ClosureFast

Varicose veins can be downright embarrassing, but these unsightly veins do more than make you want to cover your legs. They also cause pain, and they’re a sign of serious vein problems. At Upper East Side Cardiology, Satjit Bhusri, MD, offers an advanced treatment for varicose veins: ClosureFast™ by Medtronic. The minimally invasive ClosureFast procedure lets you get back to your usual activities in a few days, and it produces long-lasting results. To learn more about ClosureFast, call the office in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City or request an appointment online today.

What is ClosureFast?

ClosureFast is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and the condition that causes them, venous insufficiency. During your ClosureFast procedure, a slim catheter placed inside the vein sends radiofrequency energy into the vein walls, creating heat that makes them collapse.

After the vein closes, your varicose veins gradually disappear as your body clears away the treated tissues. Your body also restores normal circulation by rerouting blood through healthy veins.

Am I a good candidate for ClosureFast?

Nearly everyone with varicose veins or venous insufficiency is a good candidate. Your Upper East Side Cardiology provider reviews your medical history and symptoms and does ultrasound imaging to examine your veins. Then they explain all of your treatment options based on your diagnosis.

Varicose veins develop when one-way valves inside large leg veins stop working. These valves normally keep blood flowing up your leg. When a valve fails, blood goes back down your leg and accumulates in the vein. This condition is called venous insufficiency.

As blood pools in your leg, you develop varicose veins. In addition to their impact on your appearance, varicose veins cause leg symptoms, including:

• Pain
• Heaviness
• Itching
• Fatigue
• Burning
• Tingling
• Soreness
• Throbbing
• Cramping
• Restless legs
• Swollen legs

Venous insufficiency also increases the blood pressure in your lower leg. High venous pressure leads to other problems, such as skin rashes, discolored skin, and nonhealing ulcers.

What should I expect during my ClosureFast procedure?

Your provider at Upper East Side Cardiology applies a topical anesthesia and makes a small cut in your leg. They insert the ClosureFast catheter through the cut and into the vein. Then they use ultrasound imaging to guide the catheter to the end of the diseased vein.

After injecting a specialized liquid anesthetic into the area surrounding the vein, your provider sends radiofrequency energy into the walls of a segment of the vein. Then they pull the catheter through the vein to the next untreated segment and send out another burst of radiofrequency energy. They repeat this process until your entire vein is treated.

What happens after my ClosureFast procedure?

You only need a bandage over the small cut in your leg. You also need to wear compression stockings for at least a week. The stockings keep the vein walls pressed together and improve circulation through your leg.

You may have slight pain, bruising, or swelling for a short time, but many patients don’t have any side effects. Before you leave the office, your provider gives you specific instructions about how to care for your leg.

Most people return to their normal activities in a few days, and all of your symptoms should improve within 1-2 weeks.

If you’re ready to do away with unsightly varicose veins, call Upper East Side Cardiology or request an appointment online today.