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Closure® Procedure |
Vein Stripping & Ligation |
Endovenous Laser (EVL) |
| Typical Results 48 Hours After Procedure |
 1 |
 2 |
 1 |
| Proven Advantages over Vein Stripping in Randomized Comparative Trial |
Quicker return to normal activities3
Less pain, bruising, and discomfort during early recovery3 |
N/A |
No randomized comparative trial reported |
| Absence of Varicose Veins at 12 Months |
90% of legs treated4 |
85% of legs treated6 |
This type of outcome not reported. |
Return to Normal Activities
within 24 Hours |
89.1% of patients7 |
not reported |
69.8% of patients7 |
| Method of Action |
RF energy delivered directly to the vein wall removes the vein wall lining and induces collagen contraction. Fibrosis of treated vein continues for months. By 6-12 months post-op, the fibrosed vein may be resorbed and become sonographically invisible.8 |
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Laser energy boils the blood. A laser-induced steam bubble heats residual blood in the treatment vein producing thrombotic occlusion.9 |
| Post-op Bruising |
4%10 |
N/A |
38%10 |
| Patient Satisfaction |
98% of patients surveyed would recommend to a friend5 |
not reported |
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| Intraoperative Physician Feedback |
Physicians receive real-time feedback during the procedure on key treatment parameters. |
N/A |
EVL systems have no intraoperative feedback systems. |
| Learn more about this procedure |
Click here for more information about Closure |
Click here for more information about Vein Stripping & Ligation |
Click here for more information about Endovenous Laser (EVL) |
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Procedures to treat visible spider and varicose veins
Whereas the Closure procedure (and other alternative treatments) are used to treat the underlying condition of venous reflux, other procedures are often used to treat visible spider and varicose veins and provide temporary relief. Spider veins are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin.
Compression Stockings. Initial therapy may involve the use of compression stockings or leg elevation. Compression stockings squeeze the leg from the ankle to the upper calf or thigh, applying greater pressure to the lower leg than the upper leg, thereby reducing blood pooling, swelling and pain. Both leg elevation and compression stockings involve inconvenient lifestyle modifications and, as a result, independent studies have shown that patient compliance is poor.
Cosmetic Laser Treatment. In cosmetic laser treatment, laser energy is directed at small visible veins to heat and close them so they can no longer be seen.
Sclerotherapy. In sclerotherapy, a chemical solution is injected into small or medium-sized veins near the skin surface causing them to become inflamed and eventually close. Sclerotherapy treatment often requires multiple injections per visit to the doctor and several visits may be necessary before the veins disappear.
Phlebectomy. Phlebectomy involves surgically removing medium to larger varicose veins near the skin surface by inserting a surgical instrument with a hook into small incisions in the skin and pulling veins out in segments. The procedure is often repeated 10 to 20 times per leg until all visible varicose veins have been removed. Phlebectomy is performed either as a stand alone procedure or in conjunction with saphenous vein treatment. |
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1. Procedures performed at regional ACP Meeting, June 2001.
2. Data on File - VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.
3. Lurie, F, et al.Prospective randomized study of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration (Closure procedure) versus ligation and stripping in a selected patient population (EVOLVeS Study), J Vasc Surg 2003; 38(2):207-14.
4. Merchant RF, DePalma RG, Kabnick LS. Endovascular obliteration of saphenous reflux: A multicenter study. J Vasc Surg 2002;35:1190-6
5. Weiss RA, et al. Controlled Radiofrequency Endovenous Occlusion Using a Unique Radiofrequency Catheter Under Duplex Guidance to Eliminate Saphenous Varicose Vein Reflux: A 2-Year Follow-up, Dermatologic Surgery, Jan 2002; 28:1: 38-42
6. Jones L, et al. Neovascularisation is the principal cause of varicose vein recurrence: results of a randomized trial of stripping the long saphenous vein, Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg, 1996; 12: 442-445
7. Morrison N. Presented at the Union Internationale de Phlebologie, Rome, September 2001.
8. Pichot O, et al. Role of Duplex Imaging in Endovenous Obliteration for Primary Venous Insufficiency. J. Endovasc Ther 2000; 7:451-9.
9. Proebstle TM, et al. Endovenous Treatment of the Greater Saphenous Vein with a 940 nm Diode Laser: Thrombotic Occlusion after Endoluminal Thermal Damage by Laser Generated Steam Bubbles, J Vasc Surg 2002; 35: 729-736.
10. Morrison, N. Poster presented at American Venous Forum Meeting, February 2003.
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