Closure procedure offers noninvasive way
of treating the cause of varicose veins
More than 20 million Americans suffer from unsightly and painful varicose veins, a condition that can be caused by superficial venous reflux disease.
Traditionally, those suffering with the condition have faced an invasive — often traumatic — surgery through the groin and leg to strip the veins. But now, a Chesapeake Regional Medical Center surgeon is offering those suffering with the condition an outpatient procedure that is less invasive and painful.
“In the past, venous reflux disease was treated with either ineffective stockings or an invasive, inpatient surgery that required a long recovery time for the patient,” said Dr. Surya Challa. “Now, I can close these superficial veins and reroute the blood to healthier veins with an office procedure.”
Superficial venous reflux disease develops when the valves that return blood from the legs are damaged. It can cause symptoms ranging from achy, tired or swollen legs to varicose veins. Skin changes and ulcers can occur in more advanced cases. In the Closure procedure, Challa threads a catheter into the diseased veins. This catheter then emits radiofrequency waves that deliver heat to the malfunctioning vein wall. The heat shrinks the vein and seals it closed, diverting the blood to deeper, healthier veins.
During the outpatient procedure, patients undergo local anesthesia. They can then expect to resume normal activities within a few days or even earlier.
“Not only can the procedure minimize or eliminate varicose veins, it can significantly relieve the worst symptoms of the disease, including leg swelling and pain,” said Challa. “The best part about this procedure is how easy it is on my patients. It fast and so are the results.”
For more information about the Closure procedure or to refer
patients
call Dr. Challa at 757-609-3380
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
736 Battlefield Blvd. North
Chesapeake, VA 23320
757-312-8121