What is VNUS?

VNUS is the name for a new technique to remove varicose veins.

How does it work?

A fine tube is passed through the skin near the knee and then threaded up the varicose vein. The tube is attached to a power unit that allows the end to be super heated. The heat seals the walls of the vein so that no blood can flow through it. The operation is normally done under local anaesthetic.

How is VNUS different to standard surgery?

If you have varicose veins then one of the causes is normally an incompetent or poorly functioning long saphenous vein (LSV ). Research has shown that it is important to remove this vein to treat varicose veins and reduce the chance of them coming back. Standard surgery frequently requires a cut in the groin to disconnect the LSV and then it is removed by a stripping device. This can cause dramatic bruising. VNUS avoids the need for a cut in the groin and there is minimal bruising. This means people who have VNUS can usually return to normal activity sooner than those who have standard treatment.

Is VNUS better than standard surgery?

It is now thought that VNUS is superior to traditional surgery for long saphenous varicose veins.

Doctors normally want to know the results of scientific studies before they are happy that one treatment is better than another. A randomised trial of VNUS and the standard technique has been done in the USA. The study has shown that the degree of pain after VNUS is much less than traditional surgery. In addition, people who have VNUS return to normal activity much more quickly.

We do not know what the recurrence rates of varicose veins after VNUS are. Only time will tell.

Is everyone with varicose veins able to have VNUS?

No. Some people have large, winding veins that are not suitable. The surgeon will be happy to discuss whether your veins are suitable for VNUS. However, research suggests that about 70% of people with varicose veins can be treated with VNUS.

Is VNUS all I need for my veins?

VNUS will remove the major superficial veins, including the LSV and anterior thigh veins. It is, however, usually necessary to have the bulging veins around the calf removed through small cuts called avulsions. The surgeon uses a technique that along with VNUS will result in very little scarring of the leg.

Will my insurance company pay for VNUS?

VNUS has been approved by the Government agency NICE. Most Insurance companies will now pay for VNUS but a supplementary fee may apply. Our surgeon has approval from AXA PPP and other insurers to perform VNUS.

Can I get VNUS on the NHS?

Not yet. It is not clear if NHS patients can opt to pay for VNUS as an extra. Iit is unlikely that VNUS will be available on the NHS in the near future.

Are there likely to be any future problems if I have VNUS?

All patients who have varicose vein surgery have a chance of wound infection, nerve injury and recurrence of the veins. The only additional risk that may occur with VNUS is the development of a cord of tissue in the thigh where the LSV has been treated. This has been seen in patients who had endoluminal diathermy, an older and less efficient method than VNUS. If the cord develops, patients feel a tightness in the thigh when they cross their legs.

Are there any complications associated with VNUS?

All operations carry some risks. The particular risks of VNUS are burns to the skin and possibly a slightly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. Both of these can be avoided by the use of techniques at surgery that our surgeon will be happy to explain.

Can I find out more about VNUS?

Yes. Visit the VNUS website: www.VNUS.com

Are there any alternatives to VNUS?

Varicofoam, foam injection of varicose veins is another new technique used by our surgeon. [Venocuff valve repair is a technique that our surgeon plans to introduce.]