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What you Need to Know About Venefit

Blog Author June 10, 2015
What are the most current treatment options for varicose veins? Technology is improving healthcare, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that there are high tech procedures available to treat varicose veins, too. The Venefit system is a perfect example of technology at work. What is Venefit and how can it eliminate ugly and painful varicose veins?

What is Venefit?

Venefit, or VNUS Closure, is a minimally invasive procedure that gets rid of varicose veins, improving the vascular health of your legs. Venefit uses radiofrequency technology to force diseased veins to close. The body will then reroute the blood flow to healthy veins. With Venefit, vascular surgeons make a tiny incision just below the knee. They insert a catheter, and using an ultrasound, they guide it into the diseased vein. The burst of radiofrequency energy from the catheter causes the vein to shrink. As the surgeon removes the catheter, the vein closes completely. The procedure takes just a few minutes for each vein and is done on an outpatient basis at a vein clinic.

Are There Risks with Venefit?

There are risks with any medical procedure, but they are low. The vein doctor will go over all the potential complications with you prior to the surgery. Some possible problems with this treatment option include thrombosis, embolism, infection, skin burns and phlebitis. Minor swelling and bruising around the incision is normal. Venefit is a practical alternative to much riskier surgical procedures used to treat varicose veins like vein stripping.

Who Needs Venefit?

Venefit is a treatment option for those with superficial venous reflux disease. Veins have valves built into the walls. When the muscles contract to move blood up towards the heart, theses valves open. As the muscle relaxes the valves close to keep the blood from flowing backwards. With superficial venous reflux disease, one or more of the valves fails to close properly, allowing some blood to leak backwards. The blood builds up and the vein becomes engorged.

Are There Other Treatment Options for Superficial Venous Reflux Disease?

There are a number of treatments that are effective for this problem. The staff at the vein clinic will evaluate your leg health and help you decide which option is best for your situation. Other procedures include:
  • Ambulatory microphlebectomy
  • Ultrasound guided chemical ablation
  • Laser ablation
  • Sclerotherapy
The treatment recommended will depend on the size of the vein, how deep it is and any other conditions that may affect your overall health.Venefit offers an almost pain free way to improve the vascular health of your legs by eliminating diseased veins. It is up to the doctor to decide if this is the right treatment for you.