VNUS Closure Procedure in Visalia CA

Non-surgical vein closure procedure
for varicose veins & venous insufficiency.

VIP Specialists is now offering an Online Assessment 

The VNUS Closure procedure is a non-surgical vein treatment that is used to treat varicose veins. VNUS Closure, also called VNUS ablation or sometimes radiofrequency vein ablation, delivers targeted thermal energy to safely close down problem veins and restore healthy circulation in the leg.

Vein ablation has been the go-to varicose vein treatment for nearly a decade. It is clinically proven to provide relief from leg discomfort and swelling, and can also provide aesthetic improvements to legs that are visually affected by varicose veins.

The VNUS Closure procedure is performed right here at the VIP office in Visalia, CA by expertly trained Vein Specialists. The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the extent of your vein problems, and you’re able to resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure.

VIP Vein Specialist performing the VNUS Closure procedure in Visalia, CA
VIP Vein Specialist performing the VNUS Closure procedure.

VIP: Your VNUS Closure Providers in Visalia, CA

We are VIP Specialists, and we’re to help you get your legs back to health. Our Vascular and Interventional Specialists provide a full suite of screening, diagnostic, and treatment services for spider veins, varicose veins, and more advanced stages of venous insufficiency.

Our vein treatment center is conveniently located in downtown Visalia, California at the corner of Locust Street and East Acequia Avenue. Schedule your visit today!

Dr. Ashkan Shahkarami

Vascular & Interventional Specialist

VNUS Closure procedure provider Dr. Ashkan Shahkarami in Visalia, CA

Dr. Bennett K. Abe

Vascular & Interventional Specialist

VNUS Closure procedure provider Dr. Bennett K. Abe in Visalia, CA

Dr. Francisco E. Valles

Vascular & Interventional Specialist

VNUS Closure procedure provider Dr. Francisco E. Valles in Visalia, CA

Dr. Glade Roper

Vascular & Interventional Specialist

VNUS Closure procedure provider Dr. Glade Roper in Visalia, CA

Dr. Daniel Hightower

Vascular & Interventional Specialist

VNUS Closure procedure provider Dr. Daniel Hightower in Visalia, CA

VNUS Closure Procedure in Visalia, CA

Vascular & interventional Procedure (VIP) Specialists Logo, Visalia California
Legs with visible varicose veins and skin color changes in the feet
Woman with varicose veins on one leg
Leg with visible swelling and bulging varicose veins caused by venous insufficiency
Legs with varicose veins and skin color changes caused by vein disease

How VNUS Ablation Works

VNUS ablation uses thermal energy to effectively close down varicose veins. When applied to the inside of a varicose vein, thermal energy causes the walls of the vein to collapse. The elimination of a major vessel causes blood to resume flow through nearby healthy veins, which helps to restore healthy circulation in the leg.

The VNUS Closure procedure is performed using a catheter-based device that is outfitted with a heating element and connected to a radiofrequency (RF) generator. Prior to activating the heating element, the saphenous compartment, which surrounds the vein, is filled with a liquid referred to as tumescent anesthesia. Tumescent anesthesia acts as a heat sink to protect surrounding tissue from excessive temperatures during treatment, and also numbs the area to minimize any pain or discomfort during the procedure. [1]

Insertion of catheter device for VNUS Closure procedure

The catheter is inserted into the leg through a single puncture

Injection of tumescent anesthesia for VNUS Closure procedure

Tumescent anesthesia is injected into the saphenous compartment

Thermal ablation during VNUS Closure procedure

Radiofrequency or laser energy is applied to the heating element

Effects of VNUS Closure procedure on treated vein

Vein wall collapses from heat-induced collagen denaturation

Is VNUS Closure Clinically Proven?

Good-quality evidence supports the use of the VNUS Closure procedure for long-term varicose vein closure. The VeClose study demonstrated complete vein closure in 97.0% of individuals treated with radiofrequency thermal ablation at one year following treatment, and additional clinical studies have reported similar results. [2-4]

VNUS Closure Procedure in Visalia, CA

Vascular & interventional Procedure (VIP) Specialists Logo, Visalia California

VNUS Closure Recovery

VNUS Closure recovery time is minimal. There are very few limitations to your normal activities after the procedure, and most patients are encouraged to walk and resume their daily activities immediately afterwards. Following vein treatment, you will likely be prescribed compression stockings to wear day and night on the treated leg(s) for 3 to 5 days following the procedure. Compression stockings help to ensure permanent vein closure.

Most patients report an immediate improvement in their pain symptoms following vein treatment, but visible changes to the leg can take 1 to 3 months to heal and return to normal. We’ll ask you back for follow-up evaluations 4 weeks after your procedure to check on the status of your veins and provide additional treatment if necessary.

VNUS Closure Side Effects

VNUS Closure side effects are rarely serious and in most cases can be managed with over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. A small percentage of patients may experience temporary bruising (ecchymosis), inflamed veins (phlebitis), or minor soreness in the thigh. [2] Be sure to consult one of our Vein Specialists before using over-the-counter medication for side effects related to vein treatment.

VNUS Closure Complications

VNUS Closure complications are uncommon. In rare instances, heat-induced thrombosis or other thermal injuries such as nerve damage may occur as a result of the VNUS Closure procedure. [5] There are also a minority of cases in which the treated vein may fail to close completely and re-open some time after the procedure. [2] These occurrences are typically addressed with an additional procedure.

Even though the chances are minimal, the risk of VNUS closure complications emphasizes the importance of seeing a board-certified Vascular Specialist about your veins, to ensure you’re receiving the highest quality of care from a trained professional.

Is VNUS Closure Right For Me?

Vein closure is the ‘gold standard’ treatment for symptomatic varicose veins, and has clear advantages over more conservative and more surgical approaches. A Vein Specialist at VIP Specialists can help you evaluate your options and decide if vein closure is right for you!
Patient undergoing vein ultrasound screening before her VNUS Closure procedure

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References
[1] Lohr, J., & Kulwicki, A. (2010). Radiofrequency Ablation: Evolution of a Treatment. Seminars in Vascular Surgery, 23(2), 90–100.
[2] Morrison, N., Gibson, K., Vasquez, M., Weiss, R., Cher, D., Madsen, M., & Jones, A. (2017). VeClose trial 12-month outcomes of cyanoacrylate closure versus radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 5(3), 321–330.
[3] Lawaetz, M., Serup, J., Lawaetz, B., Bjoern, L., Blemings, A., Eklof, B., & Rasmussen, L. (2017). Comparison of endovenous ablation techniques, foam sclerotherapy and surgical stripping for great saphenous varicose veins. Extended 5-year follow-up of a RCT. International Angiology, 36(3), 281–288.
[4] Rasmussen, L., Lawaetz, M., Bjoern, L., Blemings, A., & Eklof, B. (2013). Randomized clinical trial comparing endovenous laser ablation and stripping of the great saphenous vein with clinical and duplex outcome after 5 years. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 58(2), 421–426.
[5] Dermody, M., O’Donnell, T. F., & Balk, E. M. (2013). Complications of endovenous ablation in randomized controlled trials. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 1(4), 427–436.e1.

Medical Disclaimer
The Materials available on visaliavips.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients.