How long do I need to wait to shower after my surgery?
Normally, a good rule of thumb is three (3) days, unless otherwise stated by your physician.
How long should I wait to drive after my surgery?
Typically after surgery we would advise 3-5 days. All surgeries are different, please check with your doctor for your surgery in specific.
Do I need to cut my body hair before the surgery?
No, the operating attendants will use clippers. Clippers have been shown to reduce your chance of infection.
Do I need to do anything prior to my surgery?
Please “do” take any blood pressure medications you take in the AM, with a very small sip of water, prior to coming to the hospital for your procedure.
The prep for my colonoscopy is making me nauseated. What can I do?
Try adding gatorade, ginger ale or apple juice to the mixture.
I'm constipated. What can I take?
Try Magnesium Citrate or Citroma, available at supermarket or 99 cent stores. Get one bottle and take 1/2 bottle with ginger ale or apple juice, wait 4-6 hrs. If still no bowel movement then take other half of the bottle, this will work.
I'm very nauseated. What can I take?
Go to a pharmacy, no script needed, and pick up bottle of Emetrol. Take as directed works very well.
How long will it take to schedule my surgery?
Usually the office can schedule within 7 business days.
Varicose Vein FAQs
What is superficial venous reflux?
Superficial venous reflux is a condition that develops when the values that usually keep blood flowing out of your legs become damaged or diseased. This causes blood to pool in your legs. Common symptoms of superficial venous reflux include pain, swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue, as well as varicose veins in your legs.
What is the Closure procedure?
The Closure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial venous reflux. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein through a small opening. The catheter delivers thermal energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse, and seal shut.
How does it work to treat superficial venous reflux?
Since valves can’t be repaired, the only alternative is to re-route blood flow through healthy veins. Traditionally, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from your leg. The Closure procedure provides a less invasive alternative to vein stripping by simply closing the problem vein instead. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs.
How is the Closure procedure different from vein stripping?
During a stripping procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and ties off the vein, after which a stripper tool is threaded through the saphcnous vein and used to pull the vein out of your leg through a second incision just above your calf.In the Closure procedure , there is no need for groin surgery. Instead, the vein remains in place and is closed using a special (Closure) catheter inserted through a small puncture. This may eliminate the bruising and pain often associated with vein stripping (i.e., that may result from the tearing of side branch veins while the saphenous vein is pulled out). Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room, under a general anesthetic, while the Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically using local or regional anesthesia.
Is the Closure procedure painful?
Although some people are more sensitive than others, patients generally report little pain. Some have said they can feel a little heat when the catheter is energized.
Will the procedure require any anesthesia?
The Closure procedure is done in office utilizing local anesthesia, much like going to a dentist’s office. No groggy feeling afterward, so you can drive yourself.
How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?
Many patients typically return to normal activities within a day. For a few weeks following the treatment, your doctor amy recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.
How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks fllowing the procedure.
Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after Closure procedure?
As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the Closure procedure. All patients should consult their doctors to determine if their conditions present any special risks. Your physician will review potential complications of the Closure procedure at the consultation. Potential complications can include: vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, adjacent nerve injury (tingling or numbness) and /or skin burn. Scarring, bruising and swelling are at a minimal and only in the immediate post procedure phase.
Is the Closure procedure suitable for everyone?
Only a physician can tell you if the Closure procedure is a viable option for your vein problem. Experience has shown that many patients with superficial venous reflux disease can be treated with the Closure procedure.
Is age an important consideration for the Closure procedure?
The most important step determining whether or not the Closure procedure is appropriate for you is a complete ultrasound examination by your physician or qualified clinician. Age alone is not a factor in determining whether or not the Closure procedure is appropriate for you. The Closure procedure has been used to treat patients across a wide range of ages.
What happens to the treated vein left behind in the leg?
The vein simply becomes fibrous tissue after treatment. Over time, the vein will gradually incorporate into surrounding tissue.
Is the Closure procedure covered by my insurance?
Many insurance companies are paying for the Closure procedure in part or in full. Most insurance companies determine coverage for all treatments, including the Closure and MOCA procedure, based on medical necessity, however, an Ultrasound showing “reflux” within the venous system, often guarantees coverage. The VNUS® Closure procedure has positive coverage policies with most major health insurers. Your physician can discuss your insurance coverage further at the time of consultation.
