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Samuel Campbell, M.D., and Dixon Santana, M.D., are utilizing the procedure which uses a small catheter and radio frequency energy to seal the varicose vein. The ProcedureThe physicians make a single incision near the knee and insert a slender catheter into the vein. The catheter is positioned, energized and slowly withdrawn, sealing the vein. The procedure requires no stitches and patients usually return to normal activity in a day or two. “Varicose veins affect 20 to 25 million Americans,” Campbell said. “Venous reflux, often the underlying cause of varicose veins, frequently forces people to dramatically change their lifestyles, especially when they have standing professions and can no longer tolerate being on their feet all day.” Whether the initial cause is genetics, pregnancy, prolonged standing, excess weight, inadequate exercise or a damaged saphenous vein, the physiology of varicose veins is nearly always the same, Santana said. The valves in the saphenus vein are damaged and the veins near the skin surface are stretched and distorted from the increased pressure caused by blood flowing in the wrong direction. Venus reflux in the saphenous vein is often the underlying cause of varicose veins. Although the condition is rarely life-threatening, it is often painful and unattractive, he said. For more information about the VNUS Closure procedure,
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Texas Tech Physicians of Lubbock-Surgery is now offering the VNUS Closure procedure, an outpatient procedure to treat varicose veins.
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