The ClosureFast method closes up the affected vein (Vena saphena magna or Vena saphena parva) by applying heat via radiofrequency through a special catheter, that is inserted into the vein. This eliminates the malicious reflux. A surgical operation to remove the vein is no longer necessary.
Preparations
No preparations are necessarry. The patient does not have to be on an empty stomach, so you may eat as usual. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing with enough room for a bandage of the legs.
Procedure
With a special pen, the affected vein is marked on the leg of the standing patient. Then, the Vena saphena magna is punctured under ultrasonic guidance below the knee joint or, for the Vena saphena parva, below the calf. A special ClosureFast catheter is inserted into the vein and advanced to the groin (to the hollow of the knee for theVena saphena parva, respectively). This entire procedure is carried out under ultrasonic guidance.
A local anaesthetic with adrenalin is applied which causes a contraction of the vein, avoids bruises and eliminates pain.
During few minutes the catheter is retracted whilst heat is emitted via radiofrequency through the catheter. This causes the vein to shrink which will finally disintegrade in the coming weeks and months.
During the same session, side branches of the affected veins are removed with the so called phlebektomy, as well under local anaesthesia.
Risks and Side Effects
ClosureFast is of low risk. Little injuries of the skin nerves can cause an irritating feeling, which however, tend to disappear soon. Bruises, if they occur, dissolve in weeks. In rare cases the affected vein may not completely be closed up or may open again later. In this case the conventional surgical therapy will be recommended.
What happens to the treated vein?
Over the time, the body transforms the treated vein into conjunctive tissue. After approximately 1 year the vein is no longer detectible.
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Experience
Since 1998, in the USA and Europa a couple of hundred thousand patients have been treated with endovenous therapies. In Germany, Prof. Thomas Proebstle promoted the ClosureFast Methode and introduced this method to Prof. Enzler in the Clinik Hirslanden.
Short term and medium term results do not differ from the results of the classical surgical therapy. Varicose veins are caused by genetical predisposition so the re-development of varicose veins after a successful treatment (recurring varicose veins) can not be influenced, regardless of the method applied. So even in cases of the conventional, surgical treatment (Stripping) 20 % of the patients have to undergo a further operation after an average of 5 years.
In case of recurring varicose veins that re-develop after a conventuional, surgical treatment, an endovenous therapy should be applied, as this has a lower risk.
