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Frequently Asked Questions - Clinical

Q: Is swelling normal following a vein procedure?

A: Some bruising, swelling and minimal discomfort may be experienced following a radiofrequency vein ablation or VenaSeal procedure. This is normal and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, Motrin/Advil, Naproxen or Aleve may be taken unless instructed otherwise by the provider.

Q: Can I travel after procedures?

A: Please avoid flying and long car rides (> 3 hours) for 5-7 days following a procedure.

Q: How long will I be in compression stockings?

A: Following a radiofrequency ablation procedure, compression stockings should be worn around the clock for 48 hours. Following this period, compression stockings should be worn during waking hours for 5 additional days.
Following a VenaSeal procedure, no compression stockings are necessary.
Compression stockings may be used for soreness or swelling that occurs after vein treatment.

Q: How long do I leave the steri strips on?

A: The Steri Strips are applied at the vein access points, please do not remove as they will fall off on their own.

Q: Can I go to work after procedures?

A: You may return to normal activities following the procedure. The exception is NO heavy lifting (> 10 lbs) and NO swimming or bathing for 1 week following the procedure. Depending on the activity level required for work, some patients find it beneficial to take a day or two off work. We encourage walking at least 30 minutes a day.

Q: What is ClosureFast™ targeted endovenous therapy?

A: The ClosureFast™ procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to effectively treat patients suffering from varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A vein specialist inserts the ClosureFast™ catheter into the diseased vein to provide consistent and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to shrink and seal closed. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins.

Q: What are compression stockings and do I need to wear them?

A: Medically prescribed compression stockings apply a predetermined amount of pressure on the veins within the legs. The pressure aids in the collapse of the veins and prevents blood from pooling within them. Your insurance company may require a trial of compression stockings prior to approving other vein treatments. Following a vein procedure, compression stockings can help speed recovery.

Q: How is the ClosureFast™ radiofrequency vein ablation procedure different from vein stripping?

A: During vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a tool is threaded through the diseased vein to pull the vein out of the leg. With the radiofrequency vein ablation procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then treated and left in place. This minimally invasive approach reduces the likelihood of pain and bruising.1,2

Q: How is the ClosureFast™ radiofrequency vein ablation procedure different from the VNUS Closure procedure?

A: The ClosureFast™ radiofrequency vein ablation procedure is another name for the VNUS Closure procedure, providing the same clinically proven results with the same great patient recovery profile

Q: What is fellowship training?

A: A fellowship is the highest level of training available to a specialized physician in the U.S. It involves a financial grant for advanced study or training or to allow payment for work on a special project. It provides a stipend, and, in some cases, the miscellaneous expenses involved in the study, training or project (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary).

Q: How long does the ClosureFast™ radiofrequency vein ablation procedure take?

A: The ClosureFast radiofrequency vein ablation procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes, although patients may normally spend 2-3 hours at the medical facility due to normal pre- and post-treatment procedures.

Q: Is the radiofrequency ablation procedure painful?

A: Most patients report feeling little, if any, pain during the radiofrequency ablation procedure. Your physician will provide you a local or regional anesthetic to numb the treatment area.

Q: How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?

A: Patients treated with the radiofrequency ablation (or ClosureFast™ procedure) may resume normal activities more quickly than patients who undergo surgical vein stripping or endovenous laser ablation. With the ClosureFast™ procedure, the average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days.4 For a few weeks following the treatment, your physician may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.

Q: How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?

A: Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.3

Q: Is there any scarring, bruising or swelling after the radiofrequency ablation vein procedure?

A: Patients report limited to no scarring, bruising or swelling following the radiofrequency ablation vein procedure using the ClosureFast catheter.3

Q: What should I expect from a consultation at Vein Nevada?

A: The vein consultation usually takes about an hour and includes a comprehensive leg ultrasound performed by an experienced vein technologist. At Vein Nevada, we perform the ultrasound at the time of the consultation in order to understand your anatomy and develop the best treatment plan. Your provider will discuss both the consultation results and a treatment plan with you — with the goal of helping your legs look and feel better again.

Q: Is radiofrequency ablation suitable for everyone?

A: Only a vein specialist can tell you if a specific vein treatment is the right option for your vein problem. Experience has shown that many patients with varicose veins or Chronic venous insufficiency can be treated with minimally invasive treatments such as radiofrequency ablation or ClosureFast™.

Q: How effective is the ClosureFast™ radio frequency ablation procedure?

A: The ClosureFast™ procedure has been shown in a large international, multi-center study to be 93% effective over three years.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FINANCIAL

Q: Does insurance cover vein treatments?

A: Generally vein procedures, including radiofrequency ablation, to treat medical vein conditions are covered (in part or full) by most insurance plans. Our team will discuss insurance benefits with you during the consultation.

Q: Will there be a deductible and / or co-pay at my appointments?

A: Depending on the insurance provider, some patients may still have some out-of-pocket cost for each appointment.

Q: Average time I can get a procedure following the first visit?

A: If it’s determined that a procedure is needed to treat a medical vein condition or surface vein condition, our team will work to schedule the procedure in a timely fashion and at a time that fits your schedule. We will work to help you understand your insurance coverage.

Q: How soon can I schedule my vein procedure?

A: Most insurance companies require up to a 12 week trial of conservative therapy with medical grade compression stockings before coverage of vein treatments such as radiofrequency vein ablation or VenaSeal.

Q: How Long does it take to receive authorization for a procedure from the insurance company?

A: The process to verify coverage/benefits with your insurance company may take up to 10 business days.

Q: Are radiofrequency vein ablations covered by health insurance?

A: Most insurance companies cover treatment for medical vein conditions including radiofrequency vein ablations. We will perform an initial evaluation of current eligible benefits with your insurance company. This will provide information regarding your deductible, co-pays, and help us in establishing a cost estimate. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have.

Q: Does insurance cover treatment for spider veins?

A: Insurance companies do not cover surface vein treatments such as sclerotherapy for spider veins. If a procedure is not covered by insurance, we will provide a self pay estimate.

References:
1. LurieF, Creton D, Eklof B, Kabnick LS, Kistner RL, Pichot O, et al. Prospective randomized study of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration. (Closure procedure) versus ligation and stripping in aselected patient population (EVOLVeS Study). J Vasc Surg 2003;38;2:207-14
2. Hinchliffe RJ, et al. A prospective randomised controlled trial of VNUS Closure versus Surgery for the treatment of recurrent long saphenous variscose veins. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2006 Feb;31;2:212-218
3. Almeida JI, Kaufman J, Göckeritz O, et al. Radiofrequency endovenous ClosureFast versus laser ablation for the treatment of great saphenous reflux: a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized study (RECOVERY Study). J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2009;20:752-759.
4. L. H. Rasmussen, M. Lawaetz, L. Bjoern, B. Vennits, A. Blemings and B. Eklof, Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Endovenous Laser Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, Foam Sclerotherapy and Surgical Stripping for Great Saphenous Varicose Veins. British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd., Wiley Online Library, www.bjs.co.uk, March 15, 2011.
5. Proebstle T. et al. Three-year European follow-up of endovenous radiofrequency-powered segmental thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein with or without treatment of calf varicosities. JVS; July2011.
ClosureFast is a trademark of a Medtronic company.