Frequently Asked Questions About the ClosureFast™ Procedure (previously known as Venefit™ or VNUS closure)

The Preferred Treatment for Varicose Veins and CVI

The ClosureFast™ procedure (previously known as Venefit™) is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) in which one of the experienced doctors at Precision VIR inserts an Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Catheter to collapse and close enlarged leg veins. After the vein is sealed shut, blood then naturally reroutes to healthy veins.

FAQs

What Is ClosureFast Targeted Endovenous Therapy?

The ClosureFast procedure is a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to effectively treat patients suffering from varicose veins or Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). One of the physicians at Precision Vascular & Interventional 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 ClosureFast procedure also results in little to no scarring and is generally performed using local anesthesia in the Precision Vascular & Interventional office or an outpatient surgical facility.

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?

CVI is a progressive medical condition in which the valves that carry blood from the legs to the heart no longer function, causing blood to pool in the legs and veins to swell. This incorrect blood flow (or reflux) causes veins to expand, lose form and protrude from beneath the skin. Common symptoms include pain, leg swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue as well as skin changes and ulcers in more severe cases. Varicose veins are often thick, bulging veins that can protrude well beyond the skin’s surface. Often misunderstood as a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can progress to CVI, which is a more serious condition.

How do You Treat Varicose Veins and CVI?

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 ClosureFast 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 ClosureFast Procedure Different from Vein Stripping?

Vein stripping is a surgical procedure, where the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and ties off the vein, after which a “stripper” tool is threaded through the leg vein in order to pull it out through a second incision just above the calf.

The ClosureFast procedure is minimally invasive. In contrast to vein stripping, the vein remains in place and is closed using a special catheter inserted through a small incision below the knee.

Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room under a general anesthetic, while the Venefit procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically using local or regional anesthesia.

How is the ClosureFast Procedure Different from the Laser Ablation Treatment?

The ClosureFast procedure utilizes radio frequency 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 ClosureFast 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.³,⁴

The 2009 RECOVERY Study compared the experience of patients treated with the ClosureFast procedure (then known as Venefit) and those treated with 980 nm laser ablation. The findings clearly demonstrated that:

The procedure resulted in less pain, less bruising and fewer complications.¹
The procedure proved to be up to four times faster in improving patients’ quality of life.¹

How Long Does the ClosureFast Procedure Take?

The ClosureFast procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes, although patients may normally spend 2 hours at the medical facility due to normal pre- and post-treatment procedures.

Is The ClosureFast Procedure Painful?

Most patients report feeling little, if any, pain during the ClosureFast procedure. One of the physicians at Precision VIR will give you a local or regional anesthetic to numb the treatment area.

Does It Require Anesthesia?

The ClosureFast procedure can be performed under local, regional or general anesthesia. It is generally performed using local anesthesia in the Precision VIR office or an outpatient surgical facility.

How Quickly After Treatment Can I Return To Normal Activities?

Many patients experience a quicker return to normal activities.2 For a few weeks following the treatment, we recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.

How Soon After Treatment Will My Symptoms Improve?

Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within one to two weeks following the procedure.

Is There Any Scarring, Bruising, or Swelling After The ClosureFast Procedure?

Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the ClosureFast procedure.

What Potential Risks And Complications Are Associated With The ClosureFast Procedure?

As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the ClosureFast procedure. Your will review potential complications of the ClosureFast procedure at the consultation, which can include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, paresthesia (numbness or tingling) and/or skin burn.

Is The ClosureFast Procedure Suitable For Everyone?

Our doctors at Precision determine if the ClosureFast procedure is the right option for your vein problem. Experience has shown that many patients with CVI can be treated with the ClosureFast procedure.

Is Age An Important Consideration For The ClosureFast Procedure?

The most important step in determining whether or not the ClosureFast procedure is appropriate for you is a complete ultrasound examination. Age alone is not a factor in determining whether or not the ClosureFast procedure is appropriate for you. The ClosureFast procedure has been used to treat both women and men across a wide range of ages.

How Effective Is The ClosureFast Procedure?

The ClosureFast procedure has been shown in a large international, multi-center study to be 93% effective over three years.

What Happens To The Treated Vein Left Behind In The Leg?

The vein simply becomes fibrous tissue after treatment. Over time, the vein will gradually be completely absorbed into surrounding tissue.

Care for your feet and legs

Is The ClosureFast Procedure Covered By My Insurance?

The ClosureFast Procedure – What to Know

Many insurance companies pay for the ClosureFast procedure in part or in full. The ClosureFast procedure has coverage policies with major health insurers. You can discuss your insurance coverage further at the time of consultation.

Request an Appointment

Our specialists will take the time to answer your questions about ClosureFast and our other advanced procedures to treat venous disease. At Precision VIR, we have expertise in all available minimally invasive techniques. After an initial evaluation, we tailor the correct procedures with patient comfort, safety and maximum effectiveness in mind. To schedule an appointment please call us at 214-382-3200 or complete the form below.

Precision VIR serves the DFW area including Dallas, Fort Worth, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, Mesquite, Highland Park, University Park, Park Cities, Allen, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Flower Mound, Denton, Lewisville and all of North Texas.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.

1. Weiss RA, et al. Comparison of endovenous radiofrequency versus 10 nm diode laser occlusion of large veins in an animal model. Dermotol Surgery 2002;28:56-61. The study utilized a 980 nm laser.
2. Almeida JI, Kaufman J, Göckeritz O, et al. Radiofrequency endovenous ClosureFast versus laser ablation for the treatment of great saphenous reflux: a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized study (RECOVERY Study). J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2009;20:752-759.
3. Lurie, F, et al. Prospective randomized study of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration (Closure procedure) versus ligation and stripping in a selected patient population (EVOLVeS Study), J Vasc Surg 2003; 38(2):207-14.
4.Proebstle T, et al. Three-year European follow-up of endovenous radiofrequency-powered segmental thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein with or without treatment of calf varicosities. JVS; July 2011.