Glossary

Artery
Vessels carrying oxygen-rich blood FROM the heart. (Veins carry oxygen-depleted blood TO the heart.)
Capillary
Extremely small blood vessel.
Catheter
In the context of the Closure procedure, a slender, 60-100 centimeters long device designed to move within the vein and seal it by delivering radiofrequency energy through a group of specially designed electrodes.
Closure
The Closure procedure is an outpatient (day surgery) treatment performed in hospitals, surgical centers and doctors’ offices. Anesthesia is typically used to numb the treatment area. The Closure Catheter is inserted into the vein through a small opening, often using only a single needle stick. The catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and seal shut as the doctor pulls the catheter from the vein. Like other venous procedures, the Closure procedure involves risks and potential complications. Patients should consult their doctors to determine whether or not they are candidates for this procedure, and if their conditions present any special risks.
Clot
Coagulated blood. (i.e., a thick, viscous lump of blood.)
Collagen
The major protein in connective tissue. It shrinks or thickens when heated.
Color Duplex
Ultrasound system that uses color to indicate the direction of blood flow. This is particularly helpful in visualizing and evaluating both the deep and superficial venous systems.
Compression Therapy
A conservative therapy for venous insufficiency. Typically involves compression stockings with varying degrees of pressure to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms caused by venous insufficiency. This therapy may temporarily relieve symptoms, however, does not address the underlying cause of the disease.
Deep Veins
Non-surface veins in the leg which enjoy good structural support from the adjacent bones and muscles. They return blood directly to the heart.
Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT)
A formation or presence of a thrombus, or clot, within a deep vein.
Dilation
Enlargement of a a vein due to increased internal pressure.
Doppler
Ultrasound device that a technician may use to sense the presence or absence of flow in blood vessels.
Edema
Swelling or inflammation caused by fluid buildup. Frequently occurs in the legs and ankles of people with venous insufficiency.
Efficacy
Effectiveness.
Electrode
In this context, the Closure Catheter has multiple electrodes which emit radiofrequency energy to close - or occlude - the vein to be treated.
Endovenous
Inside a vein.
Hematoma
A localized mass of clotted blood confined within an organ, tissue or space.
Incompetent Valves
see Valves.
Incompetent Vessel
Blood vessel that doesn't function properly. In most cases, the valves do not close completely, causing reverse blood flow, which contributes to edema and leg pain.
Ligation
Surgical closure of a vessel with sutures or staples.
Lumen
Interior of a blood vessel.
Minimally Invasive
Insuring that a treatment involves as little damage to human skin and organs as possible.
Microphlebectomy
See Phlebectomy.
Occlusion
The closing of a vessel.
Paresthesia
Numbness or tingling often associated with damage to sensory nerves.
Perforator Veins
Veins which serve as connections between the superficial veins and deep veins.
Phlebectomy
Developed in the 1950s, a phlebectomy involves removing diseased veins through a series of very small punctures or incisions with a variety of specialized hooks. It is typically used on varicose veins at or near the skin surface, and is a complimentary treatment to the Closure procedure.
Phlebologist
Physician who specializes in treatment of vein disorders.
Prolapse
Condition in which vein valves are unable to close properly, allowing blood to flow in the wrong direction.
Radiofrequency Energy
Energy that generates heat by stimulating naturally-occurring molecules in and around tissues. "RF" energy can be used to shrink, cut and/or cauterize tissue, depending on the temperature setting and frequency.
RF Energy
Abbreviation for radiofrequency energy.
Reflux
Backward flow. Reflux contributes to the development of varicose veins when incompetent leg vein valves let blood flow towards the feet instead of the heart.
Sapheno-Femoral Junction
Intersection near the groin where the saphenous vein and femoral vein join.
Saphenous Vein
The long saphenous vein is a large vein running from the ankle to the groin; the short saphenous vein runs up the back of the leg from the ankle to the knee. Problems with valves in these veins often contribute to the development of varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
Often used for treatment of small diameter (1-2 mm) surface veins, such as spider veins. The physician injects a liquid, such as highly concentrated saline solution, that destroys the vein lining and causes the vein to collapse on itself.
Spider Veins
Small blood vessels near the skin's surface which appear as tiny, twisted, purple lines.
Stripping
Surgical removal of an incompetent vessel, historically considered the standard of care for removing incompetent saphenous veins. Stripping of a saphenous vein typically involves making an incision in the groin region and surgically tying off the top of the vein. An instrument resembling a thin rod with a bulbous end is then inserted into the saphenous vein and passed through to the knee. Another incision is made at the upper calf. The stripping device is then tied to the vein and pulled out through the second incision.
Superficial Veins
Veins which are just beneath the skin. Because they enjoy less support from adjacent muscles and bones, they can develop areas of weakness in their walls and are more likely to become varicose than deep veins.
Thermocouple
A temperature measurement component on the Closure catheter that lets the physician know the precise temperature of tissue being heated.
Thrombosis
Formation or presence of a thrombus, or clot, within a blood vessel.
Thrombus
Blood clot that may block a blood vessel or be attached to the vessel without obstructing the lumen (i.e., interior of the blood vessel.)
Ulceration
Formation of an ulcer on the skin.
Ulcer (venous)
Lesion on skin caused by tissue deterioration, usually with inflammation and necrosis (dead tissue).
Valves
Flaps of tissue in the leg veins which open and close to prevent blood from flowing backwards.
Valvuloplasty
Surgical placement of a series of sutures along the base of the valve. This can tighten valve components called "leaflets", reduce the vein diameter and prevent prolapse. General anesthesia is required, plus 3-6 days post-operative hospitalization and long-term therapy with anticoagulant drugs. Risks include deep vein thrombosis infection and bruising. Success rates of 63%-80% have been reported for patients suffering from primary, deep venous insufficiency1.
Varicose Veins
Veins with incompetent valves which are elongated, dilated, tortuous, pouched and thickened. An estimated 10%-20% of the general population has varicose veins. It is more frequent among women and all adults after age 50.
Vein
See venous vessels.
Venous Blood
Blood which is returning to the heart to pick up oxygen.
Venous Insufficiency
Poor or impaired flow of venous blood from the legs and feet to the heart, often characterized by symptoms such as varicose veins, swelling, aching, skin changes and/or venous ulcers. Caused by over-dilation of venous vessels or damaged valves, resulting in pooling of blood. Deep vein thrombosis can also create this condition. Over time, this damages other valves in the veins and speeds progression of venous reflux.
Venous Reflux
See Reflux.
Venous Vessels
Veins that carry oxygen-depleted blood TO the heart. (Arterial vessels carry oxygen-rich blood FROM the heart.)