ultrasound examination to identify the specific areas of venous reflux. Now the physician is able to determine exactly how the venous reflux developed and select the most effective method of treatment.
After diagnosis, each patient receives a customized treatment plan designed for his/her specific pattern of abnormality.
The physician may choose to incorporate one or more of the following treatments in the plan:
• VNUS® Closure® Procedure
• Ambulatory Microphlebectomy
• Injection Sclerotherapy
Clinical studies show that the VNUS® Closure® Procedure significantly improves patient's symptoms of leg discomfort, swelling and pain in just 1-2 weeks after the procedure, with 90% of patients reporting durable relief from these symptoms. In fact, 98% of patients who have undergone the VNUS® Closure® Procedure are willing to recommend it to a friend or family member.
The VNUS® Closure® uses bi-polar radiofrequency (RF) energy to shrink and seal off troublesome veins. It has been available since 2002 and has helped over 1 million patients worldwide.
 Initially, candidates undergo a venous duplex scan ultrasound in the vascular lab to determine if venous reflux is the problem and precisely where it originates.
Once the diseased vein is treated with the VNUS® Closure® procedure, blood flow is redirected to healthy veins, reestablishing a normal flow of blood in the legs. When the physician removes the catheter, he places a bandage over the insertion site. Patients are then instructed to walk regularly, wear compression stockings for 7 days, and avoid long periods of standing for several days after the procedure to speed their recovery. Since scarring, bruising and swelling are minimal, most patients are able to resume their everyday activities – either at home or at work – typically in 1-2 days.
Treatment is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual patient. Obviously, some patients have more extensive venous disease than others and each patient is evaluated individually to avoid inadequate treatment, which can result in needless expense. The important issue to determine in venous disease/varicose veins is the level at which venous valves have become non-functional. If the problem is not correctly addressed at its source, vein disease can reappear or even be worsened. Correctly addressing vein problems does not guarantee that there will be no future problems, but should lessen them and make them easier to treat.
Venous Reflux Disease treatment options may include injections (sclerotherapy), minimally invasive procedures (ambulatory microphlebectomy), and surgery. One or more of these may be recommended. All treatments destroy or remove veins. (The remaining veins take over the workload, carrying the blood back to the heart. Blood flow then becomes more efficient.) Your doctor and his staff can make suggestions and offer alternatives. Together, you'll decide on the plan to meet your needs.
 What treatments Can and Can't do
Know what to expect.
Treatments....
Can decrease or eliminate symptoms.
Can improve your appearance.
Can reduce the number of new problem veins that may form.
Can't guarantee that problem veins won't develop in the future. This can be a recurring condition, and its underlying causes may still exist.
Can't make your legs look perfect – but your doctor will strive for the very best result. |
