Minimally Invasive Treatment for Varicose Veins to be showcased at National Health Service EXPO
"Our treatment alternative has enabled many NHS Trusts to perform a very common operation virtually pain-free in a simple treatment room in around 30-40 minutes without a general anaesthetic or overnight stay," said
"It is clear that by freeing up hospital operating theatres and reducing both treatment and recovery times, this technique offers significant benefits for both the patient and the NHS," said Mr.
"In my view the VNUS Closure procedure is the preferred technique to treat venous reflux because it requires no special modifications to operating areas, is well tolerated by patients, requires minimal post-procedure analgesia and is highly effective at permanently closing the vein," said
Varicose veins are caused by increased pressure in the legs as a result of venous reflux and faulty valves in the leg veins. Left untreated, venous reflux can lead to painful varicose veins, swelling in the lower limbs, and skin problems, such as itching, redness, eczema, and leg ulcers.
For the past century, the traditional treatment for varicose veins has been a technique called vein stripping, which is carried out under general anaesthesia in operating theatres, and sometimes involves an overnight stay in a hospital bed. This treatment involves a groin incision and the complete removal of the saphenous vein, and recovery can be lengthy and uncomfortable. Surgeons in the NHS perform around 37,000 varicose vein stripping procedures every year.
The VNUS Closure procedure consists of inserting a thin radiofrequency (RF) catheter into the diseased vein through a small incision. The catheter then heats the diseased vein sequentially in 7-centimeter segments, sealing it from the inside and effectively closing it down. Blood returning to the heart then naturally reroutes through healthy veins containing normal valves.
"We are delighted that the NHS National Innovation Centre is showcasing our technology at the forthcoming EXPO meeting, and appreciate their support in driving the acceptance and adoption of our innovative treatment through NHS Hospitals across the UK," said
Additional information about the VNUS Closure Procedure can be found at www.vnus.com. To learn more about the NHS National Innovation Centre please visit www.nic.nhs.uk.
ABOUT VNUS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in
SOURCE VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.