ClosureFast™ Procedure
The ClosureFast procedure uses radiofrequency energy or heat to close the diseased vein, which redirects blood flow to healthy veins, relieving symptoms.
The ClosureFast procedure
Step 1: Thermal catheter is placed
Using an ultrasound, your physician will position the catheter into the diseased vein through a small access site.
Step 2: Local anesthetic is applied
A series of injections numbs the area around the vein.
Step 3: Heat is delivered to vein wall
The vein wall is heated and the catheter is withdrawn from the vein.
Step 4: Vein is closed
The vein is “heat sealed” as the catheter is removed. A multilayer compression wrap is applied from foot to groin.
Before the procedure
You will have an ultrasound imaging exam of the leg being treated. This exam is important for assessing the diseased superficial vein and planning the procedure.
During the procedure
Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you. Here is a brief summary of what to expect:
- The ClosureFast procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Your doctor will perform the ClosureFast procedure. Using an ultrasound, your doctor will position a catheter in the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin.
- The small catheter delivers heat to the vein wall, causing it to shrink and seal the vein. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will reroute itself to other healthy veins.
After the procedure
- You will be taken to the recovery area to rest.
- Following the procedure, your doctor will apply a simple bandage over the insertion site and will give you compression stockings to aid in the healing process. Your doctor may encourage you to walk and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time. The average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days.1,2
- Your doctor will recommend follow-up care as needed.
The Treasure Coast Cardiovascular Institute is happy offer a minimally invasive procedure called ClosureFastTM, the only FDA cleared minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency ablation (uniform heat) for the treatment of CVI. The ClosureFastTM procedure allows for a short, comfortable recovery and a quick return to everyday activities while also eliminating varicose veins and improving the appearance of the legs.
Other benefits of the ClosureFastTM procedure include:
- Lower Pain Rate
- Less Bruising
- Fewer Complications
- Covered by Most Insurance Plans (patients should contact their insurance provider prior to receiving treatment to confirm that the ClosureFastTM procedure is covered).
Benefits of the ClosureFast procedure
- Relief of symptoms after two days, with a noticeable improvement in one to two weeks3
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- Less pain and bruising than laser treatment3
- Faster recovery than laser treatment3
- Proven results with positive patient experience1,3,4
- Rapid recovery — on average, patients resume normal activities within a few days2
Lasting results — the only radiofrequency energy procedure with published long-term clinical data demonstrating safety and efficacy, with a 91.9% closure rate at five years.4
Contact our practice to learn more about varicose veins,CVI, and the clinical and lifestyle related benefits associated with the treatment of CVI using the ClosureFastTM procedure.
Individual results may vary. As with all medical procedures, there is a chance that complications may occur, including, but not limited to the following: hematoma, vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, infection, adjacent nerve injury, skin burn or discoloration.
References:
1 Rasmussen LH, Lawaetz M, Bjoern L, Vennits B, Blemings A, Eklof B. Randomized clinical trial comparing endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, foam sclerotherapy and surgical stripping for great saphenous varicose veins. Br J Surg. August 2011;98(8):1079-1087.
2 Hinchliffe RJ, Ubhi J, Beech A, Ellison J, Braithwaite BD. A prospective randomised controlled trial of VNUS closure versus surgery for the treatment of recurrent long saphenous varicose veins. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. February 2006;31(2):212-218.
3 Almeida JI, Kaufman J, Gockeritz 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. June 2009;20(6):752-759.
4 Proebstle TM, Alm BJ, Gockeritz O, et al. Five-year results from the prospective European multicentre cohort study on radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins. Br J Surg. February 2015;102(3):212-218.