Frequently Asked Questions
For individuals who have been diagnosed with varicose veins and need treatment for refluxing veins, below are some insights that may be helpful for those considering the Venclose™ System as a treatment option
What do veins do?
Arteries carry blood away from the heart to the bodily tissues and organs. Healthy veins carry blood from the bodily tissues back to the heart and lungs.
What causes Chronic Venous Disease (CVD)?
Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close to assist the return of blood to the heart. Sometimes, the valves become damaged or diseased and can no longer close properly. As a result, blood can leak back through the valves and pool in the lower leg veins. This can lead to chronic venous disease (CVD).1
Who is affected by CVD?
About 175 million individuals are affected by CVD in the U.S.2 While risk of CVD increases with age, it can begin as early as adolescence.3 It’s also important to know that visible vein disease is far more than just a cosmetic problem.2,4 Varicose veins occur about 3 times more often in females than in males.1 It’s important that men still get checked if they are having symptoms or think they are at risk.
What causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
CVD can develop into a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).1 When it comes to your health, the more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be to take action.1
What risk factors contribute to CVD?
Many factors contribute to CVD, including family history of varicose veins, being over the age of 50, female sex, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), history of blood clots, multiple pregnancies, obesity, smoking, and lifestyles with long periods of standing or sitting.1,6
What are signs and symptoms of CVD?
Symptoms often occur in the lower legs and can include spider veins or varicose veins (raised or visually noticeable veins), heaviness, aching, tightness, leg fatigue, discomfort, pain, swelling, leg restlessness or muscle cramping.6 Other late-stage signs are numbness or itching, a change in leg skin color or texture, and wounds or venous ulcers.1
How is CVD treated?
While various treatments are available for venous reflux, radiofrequency (RF) ablation has wide acceptance and is the predominant approach used in the U.S. RF technology has been established as a venous reflux treatment option for more than 20 years.7 CVD is a progressive disease; without treatment, signs and symptoms may worsen.1
What is a perforating vein?
Small connecting veins, called perforating veins, can have valves that don’t work. When blood begins to reflux (flow backwards) or the valve doesn’t work, pressure can build within the vein walls. This can lead to nonhealing ulcers and could also cause skin or tissue changes.8,9
How many people are affected by venous ulcers?
About 70-90% of all lower extremity ulcers are venous.10,11 In the U.S., approximately 4.8 million people suffer from venous ulcers. Direct medical costs represent $38 billion per year.2 Venous leg ulcers are likely to recur in 60-70% of patients.12 Each year the number of new venous ulcer cases is 2 million, which is more than the 1.7 million new cases of all cancers combined in the U.S.2
What can I expect from the Venclose™ Catheter procedure?
RF ablation technology can potentially reduce post-operative pain and bruising in patients compared to vein stripping or laser therapy treatment.27
How quickly can I resume normal activities?
While individual results may vary, patients can typically resume normal activities within a few days of an RF ablation procedure.28 Please consult with your physician prior to resuming normal activities
How is the Venclose™ Catheter procedure different from other vein procedures?
While some vein catheters can be reprocessed more than once and used on different patients, the Venclose™ RF Ablation Catheter and Venclose Maven™ Perforator Catheter are single-use devices. Additionally, both catheters are minimally invasive, thermal treatment options and not a permanent implant. Ask your physician about what treatment options might be best for you.
Will my insurance cover the procedure?
Generally, health insurers provide coverage for venous thermal ablation procedures. Insurance providers typically require certain preauthorization steps. It is important to review the requirements with your physician and insurance provider prior to treatment.