Innovative Treatment for Venous Reflux Disease

A minimally invasive procedure for patients suffering with symptomatic varicose veins and venous reflux offers advantages over conventional vein stripping surgery.

The VNUS Closure procedure consists of inserting a thin radiofrequency (RF) catheter into the diseased vein through a small incision. The catheter then heats the diseased vein sequentially in 7-cm segments, sealing it from the inside and effectively closing it down; blood returning to the heart then naturally reroutes through healthy veins that contain normal valves. The system includes an integrated cable and a streamlined hub designed for easier use and better ergonomics. The device delivers the RF energy via two bipolar electrodes at the distal tip of the rigid shaft, heating the vein wall and creating the vein wall thickening and occlusion. A micro-thermocouple monitors temperature and provides continuous feedback to the physician. The ablation procedure can be performed either as a primary outpatient procedure or as an adjunct to saphenous vein ablation procedures. The VNUS Closure procedure was developed by VNUS Medical Technologies (San Jose, CA, USA).

"In my view the VNUS Closure procedure is the preferred technique to treat venous reflux because it requires no special modifications to operating areas, is well tolerated by patients, requires minimal postprocedure analgesia and is highly effective at permanently closing the vein," said Ian Franklin, a consultant vascular surgeon from the Imperial College London Charing Cross NHS Hospital (London, United Kingdom), commenting on the announcement by the UK National Health Service (NHS) National Innovation Center that identified the VNUS Closure procedure as a select innovative technology that is bringing benefits to NHS hospitals and patients.

"Our treatment alternative has enabled many NHS Trusts to perform a very common operation virtually pain-free in a simple treatment room in around 30-40 minutes without a general anesthetic or overnight stay," responded Michael Branagan-Harris, UK managing director for VNUS Medical Technologies. "This in turn has enabled hospitals to save money by freeing up expensive resources such as operating theatres, ward beds and staff for more invasive procedures."

Varicose veins are caused by increased pressure in the legs as a result of venous reflux and faulty valves in the leg veins. Left untreated, venous reflux can lead to painful varicose veins, swelling in the lower limbs, and skin problems, such as itching, redness, eczema, and leg ulcers.

Related Links:
VNUS Medical Technologies
Imperial College London Charing Cross NHS Hospital