FAQs About Varicose Vein Treatment and VNUS® Closure® Procedure

Q: Is the Closure procedure painful?
A: Patients report feeling little, if any, pain during and after the procedure.

Q: How quickly can I resume normal activity?
A: Patients are walking immediately following the procedure and typically resume normal activities within one day.

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Q: How soon will my symptoms improve?
A: Many patients notice an immediate relief of symptoms such as pain, leg heaviness and fatigue. The full benefits of the procedure may take one to two weeks.

Q: Is there any scarring, bruising or swelling after the procedure?
A: Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling following the Closure procedure.

Pre-treatment

Pre-treatment

One week post-treatment

One week post-treatment

Before and after images courtesy of Michael Vasquez, MD

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Q: How is the Closure procedure different from vein stripping?
A: During vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a stripper tool is threaded through the diseased vein to pull the vein out of the leg. With the Closure procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then closed and left in place. This minimally invasive approach eliminates pain and bruising associated with vein stripping surgery.

Q: What if I need the vein for bypass surgery in the future?
A:
The Closure procedure treats diseased veins only, which are not appropriate for bypass surgery. Physicians can use other healthy vessels should bypass
surgery be necessary.

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Q: Is the Closure procedure covered by insurance?
A: Most major health insurers cover the Closure procedure. Your physician can discuss your coverage further at the time of the consultation.

If you still have questions or need more information about this procedure, call Virginia Mason's Vein Treatment Clinic at (206) 254-VEIN or (206) 254-8346.