Nonsurgical, minimally invasive varicose vein treatment available at GCM Radiology with the VNUS® Closure® System.
At Doctors Groover, Christie, & Merritt, we are pleased to offer the VNUS® Closure® procedure, in addition to other treatment modalities for the management of vein disease. The VNUS® Closure® system is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial venous reflux disease (SVRD). SVRD is the underlying cause of varicose veins in most cases, and can also cause spider veins, swelling, burning, heaviness, and fatigue in the legs. SVRD occurs when the one way valves in your leg veins, which usually ensure that blood flows out of your legs, become injured or diseased and stop functioning normally. Blood can then pool in your legs and the pressure of this pooling blood can dilate the veins in your legs resulting in varicose veins as well as the other symptoms listed above (Figure 1).
Since valves can't be repaired, the only alternative is to redirect the blood through healthy veins. This traditionally has been performed by surgically removing the abnormal veins from the legs by means of "stripping." The VNUS closure procedure closes off the abnormal vein instead of removing it, and is a less invasive alternative to surgical vein stripping.
Figure 2 is a depiction of a diseased vein being closed with the VNUS system. An intravenous (IV) line is started in the diseased superficial vein in your leg and a long straw, called a catheter, which is about the size of a spaghetti noodle, is placed into the vein through the intravenous site. 
Once it has closed the pressure of the pooling blood is no longer transmitted to the veins of the legs. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is able to walk immediately after the procedure and usually has dramatic relief of symptoms within several days (Figure 3).
Highlights of the VNUS Closure® Procedure
- Relief of symptoms
- Good cosmetic outcome with minimal or no scars
- Outpatient procedure
- Resume normal activity within 1-2 days
- Local anesthesia
Scheduling a Consultation
Patients may schedule a consultation to speak with an Interventional Radiologist about this procedure. Any studies, such as an ultrasound, which have been previously performed should be brought to the appointment if possible. During the appointment, the procedure and any necessary pre-procedure imaging studies can be scheduled.
For more information on the VNUS® Closure® procedure, click here.