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Varicose Vein Treatments


If you experience discomfort, swelling or varicose veins in the legs then you may be suffering from Superficial Venous Reflux Disease a serious progressive disorder which can lead to Chronic Venous Insufficiency if left untreated.

What causes Venous Reflux Disease?

The venous system is made up of a network of veins which carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
The flow of blood in the veins is under constant gravitational pressure – healthy veins contain valves which open and close to assist the return of blood to the heart.
Venous reflux disease develops when the valves which keep blood flowing out of the veins and back to the heart become damaged or diseased – as a result the veins will not close properly leading to the following symptoms:

  • Varicose veins
  • Pain
  • Swollen limbs
  • Leg heaviness and fatigue
  • Skin changes and ulcers

What contributes to Venous Reflux Disease?

Many factors contribute to the presence of Venous Reflux Disease, including:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Family history
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Obesity
  • Standing profession

What does the procedure involve?

The Venous closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using Ultrasound your Physician will position a closure catheter into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin.
The tiny catheter powered by radio – frequency energy delivers heat to the wall of the vein. As thermal energy is delivered, the vein wall shrinks and vein is sealed closed. Once closed blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.Following the procedure a bandage will be placed over the insertion site.

Is the procedure painful?

Patients report feeling little, if any pain during and after the procedure. The VNUS Closure procedure is clinically proven to be less painful than laser treatment or conventional vein stripping.

How quickly can I resume normal activity?

Patients are walking immediately following the procedure and can typically resume normal activities within one day. Furthermore many patients notice an immediate relief of symptoms such as pain, leg heaviness and fatigue.

Is there any scarring, swelling or bruising after the procedure?

Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling following the closure procedure.

What if I need the vein for bypass surgery in the future?

The closure procedure treats diseased veins only, which are not appropriate for bypass surgery.

For further information on any surgical procedures or
to book a consultation, please contact us at:


Fitzwilliam Clinic, 70-72 Lisburn Road, Belfast
Tel: 028 9032 3888
Email: info@fitzwilliamclinic.com