VNUS Closure Procedure in Bakersfield California
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (VNUS Closure®) Procedure
Catheter inserted in refluxing vein
Catheter positioned, electrodes deployed
RF energy heats and contracts vein wall
Catheter withdrawn, closing vein
Denuded vein is physically narrowed
VNUS Closure
The endovenous radiofrequency ablation (or VNUS Closure) procedure is a minimally invasive vein treatment used to treat the great saphenous (GSV), small saphenous (SSV), and perforator veins. In VNUS Closure Procedure a patented radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the vein, which applies RF energy to heat the vein. This causes the vein to collapse and seal shut.
The VNUS Closure procedure has been FDA-approved since 1999 and over 250,000 procedures have been performed worldwide. The VNUS Closure procedure is performed in an office under local anesthesia, by Dr. Mallik Thatipelli, in Bakersfield, California
The steps of the endovenous radiofrequency ablation procedure (or VNUS Closure) are:
- A physician uses ultrasound to map the course of the vein
- Radiofrequency (Closure) catheter is inserted (through a small puncture) into the vein
- Local anesthetic solution is ‘infiltrated’ (infused) into the area around the vein
- Radiofrequency energy is applied to heat the vein and collapse the vein shut
- Patients usually are asked to walk immediately after the VNUS Closure Procedure. Walking is encouraged to stimulate reduced pressure on the veins and minimize the risk of complications
- Compression stockings are usually prescribed for one to two weeks following the VNUS Closure Procedure.
VNUS Closure Recovery:
The endovenous radiofrequency ablation procedure has shown success rates (reflux-free) of 90% with up to 2-year follow-up. Patients are walking after the procedure and generally resume normal activity the same day.
Possible side effects of the Closure procedure include bruising, swelling, and numbness, but these are generally only temporary. Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (VNUS Closure) is usually covered by most insurers (e.g., Medicare and private insurers). Eligibility generally requires proof of medical necessity.
Benefits of VNUS Closure Procedure:
Compared to traditional vein stripping surgery, the VNUS Closure Procedure offers a good cosmetic outcome with minimal scarring, bruising, or swelling
