R E T H I N K VA R I C O S E V E I N S
The Rethink Varicose Veins campaign is sponsored by Covidien. The people featured in the Rethink
Varicose Veins campaign photographs are models and have not been treated with Venefit™ targeted
endovenous therapy and may not be affected by varicose veins or CVI. The stories depicted by the models
reflect the theme of the campaign and may not reflect their personal experiences. The models have been
compensated by Covidien.
YOUR VEINS. YOUR STORY.
They are not just a cosmetic problem. If left untreated,
varicose veins can sometimes progress to a more
serious form of venous disease called chronic venous
insufficiency (CVI).1
I T ’ S T I M E T O R E T H I N K VA R I C O S E V E I N S
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A family history of venous disease.
If you have any of the following signs or symptoms
you should see a vein specialist to learn more about
varicose veins and CVI and to determine if you are a
candidate for treatment with the Venefit™ procedure: 2
More than 40 hours a week
on your feet at work.
•
Varicose veins
•
Leg heaviness and fatigue
•
Leg or ankle swelling
•
Leg pain, aching or cramping
•
Skin changes or rashes
•
Ulcers, open wounds or sores
FIND OUT MORE
YOUR VEINS.
Y O U R S T O R Y.
Three kids in 5 years.
While your varicose veins may tell a story
about your life, they don’t have to be
your life’s story.
The Rethink Varicose Veins campaign encourages the more
than 30 million Americans who suffer from venous disease,
including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency
(CVI),1,6 to think differently about their condition and realize
it is not just a cosmetic issue, but a medical problem worthy
of diagnosis and treatment. The campaign aims to empower
people to take control of their vein health by learning more
about venous disease, finding a vein specialist and determining
if treatment with the Venefit™ procedure is right for them.
Visit RethinkVaricoseVeins.com today.
Visit RethinkVaricoseVeins.com to:
•
Learn more about varicose veins, chronic
venous insufficiency (CVI) and treatment with
Venefit™ targeted endovenous therapy
•
Take a self-assessment
•
Locate a vein specialist near you
•
Inspire others to rethink their condition by
sharing your personal story
1. Gloviczki, P., MD., Comerota, A., MD., Dalsing, M., MD., Eklof, B., MD., Gillespie, D., MD.,
Gloviczki, M., MD.,Wakefield, T., MD. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic
venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American
Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011 May; 53(5 Suppl): 2S-48S.
2. “Chronic Venous Insufficiency.” Vascular Web. Society for Vascular Surgery, Jan. 2011. Web. http://
www.vascularweb.org/vascularhealth/Pages/chronic-venous-insufficiency.aspx
1. Gloviczki, P., MD., Comerota, A., MD., Dalsing, M., MD., Eklof, B., MD., Gillespie, D., MD., Gloviczki,
M., MD.,Wakefield, T., MD. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous
diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum.
J Vasc Surg. 2011 May; 53(5 Suppl): 2S-48S.
6. US Markets for Varicose Vein Treatment Devices 2011, Millennium Research Group. 2011.
VTH0151
The Rethink Varicose Veins campaign is sponsored by Covidien. The people featured in the Rethink
Varicose Veins campaign photographs are models and have not been treated with Venefit™ targeted
endovenous therapy and may not be affected by varicose veins or CVI. The stories depicted by the models
reflect the theme of the campaign and may not reflect their personal experiences. The models have been
compensated by Covidien.
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW
ABOUT VARICOSE VEINS?
Have you always thought varicose veins and spider veins are
one-in-the-same? Are you hesitant about getting your varicose
veins treated because you think the procedure is cosmetic and
not covered by insurance? It’s time to separate fact from fiction.
MYTH: Varicose veins are cosmetic and cannot
be treated.
Though often considered a cosmetic nuisance, varicose veins can
sometimes progress to a more serious form of venous disease called
chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).1 If not treated, CVI can result in
increasingly serious signs and symptoms, including leg pain, swelling,
restlessness, skin damage and ulcers.2 If you think you have varicose
veins or CVI, talk to a vein specialist about minimally-invasive
treatment options.
MYTH: Spider veins are the same thing as
varicose veins.
Spider veins and varicose veins are both caused by dysfunctional vein
valves. However, spider veins appear as a nest of blue or red veins just
under the skin’s surface, but typically do not bulge above the surface
like varicose veins. Varicose veins should be diagnosed and treated by
a vein specialist to avoid progression to CVI, while spider veins are
generally regarded as a cosmetic issue.7
MYTH: Men are not at risk for developing varicose
veins and CVI.
REAL PATIENTS. REAL STORIES.
LEARN THE FACTS
Jill, 35-year old ER nurse, first noticed her varicose veins in college.
However, her conditioned worsened after having kids and settling into a
promising career.
C O M M O N C A U S E S / R I S K FA C T O R S
Jill had a “triple whammy” of risk factors: a family history of varicose
veins; two children; and a career that forced her to be on her
feet constantly.
As the pain in her legs continued to escalate and her varicose veins
became more noticeable, Jill decided to take action. She made an
appointment with a vascular surgeon and underwent diagnostic testing,
which revealed that she was a candidate for treatment with Venefit™
targeted endovenous therapy.
“I’m quite stubborn and refused to let my varicose
veins hold me back and prevent me from living
an active life. But I’d definitely pay the price at
the end of the day. I’m thrilled with the results of
my treatment, and no longer have to worry about
needing to quit work due to the pain associated with
my varicose veins.”
– Jill G.
Boise, ID
Treatment of varicose veins is covered by most insurance plans. Check
with your individual insurance provider before seeking treatment.
1. Gloviczki, P., MD., Comerota, A., MD., Dalsing, M., MD., Eklof, B., MD., Gillespie, D., MD., Gloviczki,
M., MD.,Wakefield, T., MD. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous
diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous
Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011 May; 53(5 Suppl): 2S-48S.
2. “Chronic Venous Insufficiency.” Vascular Web. Society for Vascular Surgery, Jan. 2011. Web. http://
www.vascularweb.org/vascularhealth/Pages/chronic-venous-insufficiency.aspx
4. Coon,W., et al. Venous Thromboembolism and Other Venous Disease in the Tecumseh Community
Health Study. Circulation. 1978;839-846
7. “Varicose Veins and Spider Veins.” Department of Health and Human Services, June 2010. Web. http://
www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/varicose-spider-veins.pdf
Take control of your health.
Visit RethinkVaricoseVeins.com to learn more
about varicose veins, CVI and treatment
with the Venefit™ procedure.
The Venefit™ procedure is a minimally invasive
treatment that uses radiofrequency ablation (heat)
to seal off the affected vein, so blood gets re-routed
to other veins. The procedure is covered by most
insurance plans and allows for a short recovery and a
quick return to everyday activities.3,5
• Studies show the Venefit™ procedure is associated
with lower rates of pain, bruising and minor
complications when compared to treatment with
980 nm laser ablation.5
Following the Venefit™ procedure, her daily pain and swelling have
subsided, and the big, knotty veins that once protruded from both legs
have disappeared.*
Men can develop varicose veins as well as more severe symptoms of
CVI. In fact, 43 percent of men are expected to develop some form of
venous disease by the time they reach their 60s.4
MYTH: Insurance plans will not cover treatment of
my varicose veins.
Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
can affect anyone; gender and age are factors that may
increase your risk.2 These conditions also tend to be more
prevalent in women who have been pregnant, people who
have a family history of CVI, or those whose jobs require
them to spend a great deal of time standing.2
TREATMENT WITH THE
VENEFIT™ PROCEDURE
• Patients undergoing the Venefit™ procedure
reported improvements in quality of life measures
faster than patients undergoing treatment with
980 nm laser ablation.5
Varicose veins occur when the valves in the leg veins no longer
function properly, causing blood to pool in the legs.
CVI IS A PROGRESSIVE DISORDER
Symptoms of CVI can worsen if left untreated. CVI signs
and symptoms include swelling, fatigue, restlessness and
pain in the legs, skin changes and ulcers.2 Talk to a vein
specialist about varicose veins or symptoms of CVI before
the condition progresses.
VARICOSE VEINS
Bulging veins
• As with all medical procedures, there is a chance
that complications may occur, including, but
not limited to the following: hematoma, vessel
perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism,
phlebitis, infection, adjacent nerve injury, skin
burn or discoloration.
Consult a vein specialist to see if the
Venefit™ procedure is the best treatment
option for you.
CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY
Leg swelling
Skin color and
texture changes
Venous ulcers
The Venefit™ procedure is performed when medically necessary as diagnosed by a trained vein
specialist. It is not designed to address spider veins or cosmetic issues. However, the successful
treatment of varicose veins and CVI using the Venefit™ procedure can produce cosmetic
improvements. As with any medical procedure, you should consult your vein specialist and review
all safety information prior to receiving treatment.
*Individual risks may vary.
Not all patients treated with Venefit™ targeted endovenous therapy will experience complete resolution of
pain and bulging veins. In one study, 89.2 percent of patients reported they were pain-free at 3-days postprocedure and 99.6 percent of the patients’ treated veins had documented vein occlusion.8
Photos courtesy of Rajabrata Sarkar, M.D., Ph.D.
8. Proebstle T, et al. Three-year European follow-up of endovenous radiofrequency-powered segmental
thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein with or without treatment of calf varicosities. JVS; July 2011.
2. “Chronic Venous Insufficiency.” Vascular Web. Society for Vascular Surgery, Jan. 2011. Web. http://www.
vascularweb.org/vascularhealth/Pages/chronic-venous-insufficiency.aspx
3. L. H. Rasmussen, M. Lawaetz, L. Bjoern, B. Vennits, A. Blemings and B. Eklof, Randomized Clinical
Trial Comparing Endovenous Laser Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, Foam Sclerotherapy and
Surgical Stripping for Great Saphenous Varicose Veins. British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd., Wiley
Online Library, www.bjs.co.uk, March 15, 2011.
5. Almeida JI, Kaufman J, Göckeritz O, et al. Radiofrequency endovenous ClosureFast versus laser
ablation for the treatment of great saphenous reflux: a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized study
(RECOVERY Study). J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2009; 20:752-759.