OSF Saint Clare Medical Center

Venous Reflux Disease

Are you experiencing leg pain, swelling, or sores?

An estimated 300 million people globally have venous reflux disease.  Of those 17% are diagnosed.  Only 1% receive treatment.

Varicose veins, swelling, and sores caused by venous reflux disease

What causes varicose veins?

Backward blood flow from unhealthy leg valves A leading cause of varicose veins is venous reflux disease, a progressive condition caused by incompetent vein valves in the leg. 

Normally, valves in the veins prevent blood from flowing backward, so each pump of the heart pushes the blood back through the veins. Given time, gravity, and inactivity, the valves can become dysfunctional and allow pooling and backward blood flow.

This is known as venous reflux disease.Venous reflux disease is progressive and symptoms can worsen or lead to ulcers over time if left untreated.

Signs and symptoms:

  • Leg Aches and Pains
  • Swelling
  • Cramping
  • Restless Legs
  • Leg Heaviness and Fatigue
  • Open Skin Sores and Ulcers
  • Skin Rashes
  • Burning or Itching Skin

What are the treatment options for Venous Reflux Disease?

Starting with Medical Management

The first step in treating venous reflux disease is medical management.  This may include compression stockings, exercising, and quitting smoking.  Medical management will be guided by Dr. Mark Williams based on your individual health and lifestyle, and what is required by your insurance provider.

Minimally-Invasive Treatment Options

When medical management is not sufficient, there are two modern techniques for treating venous reflux disease.  For both procedures, the goal is to prevent blood from pooling and streamline the path for blood returning to the heart.  Both the ClosureFastTM and VenaSealTM procedures are minimally-invasive and done on an outpatient basis.

Question

VenaSealTM

ClosureFastTM

How does this procedure treat venous reflux disease?                          

VenaSealTM works by delivering a small amount of glue to seal the diseased vein and reroute blood through nearby healthy veins.

ClosureFastTM works by delivering heat (or radiofrequency energy) to close the diseased vein and redirect blood through nearby healthy veins.

How quickly could I resume normal activity?       

 Patients recover from this procedure almost instantly.  Dr. Williams adds a wrap to the leg for a couple days to prevent clotting.  In most cases, patients may resume normal activity right away. Given the need for local anesthesia and the use of intense heat, the recovery from ClosureFastTM is typically 1-2 days.  In most cases, patients may resume normal activity within about two weeks.

Is this procedure covered by insurance?

 VenaSealTM is covered by many insurance providers, but not all.  Please discuss your coverage with your insurance provider prior to seeking treatment. ClosureFastTM is covered by most insurance providers.  Please discuss your coverage with your insurance provider prior to seeking treatment.

Am I a candidate for the VenaSealTM or ClosureFastTM procedures?

Many factors contribute to the presence of venous reflux disease including:

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

Having a screening, followed by medical management can help determine whether the procedure is the solution for you.

How can I get screened for venous reflux disease?

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Williams by calling (815) 872-9491.