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Vein Treatment FAQs

FAQs about varicose vein treatment and VNUS® Closure® procedure

  • Patients report feeling little, if any, pain during and after the procedure.

  • Patients are walking immediately following the procedure and typically resume normal activities within one day.

  • Many patients notice an immediate relief of symptoms such as pain, leg heaviness and fatigue. The full benefits of the procedure may take one to two weeks.

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

    Pre-treatment-Leg

    Pre-treatment

    Post-Closure-Leg

    One week post-treatment

    Before and after images courtesy of Michael Vasquez, MD

  • During vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a stripper tool is threaded through the diseased vein to pull the vein out of the leg. With the Closure procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then closed and left in place. This minimally invasive approach eliminates pain and bruising associated with vein stripping surgery.

  • The Closure procedure treats diseased veins only, which are not appropriate for bypass surgery. Physicians can use other healthy vessels should bypass
    surgery be necessary.

  • Most major health insurers cover the Closure procedure. Your physician can discuss your coverage further at the time of the consultation.

If you still have questions or need more information about this procedure, call Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's Vein Treatment Clinic at 206-254-VEIN (8346).