Introducing the VNUS ClosureFAST® catheter

As leaders the field of vein disease treatment, we are proud to offer our patients the latest in treatment technology.

Our facility is proud to announce the availability of the VNUS ClosureFAST® catheter.

The new generation VNUS ClosureFAST® catheter was introduced and received FDA clearance in August 2006 and is a culmination of approximately four years of research and development. The ClosureFAST® catheter is designed to significantly reduce procedure time and enhance ease-of-use for the physician. Like the original VNUS Closure catheter, the ClosureFAST® catheter uses RF energy and VNUS RF generators to deliver controlled energy and monitor treatment temperature for the purpose of closing diseased veins. The Closure procedure using the ClosureFAST® catheter minimizes the post-procedure pain and bruising commonly associated with the competitive endovenous laser treatment.

Click here to see a ClosureFAST® short video ( broadband connection preferred ).

VNUS Closure

At Puget Sound Vein Center we are pleased to offer the VNUS® Closure® procedure, in addition to other treatment modalities for comprehensive management of vein disease. The Closure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment alternative for patients with a condition known as superficial venous reflux, which often results in varicose veins and other painful symptoms. Varicose veins are known for their distinctive blue color and bulging appearance on the skin. Resembling large, elongated worms, they afflict an estimated 10%-20% of the adult population. In the United States, that translates into 20-25 million people, the majority of whom are women.

Highlights of the Closure® procedure

• Relief of symptoms
• Resume normal activity within a day
• Outpatient /office procedure
• Local anesthesia
• Good cosmetic outcome with minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling

The Closure® procedure

The VNUS® Closure procedure, an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery, brings state-of-the-art technology to an age-old disease.

The Closure procedure is performed in our office suite under local anesthesia. Using ultrasound, the physician will position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein, through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated, causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.

Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Your doctor may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time.

Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within a day.

Click here to see a Closure Procedure short video ( broadband connection preferred ).

Click here to see a Closure Animation video ( broadband connection preferred ).

The Closure® Procedure -- A Treatment That Works

Clinical results indicate that the Closure procedure can be effective at closing the vein and significantly reducing patient symptoms.

At two years following treatment, patients who had undergone the Closure procedure reported superior quality of life compared to vein stripping patients.

The Closure procedure has proven to be highly effective, with more than 90% of veins treated remaining reflux free at two years. 1 Results also demonstrate long-term relief of symptoms.

Patient Symptoms Reported at Follow-up

Three randomized trials of the Closure procedure versus vein stripping, including the multi-center comparative trial published August 2003 in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, show very similar results. In the most recent trial every statistically significant outcome was in favor of the Closure procedure, resulting in:

• Experienced less post-operative pain and bruising
• Resumed normal activities within one day
• Returned to work more than a week earlier than vein stripping patients

Visual Results:

Percent of Legs Without Varicose Veins at Follow-up
The Closure procedure is shown to be effective as vein stripping in delaying the reappearance of varicose veins.

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