A vein specialist inserts a catheter into a diseased vein to provide consistent and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and close. After the vein is sealed shut, blood is then naturally redirected to healthy veins.
The 2009 RECOVERY Study confirms that patients experience less bruising, and pain, and fewer complications with the Covidien ClosureFast™ endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) catheter in comparison to 980 nm laser ablation.
The Venefit™ procedure also results in little to no scarring and is generally performed using local anesthesia in a vein specialist’s clinic or a same-day surgical facility or hospital.
Treatment
Since the valves in the legs cannot be repaired, the only alternative is to re-route blood flow from the diseased veins to healthy veins. Traditionally, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from your leg. The Venefit™ procedure, however, provides a less invasive alternative to vein stripping by simply closing the diseased vein. Once the diseased vein is closed, it becomes scar tissue and is eventually absorbed by the body.
HOW IS THE VENEFIT™ PROCEDURE DIFFERENT FROM LASER ABLATION TREATMENT?
The Venefit™ procedure utilizes radiofrequency energy to provide consistent and controlled heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to gently collapse and seal. Once a leg vein is closed, blood flow is redirected to healthy veins.
Laser ablation, on the other hand, uses laser heat to collapse and seal the affected vein. The laser targets the blood in the vein, which causes the blood to boil. This heat creates a steam bubble inside the vein, creating damage to the vein so that the vein collapses. Unlike the Venefit procedure, laser temperatures can reach over 700 °C. Animal studies have shown that laser can potentially lead to perforation and destruction of the vein walls, causing significantly more bruising and post-procedure pain for patients.2,3
The 2009 RECOVERY Study compared the experience of patients treated with the Venefit procedure and those treated with 980 nm laser ablation. The findings clearly demonstrated that:
- The Venefit™ procedure resulted in less pain, less bruising and fewer complications.
- The Venefit™ procedure proved to be up to four times faster in improving patients’ quality of life.
Recovery
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within one to two weeks following the procedure.
Most patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling following the Venefit™ procedure.
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