NRMC Auxiliary Funds VNUS Closure Procedure Equipment VNUS Closure is the newest form of treatment for those with varicose veins caused by venous reflux disease. Unlike the traditional vein stripping that was very painful and required time off from daily activities; the VNUS Closure procedure is minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis. Nevada Regional Medical Center is fortunate to be able to provide this advanced procedure thanks to the generosity of the NRMC Auxiliary. The auxiliary purchased the VNUS equipment as well as a tilting table and hydraulic chair to perform the venous ultrasounds for the procedure for a total of approximately $42,000. Venous reflux disease affects nearly 25 million people in the US. It occurs when the valves in the veins no longer work properly to pump the blood back to the heart. The blood then pools in the legs and can lead to varicose veins, leg heaviness and fatigue, swelling, skin discoloration and even skin ulcers. Those resulting factors are painful as well as unsightly. Venous reflux occurs in 50% of people over sixty years of age and in 60% of women over age fifty. Additional factors include those with a family history, multiple pregnancies, obesity and those with a profession that requires long hours of standing. During the VNUS Closure procedure a tiny catheter is inserted into the diseased vein. Thermal energy closes the vein. The body reroutes blood to surrounding healthy veins while the closed vein is absorbed by the body. The procedure takes less than an hour with most patients reporting very little pain, scarring or bruising. Often, only a small bandage is placed over the insertion site. Most patients notice relief of symptoms immediately or within a few days and are able to return to normal activities within a day. Most major health insurers cover the Closure procedure. To find out more or see if the VNUS Closure procedure is right for you, talk to your doctor or call the NRMC Professional Practice Clinic at 417-448-3644 for more information.