Press releases

Released November 24, 2000
Yale-New Haven Hospital news release

Yale-New Haven Hospital offers new, nonsurgical treatment for varicose veins

For more information, call 203-688-2493 or E-mail Mark D'Antonio

Yale-New Haven Hospital is offering a new, nonsurgical treatment for patients with varicose veins.

The new treatment, called Closure, uses heat in the form of radio frequency energy to collapse and seal veins. It is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes about 45 minutes. The procedure is performed with a local anesthetic and is less invasive than traditional vein stripping, which requires general or regional anesthesia for a surgical incision in the groin to tie off a damaged vein and another incision in the calf to remove the vein.

"We are delighted to provide this procedure for our patients who need it," said Melvin Rosenblatt, MD, an interventional radiologist at YNHH. "Women from Connecticut have been traveling to New Jersey and farther for treatment. I have been somewhat surprised at the lack of high end technology and treatment available in Connecticut for the treatment of venous insufficiency."

During the Closure procedure, a thin catheter is inserted into the damaged vein. Radio frequency energy is delivered through the catheter, causing the vein to heat, collapse and seal shut. The treated vein is transformed into a strand of fibrous tissue which no longer allows reflux. Research on the procedure indicates over 90 percent of veins remain closed after one year. The Closure treatment is available in Connecticut only at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Saphenous vein insufficiency is a form of venous disease that may be accompanied by varicose veins and symptoms like swelling, pain, fatigue and a heavy feeling in the legs. These symptoms are caused by damaged valves in the veins that usually keep blood flowing upward. Since valves can't be repaired, the only alternative is to re-route blood flow through healthy veins. The Closure procedure closes the problem vein and other healthy veins take over the blood flow. Most patients can resume normal activity within a day and they report feeling little if any pain during the procedure.

Reporters: For more information, call 203-688-2493 or E-mail.

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