On Vein Problems of the Leg

     Over the last decade, there have been major advances in the minimally invasive approach to vein problems. The key to proper treatment is the correct diagnosis of the root cause of the vein problems of the leg. We start with a careful history and physical examination to identify risk factors along with the signs and symptoms of venous disorders. The next step is the use of noninvasive ultrasound diagnostics to create a road-map of the venous system to identify and locate valve dysfunction. Only then can an appropriate treatment plan be developed. If ultrasound evaluation identifies that the valves of the saphenous vein or perforator veins are not functioning normally, a minimally invasive catheter based treatment can be used. Radiofrequency ablation, the Venefit procedure, is the technique of choice for the NJ VeinCare to treat valve dysfunction resulting in reflux of the long and short saphenous veins along with the perforator veins. This treatment is covered by most health insurance plans!

     Venefit™ is a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure that treats varicose veins and their underlying cause, venous reflux, with little or no pain. Venefit patients can walk away from the vein procedure and be back to everyday activities – either at home or at work – typically within a day.

     The Venefit procedure is the treatment for venous reflux and varicose veins patients seek when they want a minimally invasive treatment alternative with less pain and less bruising when compared to traditional vein stripping surgery and laser treatment. Using the Venefit system, physicians close the diseased veins by inserting the Venefit catheter and heating the vein wall using temperature-controlled RF energy. Heating the vein wall causes collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to scar close. After the vein is sealed shut, blood then naturally reroutes to healthy veins with normal valves.

     The Venefit procedure does not involve pulling the diseased vein from the thigh as with vein stripping surgery, or using 700° C laser energy which boils blood to occlude a vein as with endovenous laser (EVL).4   In the RECOVERY Trial, a multi-center head-to-head comparative randomized trial comparing Venefit with EVL, the Venefit procedure was found to have less patient pain and less patient bruising than EVL for the best patient recovery experience available from a minimally invasive vein treatment.2  Additionally, in other randomized comparative studies have shown that patients receiving the Venefit procedure return to normal activity and work significantly faster than those receiving vein stripping.1

     The ClosureFast catheter, which represents the latest advancement in the Venefit procedure, has been shown in a multi-center study to have a 97.4 efficacy rate at one-year.3This shows that the treatment is highly effective.

     Venefit catheters are inserted into the vein via a tiny incision in the lower leg, eliminating the need for groin surgery and general anesthesia. The Venefit procedure is performed using local anesthesia in the office.

     Because treatment with Venefit is minimally invasive and is catheter-based, it results in little to no scarring.

     Venefit can be used for the long and short saphenous veins. In addition, incompetent perforator veins can be treated with excellent success using the Venefit technique. Dr. Nackman presented one of the first series of patients at a national meeting treated with Venefit for perforator disease.5

1. Lurie, F, et al.Prospective randomized study of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration (Venefit procedure) versus ligation and stripping in a selected patient population (EVOLVeS Study), J Vasc Surg 2003; 38(2):207-14.
2. RECOVERY Trial – Data on File – Venefit Medical Technologies, Inc.
3. Dietzek A, Two-Year Follow-Up Data From A Prospective, Multicenter Study Of The Efficacy Of The ClosureFast Catheter, 35th Annual Veith Symposium. Symposium. November 19, 2008. New York.
4. Weiss RA, et al. Comparison of Endovenous Radiofrequency Versus 10nm Diode Laser Occlusion of Large Veins in an Animal Model. Dermotol Surgery 2002; 28: 56-61.
5. Nackman GB, et al. Radiofrequency Ablation of Incompetent Perforator Veins. Presented at the 19th Annual Meeting of the American Venous Forum. Feb. 2007. San Diego, CA.