VNUS Closure and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

VNUS Closure was a new technique for treating varicose veins. It is also called "Radio-frequency Ablation of Varicose Veins" and it was approved by NICE (UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence) on the 24th September 2003.

The Whiteley Clinic pioneered the technique of VNUS Closure in the UK, performing the first case on 12th March 1999.

In the following years, we continued our research into the best ways to treat veins.

As surgery moved from General Anaesthic to Local Anaesthetic, we first moved to Laser (EVLA - see www.EVLA.co.uk) and then to VNUS Closure FAST for the easier veins.

However, since the beginning of 2010, we have found huge advantages to using the new RFiTT procedure for our radiofrequency ablation and now rarely use VNUS Closure as the RFiTT device is far more versatile.

How is Radiofrequency Ablation different from traditional surgery?

Traditional surgery for varicose veins involves a groin incision, trying and stripping the veins - leading to pain and bruising. In addition, the trauma of this approach stimulates the ends of the veins to grow back again (neovascularisation).

There is no groin incision or vein stripping in VNUS Closure or with the more modern RFiTT. A fine catheter is passed up the vein under Duplex Ultrasound guidance. The Ultrasound guidance ensures that only the correct vein is treated. The end of the catheter is opened and the vein wall heated, permanently shrinking and destroying the vein.

We have found that our patients experience:

• About 10 times less pain
• 5 times faster return to normal activity
• A much better cosmetic result
• 5 to 10 times fewer recurrences at three years.

Does VNUS Closure or RFiTT have to be done under a General Anaesthetic?

No - in fact since 2004 we have found that not only that we can get just as good results by performing the procedure under local anaesthetic, but it has fewer complications and is less expensive.

Hence radiofrequency ablation, whether the older VNUS Closure FAST or the newer RFiTT, should always be performed under a local anaesthetic as a walk-in walk-out procedure.

Who does VNUS Closure and RFiTT?

The Whiteley Clinic pioneered and developed the technique of VNUS Closure starting in March 1999 and have led the UK in te development of keyhole surgery for varicose veins - resulting in our uses of RFiTT as well as EVLA, Foam Sclerotherapy and other techiques for varicose veins.

All four Consultants in The Clinic perform the technique to the same exacting standards and results are continually assessed by very careful ongoing audit which is presented and discussed in scientific forums and published in the scientific literature.