Barbara is a clerical secretary and is a caregiver to her handicapped adult son. She describes her legs to be “always painful” and has had hot spots, red areas, pain, and swelling in her left leg for the past 15-20 years. Her legs really flared up after a summer bus trip vacation. For Barbara, the Closure procedure was the solution she was looking for. The ten-day recovery time for traditional surgery was not an option for her and she remarked, “When would I have time for that.” Getting care for her son during such a recovery was impossible so she just “thought {she} had to live with it.” Barbara arranged to have the procedure done during her husband’s business trip to Toledo, and received treatment on her left leg in October 2000 (Thursday). Though the manual compression was uncomfortable for her, the procedure was not painful. After the treatment, she returned to her hotel and walked around Toledo for 2-3 hours. She felt that her symptoms were relieved immediately. That Sunday, “people couldn’t believe I was bouncing up the stairs at church. I have told so many people about the Closure procedure.”
Barbara H. * Age: 54 * Clerical Secretary * Westerville, OH
Treating physician: Shayle Patzik, MD
"If I had to do it again I would have had the radiofrequency treatment {Closure} on both legs."
Doug, a masonry contractor, was tired of his aching legs and visible varicose veins. Doug had both his legs treated: left with the Closure procedure and right with endovenous laser. Describing his experience, Doug said “there was a big difference between the procedures. The radiofrequency procedure {Closure} was much less painful and caused much less bruising compared with the laser treatment.” For Doug, the leg treated with endovenous laser felt much worse. Doug shares, “if I had to do it again I would have had the radiofrequency treatment {Closure} on both legs.”
Doug F. * Age: 47 * Masonry Contractor * Glendale, AZ
Treating physician: Nick Morrison, MD
"Prior to the Closure procedure, I limited activities because of the pain I
experienced. Now I'm more active, and as a result, I've stopped gaining weight."
Diane experienced varicose veins, pain, and pressure in her legs. Sometimes this pressure was so intense that her legs felt as though they could “explode.” The throbbing and aching in her legs were most noticeable after long periods of standing or walking. Diane explained, “Even my sleep was disturbed because of the pain.”
Previous sclerotherapy treatments provided only a short-term solution. Dr. Gillon introduced Diane to the Closure procedure to provide relief long-term. Diane stated, “The procedure sounded easy. Minimal pain and downtime after the procedure were also appealing.”
The morning following the Closure procedure, Diane noticed improvement in the pain and pressure she once experienced. Within two days, she noticed improvement in the appearance of her varicose veins. Diane commented, “Now, I no longer experience pain or throbbing.”
Since the Closure procedure, Diane sleeps more comfortably, with no disturbances from leg pain. She said, “I see no downsides to this procedure, and the overall experience was not painful at all.”
Diane J. * Age: 63 * Retiree * Redwood City, CA
Treating physician: Jean Gillon, MD
"I feared being put to sleep during the procedure. But with the Closure treatment I could be awake and alert throughout the treatment.”
Ellen’s father had varicose veins. However, he never sought treatment “because the traditional method of vein stripping was painful and invasive.” Over a year ago, Ellen developed symptoms of venous disease including aching and discolored legs. She stated, “I developed varicose veins that went over the top of my knee, in the shape of horseshoe.”
Ellen was pleased that the Closure procedure could be administered using local anesthesia. She explained, “I was wide awake during the procedure and comfortable throughout the process.” Immediately after the Closure treatment Ellen was walking around. She exclaimed, “My husband couldn’t believe it. He was surprised by how good I felt.”
After the Closure procedure Ellen wore support hose for 24 hours and resumed normal activities within 1 day. Ellen stated, “Since the Closure treatment, my varicose veins have minimized in size. The ache in my leg started to go away right after the treatment. And the discoloration has improved as well.”
Ellen now has more energy to conduct her daily activities and feels less self conscious about the appearance of her legs.
Ellen M. * Age: 55 * Retiree * Clearwater, FL
Treating physician: Michael Nerney, MD
"The very next day after the Closure procedure, I felt better."
Bruce ran marathons, and over time developed “great big” protruding veins on his legs as well as discoloration near the lower ankle. In addition to the visible signs of his condition, Bruce’s legs ached 24/7. He had lived with these symptoms and the constant pain for about two years.
Bruce heard about vein stripping, and people warned him about the pain following the surgery. Bruce stated, “This old-fashioned method of stripping the vein should go the way of the dinosaur.” However, Bruce realized he had a problem and needed to be treated. He was pleased that the Closure procedure offered an alternative to vein stripping surgery.
Bruce began to feel better the first day after the procedure. Noticeable improvement continued in the days following. He commented, “I feel absolutely no pain.” While Bruce still has a small amount of skin discoloration, the outward signs of venous reflux disease have disappeared. Bruce exclaimed, “I feel great!”
Bruce B. * Age: 55 * Financial Advisor * Alpine, UT
Treating physician: Craig W. Wilkinson, MD
"I can play tennis and remain active without being limited by leg pain and discomfort."
Some of Cheryl’s family members were treated for venous disease with vein stripping surgery. During Cheryl’s pregnancy in 1991, she noticed varicose veins around her groin and knee. She experienced pain and discomfort in her legs and sensitivity, described as “similar to the feeling of a bruise,” in certain areas of her leg. Over time, the veins worsened and her legs tired easily.
Cheryl has an active lifestyle. She plays tennis and takes Jazzercise three times a week. She is a coach and teacher and could not accommodate a long period of downtime following a procedure. Cheryl explained that with the Closure® procedure “the idea of minimal downtime was appealing.”
Cheryl was treated with the Closure procedure. Dr. Sarsfield also treated her noticeable varicose veins with adjunctive phlebectomy. Both legs were treated on the same day, and the procedure was completed in about two hours.
After the Closure procedure and phlebectomy, Cheryl’s legs were bandaged and she was off her feet for about 3-4 days. She exclaimed, “Within 3 weeks following the procedure all of my symptoms subsided.”
Cheryl S. * Age: 45 * Coach/Teacher * Denver, IA
Treating physician: Robert G. Sarsfield, MD
"It took 1-2 months for my right leg (treated with vein stripping surgery) to show signs of improvement compared to my left leg (treated with the Closure procedure) which showed improvement in 2 weeks."
Leonard’s symptoms including, heaviness, aching and pain in his legs began about 5 years ago. He had bulging bluish colored varicose veins and spider veins that were visible in both legs.
In May 2002 Leonard sought treatment. Dr. Trent performed traditional vein stripping on Leonard’s right leg. Following the surgery, Leonard was in pain and experienced areas of bruising, soreness and tenderness. He stated, “It took 4-5 days after the surgery until I really felt comfortable.” Leonard was out of work for a week as a result of the vein stripping surgery.
In October 2002, Dr. Trent began to offer the Closure procedure and recommended the treatment for Leonard’s left leg. Leonard was unsure about what to expect, “but was happy there was an alternative to the stripping surgery.” Dr. Trent explained that Leonard could be active the day following the Closure treatment. Leonard stated, “I was in disbelief – I didn’t think it was possible.”
Subsequent to the Closure procedure, Leonard was “back to work the next day.” He explained, “I felt no discomfort during the Closure procedure and had no bruising or swelling after the treatment.” Leonard’s symptoms have improved and he no longer experiences pain in the evening following a full day’s activity. Leonard has also noticed an improvement in the appearance of his legs.
Leonard M. * Age: 49 * Music Store Owner * Nyack, NY
Treating physician: Michael Trent, MD
"I can wear skirts again and I don’t feel self-conscious about the appearance of my legs. I can sleep through the night and I’m more rested overall."
Maureen had a big bulging blue vein on the calf of her right leg. She experienced a throbbing sensation while at work and while she slept, resulting in discomfort and distressed sleep for years.
The Closure® procedure offered Maureen “an alternative to vein stripping.” She pursued the procedure because “it’s minimally invasive.”
Treated under local anesthesia in Dr. Hudgin’s office, she was “comfortable throughout the procedure.” She noted only that as the local anesthesia was administered, she felt a numbing and stinging sensation.
The next day, Maureen returned to work. She resumed exercise, including walking right away. Maureen explained, “The pain was gone immediately following the Closure procedure.” The appearance of her varicose veins also improved.
Maureen W. * Age: 33 * Contract Administrator * Plano, TX
Treating physician: James J. Hudgins, MD
"I noticed less fatigue in my leg, and remarkable improvement in looks. No more varicose veins."
Mary had varicose veins which looked like “a large clumpy area” along the side and back of her left leg. She said, “It felt tender, sore, and the area became swollen if I was on my feet for a long time.”
Dr. Rosenberg recommended the Closure procedure to Mary as a minimally invasive treatment for the underlying cause of her varicose veins. Mary explained, “It sounded so much easier than vein stripping.”
The procedure was performed in Dr. Rosenberg’s office. She was awake during the entire procedure, which only lasted about 30 minutes. She stated, “I was very comfortable. I had absolutely no pain or discomfort. It was a very easy procedure to go through.”
Mary was able to return to her normal activities the next morning, which added to her satisfaction of the treatment. “There was no downtime.”
Mary was extremely pleased with her results. She shared, “I noticed less fatigue in my leg, and remarkable improvement in looks. No more varicose veins. The soreness and tenderness are gone. I absolutely recommend it to anyone who has varicose veins.”
Mary C. * Age: 61 * Public Health Consultant * Jefferson, MA
Treating physician: Garth D. Rosenberg, MD
"I have no more pain and no bulging veins."
Jim experienced symptoms of pain and bulging veins on his left leg for about three years. The symptoms progressively worsened. Jim was referred to Vascular Associates, where Dr. Schneider introduced the Closure procedure to him as a way of treating venous reflux disease.
The Closure procedure was performed on Jim in the hospital on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia. Following the Closure procedure, Jim was extremely pleased. He stated, “After the Closure procedure I resumed regular activities fairly quickly. I went for a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood the same day of the procedure.” Jim also explained that he did not even have to take any pain medication and all of his symptoms are now gone. He said, “I noticed an improvement immediately!”
Jim R. * Age: 59 * Retiree * Forest Hill, MD
Treating physician: Roger Schneider, MD
"Within two days, the cramping and throbbing sensation I felt prior to Closure subsided."
Sandra experienced trauma to her legs in an accident that took place about a year ago. Since the accident, Sandra felt pain and a burning sensation in her legs and noticed bulging, bluish-colored varicose veins.
She sought guidance from Dr. Shah about treatment options available. Dr. Shah recommended conservative methods first, including compression hose, which Sandra wore for 3 months. The symptoms persisted, and Sandra was diagnosed with venous disease. Dr. Shah told her about the Closure procedure.
The Closure treatment appealed to Sandra because it offered minimal downtime. She stated, “I don’t consider {the Closure procedure} a ‘surgery;’ rather, a ‘treatment’.” Sandra underwent the Closure treatment in Dr. Shah’s office under local anesthesia. The treatment was covered 100% by her insurance company, less her co-pay.
Sandra walked 3 miles after being treated with the Closure procedure. She explained, “The next day I was back to work and I resumed my normal schedule. Within two days, the cramping and throbbing sensation I felt prior to Closure subsided.” Since the Closure procedure, Sandra explains that the appearance of her legs improved as well. The “discoloration has been minimized and the protruding veins are no longer visible.” Sandra stated, “I have smooth, good-looking legs that I’m ready to show off in shorts!”
Sandra C. * Age: 44 * Hair Stylist * Hamptonville, NC
Treating physician: Bansi Shah, MD
"I feel like I can go out on a warm summer day and feel comfortable showing my legs. I even wear capri pants now!."
Barbara’s family history includes venous disease. Her father was hospitalized with deep vein thrombosis, and her mother had vein stripping surgery in the 1970s. Barbara described her own symptoms as unsightly varicose veins, throbbing, pain and discomfort. She stated, “I feel like I’ve had symptoms of venous disease forever.” Barbara thought she would just have to live with these symptoms.
Barbara was previously treated with ligation surgery and sclerotherapy injections. The ligation procedure didn’t eliminate the pain long-term. Sclerotherapy temporarily improved the way her legs looked; however, neither treatment prevented Barbara from having recurring bouts of phlebitis. She sought a solution that would provide long-term relief.
Barbara remembers her mother’s experience with vein stripping surgery “resulting in large incisions and staples in her groin area,” and being hospitalized for a week. The Closure® procedure offered “minimal risk with big benefits and short recovery.”
Barbara could not believe the recovery. She explained, “I felt minimal discomfort following the Closure procedure.” Dr. Peterson also treated the noticeable varicose veins with adjunctive phlebectomy. Barbara stated, “The procedures worked wonders, significantly improving the appearance of my legs.” At a post- operative visit, an ultrasound scan demonstrated that veins treated with the Closure procedure remained closed.
Barbara T. * Age: 53 * Realtor * Salem, OR
Treating physician: Mark S. Peterson, MD
"The Closure procedure has given me a new lease on life…and now I am jumping into life, since the second procedure, with both feet!"
Brenda’s symptoms began 15 years ago and became especially apparent in the past 5 years. She felt muscular pain, weakness, burning, swelling behind the knees, and “sensation like fire ant bites.”
Prior to the Closure procedure, Brenda was treated with anti-inflammatory medications, none of which relieved her symptoms. Brenda shared, “I was ready for anything that offered a chance for even 50% normal living.”
Brenda underwent the Closure procedure in both of her legs. She resumed normal activity as soon as the sedation wore off. Brenda stated, “There was improvement noted within 30 minutes and continued improvement has been dramatic.”
She explains, “I am no longer dependent on a quad–cane for ambulation. I can go shopping alone for the first time in 5 years. I danced at my daughter’s wedding reception and played tag with my three-year-old grandchild. None of this was possible before the procedure.”
Brenda T. * Age: 56 * Retiree * Lexington, SC
Treating physician: David G. Stone, MD
"The procedure was so simple and easy. I am more active now; I am even thinking of playing tennis."
Connie experienced pain, swelling and varicose veins for 6 years before undergoing treatment of venous disease. The pain and swelling became so unbearable that she was taking ibuprofen 4 times a day.
Finally, Connie was referred to Dr. Kronson, who recommended the Closure procedure as a minimally invasive treatment. Having seen her father go through vein stripping surgery, this seemed like an easier procedure.
The procedure, which lasted less than 1 hour, was performed under general anesthesia. Connie said, “I felt nothing at all.” After the procedure, she also stated, “I was able to walk that same day. I didn’t have the pain and the swelling went down.”
Connie was extremely pleased with the procedure. She exclaimed, “I have no pain and I have an ankle now! The procedure was so simple and easy. I would definitely recommend it, especially when you have pain from varicose veins.”
Connie S. * Age: 66 * Retiree * La Habra, CA
Treating physician: Jeffrey W. Kronson, MD
"The day following the procedure I was walking and climbing flights of stairs – I had resumed my normal routine without any problem."
Joe experienced extreme leg pain and noticeable varicose veins. His pain was so intense that he was not able to get a good night’s sleep. He said, “Even the slightest touch on my leg would cause me pain.”
Joe heard about vein stripping surgery, but thought that it sounded very intrusive. The Closure procedure offered a solution with minimal procedure time, incisions and risk of infection.
Following the Closure procedure, Joe stated, “I was really surprised by how quickly I could resume my regular activities. The day following the procedure I was walking and climbing flights of stairs – I had resumed my normal routine without any problem.”
Joe noticed 80% improvement in the pain and can’t wait to get the right leg done to have complete relief. Joe shared, “Just with the treatment of my left leg, this procedure has changed my life completely. I am more comfortable now, and can sleep better at night.”
Joe B. * Age: 40 * (Disabled) * Scranton, PA
Treating physician: J. Garry Wrobleski, MD
