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The New VNUS Closure™ Procedure
Defining The Future of of Venous
Therapy
An Alternative to Vein
Stripping Surgery (Without Down Time)
For years, men and women
bothered by large deep-seated varicose veins have sought
surgical treatment for the discomfort, unsightly appearance
and potential complications of this common, but unpleasant
medical condition. Now, a new alternative to the traditional
method of radical surgical vein stripping is available. The
VNUS Closure™ Procedure has been given FDA market clearance.
This new method is a minimally invasive therapy that not
only has a success rate equal to the surgical treatment, but
also has many important benefits for the patient.
Significant Advantages for the
Patient
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The VNUS Closure™ Procedure can
be completed in the comfort of the physician's office.
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VNUS Closure™ requires only
local anesthesia and a tiny incision (vein stripping
requires a larger incision and general anesthesia). There is
no potential for scarring as in other surgical procedures.
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There is little or no pain after
the treatment, and patients can resume their normal
activities the next day.
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Best of all, for people who wear
shorts or bathing suits in year-round warm climates like
Florida, the legs are immediately presentable. There is
little or no leg swelling, bruising or scarring that is
typical of the traditional treatment methods.
Other Minimally-Invasive Therapy
Methods
In the last decade, there have
been other minimally invasive techniques, such as
phlebectomy and
sclerotherapy, developed to treat varicose veins
and the spider veins that are often seen on the face.
However, these methods are best for surface or small vein
conditions. They often fail to correct the chronic deep
large vein problems that plague some people.
Simple & Effective VNUS Closure
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During the VNUS Closure™
Procedure, a tiny incision is made in the leg and a small,
thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted. A precise,
pre-determined amount of radiofrequency energy is delivered
through the catheter to the damaged vein.
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The radiofrequency energy causes
the vein wall to heat up, collapse and seal shut - without
harm to nearby tissue and with little or no discomfort for
the patient.
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The physician then performs an
ultrasound, a sophisticated medical technology that combines
sound waves and computers images to see inside the internal
body. Ultrasound is used to make sure that blood flow is
blocked permanently and that any leakage of blood has been
eliminated.
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Then the catheter is removed, a
bandage is placed on the incision site and patients can get
up and go home. The only restriction is to avoid heavy
lifting for a few days. Patients are also asked wear a
compression stocking for two to three days to aid healing.
What are Varicose Veins?
Most people know varicose veins
by their prominent, unattractive appearance - bluish knots
or cords visible just under the surface of the skin, usually
in the legs, from the ankles to the groin. While these
abnormal veins are generally not disabling, they can be
chronic, and they can certainly be uncomfortable, causing
swelling in the ankles and a feeling of heaviness or
tiredness of the legs. Dull leg pain can occur, along with
leg cramps at night.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins result from poor
circulation in the legs caused by diseased or damaged valves
that control proper blood flow. When valves in the veins no
longer close tightly, blood can leak backwards, causing the
vein to enlarge with blood and the vessel walls to weaken.
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
While both men and women can
suffer from this condition, it is more common in women,
especially during pregnancy. A family history contributes to
your risk of developing the disease; so does an occupation
that requires standing for long periods of time. Some people
are born with the tendency to develop varicose veins. Others
develop them following an injury. Obesity is also a factor.
The elderly are at higher risk since veins tend to loose
their elasticity with age.
Preventing Varicose Veins
While you may not be able to
prevent varicose veins if you have a family history of this
vein disease condition, you can take steps to improve your
health & well being before treatment becomes necessary.
Here are some examples:
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Exercise by walking, dancing,
jogging, cycling or swimming to help improve circulation by
strengthening the leg muscles that push blood up the vein.
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Sit with the legs elevated. When
on a long trip, getting out of the car every hour and walk
around.
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Keep your legs uncrossed at the
knees. Crossing your legs interferes with blood flow.
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Maintain an appropriate body
weight. * Wear light elastic stockings if you're pregnant or
confined to bed for any time after illness or surgery.
Visit the Manufacturer's website
at
www.vnus.com
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