Radiofrequency Ablation

Venefit™ Procedure

The Venefit™ procedure, formerly known as VNUS closure, uses radiofrequency energy to precisely and effectively treat patients suffering from Chronic Venous Insufficiency, or CVI. Since the Venefit procedure of targeted endovenous therapy results is less pain and bruising than alternative treatments, it has become increasingly popular with both physicians and patients. The Venefit procedure has been FDA approved for more than a decade.

The Venefit greatly reduces the unsightly appearance of unwanted spider veins on the legs through venous ablation. It works by heating the vein wall and causing the vein to seal shut. During the The Venefit procedure, the surgeon locates and maps the saphenous vein, the main superficial vein of the leg. A Covidien ClosureFast™ catheter is then inserted into the saphenous vein and a local anesthetic is administered. The vein is flushed out with a saline solution. Radiofrequency ablation is administered through the catheter, heating the walls of the vein and producing shrinkage of vascular tissue.

The Venefit procedure is performed on seven centimeter segments of the vein, each segment requiring only about 20 seconds to ablate. Once the ablation has been completed, a seal is created and the vessel is occluded, or blocked off. Once the procedure is completed, the catheter is removed and a dressing and compression bandages are applied to the area. After the procedure, blood flow naturally redirects itself to healthier veins.

Benefits of The Venefit Procedure

The Venefit procedure, using the catheter, takes the place of surgical vein stripping and has many advantages over stripping. Benefits of the Venefit procedure include the following:

• Less invasive than other treatments
• Performed in an outpatient setting
• Requires fewer incisions, less pain and scarring and shorter recovery time.
• Successful treatment for three years in 93 percent of patients

Risks of the Venefit Procedure

There are certain risks associated with the Venefit Procedure. While there is rarely a serious complication from this treatment, risks may include:

To learn more about our Radiofrequency Ablation services or to schedule an appointment, please contact our Titusville, Rockledge, or New Smyrna Office.