Vein disease treatments
ClosureFast™ procedure
Minimally invasive thermal treatment for vein disease and varicose veins.
The ClosureFast procedure uses radiofrequency energy or heat to close the diseased vein, which redirects blood flow to healthy veins, relieving symptoms.
The ClosureFast procedure
Step 1: Thermal catheter is placed
Using an ultrasound, your physician will position the catheter into the diseased vein through a small access site.
Step 2: Local anesthetic is applied
A series of injections numbs the area around the vein.
Step 3: Heat is delivered to vein wall
The vein wall is heated and the catheter is withdrawn from the vein.
Step 4: Vein is closed
The vein is “heat sealed” as the catheter is removed. A multilayer compression wrap is applied from foot to groin.
Having this procedure made such a difference in my life and my general wellbeing. Thank you for not only making lifesaving therapies, but also focusing on procedures that better people’s lives and help them live the most normal, comfortable life they can.
– Gabrielle M., ClosureFast patient
Individual results may vary, talk to your doctor for more information.
Before the procedure
You will have an ultrasound imaging exam of the leg being treated. This exam is important for assessing the diseased superficial vein and planning the procedure.
During the procedure
Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you. Here is a brief summary of what to expect:
- The ClosureFast procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Your doctor will perform the ClosureFast procedure. Using an ultrasound, your doctor will position a catheter in the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin.
- The small catheter delivers heat to the vein wall, causing it to shrink and seal the vein. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will reroute itself to other healthy veins.
After the procedure
- You will be taken to the recovery area to rest.
- Following the procedure, your doctor will apply a simple bandage over the insertion site and will give you compression stockings to aid in the healing process. Your doctor may encourage you to walk and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time. The average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days.1,2
- Your doctor will recommend follow-up care as needed.
Patient results: before and after
Before ClosureFast procedure
Six weeks after ClosureFast procedure
Individual results may vary. Images courtesy of Dr. Kathleen Gibson.
Benefits of the ClosureFast procedure
- Relief of symptoms after two days, with a noticeable improvement in one to two weeks3
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- Less pain and bruising than laser treatment3
- Faster recovery than laser treatment3
- Proven results with positive patient experience1,3,4
- Rapid recovery — on average, patients resume normal activities within a few days2
- Lasting results — the only radiofrequency energy procedure with published long-term clinical data demonstrating safety and efficacy, with a 91.9% closure rate at five years.4
Possible complications of the ClosureFast procedure may include nerve injury, hematoma, phlebitis, thrombosis, and/or pulmonary embolism. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Type of therapy
Thermal shrinkage of the vein wall with radiofrequency energy or heat
Inpatient or outpatient procedure
Outpatient procedure
One- versus two-leg treatment
Typically, each leg will be treated in separate appointments
Needle sticks required
One needle stick for vein access. Typically, 5 to 10 needle sticks for anesthesia.
Typical post-treatment recovery
Healing of vein access site, anesthetic needle stick sites, and also healing of ablated vein section
Compression hose
Required for approximately one week
Procedure success rate
91.9% after five years4
ClosureFast procedure FAQ
Is the ClosureFast procedure painful?
Most patients report feeling little, if any, pain during the ClosureFast procedure.3 Your doctor will give you a local or regional anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
References
Rasmussen LH, Lawaetz M, Bjoern L, Vennits B, Blemings S, Eklof B. Randomized clinical trial comparing endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, foam sclerotherapy and surgical stripping for great saphenous varicose veins. Br J Surg. August 2011;98(8):1079–1087.
Hinchliffe RJ, Ubhi J, Beech A, Ellison J, Braithwaite BD. A prospective randomised controlled trial of VNUS closure versus surgery for the treatment of recurrent long saphenous varicose veins. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. February 2006;31(2):212–218.
Almeida JI, Kaufman J, Gockeritz O, et al. Radiofrequency Endovenous ClosureFAST Versus Laser Ablation for the Treatment of Great Saphenous Reflux: A Multicenter, Single-blinded, Randomized Study (Recovery Study). J Vasc Interv Radiol. June 2009;20(6):752–759.
Proebstle TM, Alm BJ, Gockeritz O, et al. Five-year results from the prospective European multicentre cohort study on radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins. Br J Surg. February 2015;102(3):212–218.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.