What is ClosureFast?
ClosureFast is a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure: a thin catheter delivers controlled heat to the wall of a diseased vein, causing it to shrink and seal shut. It's the heat-based counterpart to VenaSeal, and one of the most studied vein treatments available.
Once the faulty vein is closed, your body reroutes blood to nearby healthy veins. The whole thing is done in-office, through a single access point, with no vein stripping and no general anesthesia.
Targets venous reflux at the source
A quick, in-office visit
Decades of evidence
What makes ClosureFast different
Four reasons it stands out from laser and older vein surgery.
Less pain & bruising
Faster recovery than laser
Proven to last
Minimally invasive
How ClosureFast works, step by step
Start to finish in one office visit.
Place and numb the vein
Deliver the heat
Seal and wrap
The technology
What the heat actually does
Radiofrequency energy warms the vein wall to a precise, controlled temperature, just enough to make the collagen in the wall contract. The vein shrinks and seals along its length in short, segmented cycles. Because the heat is delivered from inside the vein and the surrounding tissue is numbed and protected first, it stays focused on the faulty vein while your healthy circulation carries on.
The results, in numbers
ClosureFast is the only radiofrequency vein procedure with published five-year outcomes.
Vein-closure rate at five years (Proebstle, 2015)
Most patients feel symptom relief within about two days
Radiofrequency ablation trusted in vein care
Sources: Proebstle TM, et al. Five-year results, radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation. Br J Surg. 2015. Almeida JI, et al. RECOVERY study. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2009. Reported via Medtronic, the manufacturer of ClosureFast™. Individual results vary.
See real results
With 5,000+ vein cases treated at Empire Vein & Vascular, here are real outcomes from patients we’ve treated.
Photos of actual Empire Vein & Vascular patients. Individual results vary.
What recovery actually looks like
Most people are back to everyday life quickly. Here's the typical timeline after a ClosureFast procedure.
Day of
Walk out the same day
An outpatient visit with no hospital stay. A compression wrap goes on before you leave, and gentle walking is encouraged.
First couple of days
Symptoms start to ease
Most patients feel relief from aching and heaviness within about two days, while keeping up light activity.
About one week
Compression while you heal
Compression stockings are typically worn for around a week to support healing. Easy to manage day to day.
1–2 weeks & beyond
Noticeable improvement
Symptoms continue to improve over the following weeks. Studies show a 91.9% closure rate at five years.
Every patient heals differently and individual results vary. Your physician will give you aftercare instructions tailored to you. Five-year closure data: Proebstle TM, et al., Br J Surg. 2015, reported via Medtronic.
How to prepare for your visit
There's very little you need to do. A few small things help your appointment go smoothly, and our team confirms everything with you beforehand.
Before treatment you'll have an ultrasound mapping exam of your leg, which lets your specialist plan the procedure precisely. Come ready to share your medical history.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Skip lotions and moisturizers
Don't shave your legs beforehand
Bring your insurance card and photo ID
Have your medication list handy
ClosureFast questions, answered
The things patients ask us most before getting started.
Most patients report little, if any, pain during the procedure. Your doctor numbs the treatment area with local anesthetic first, so you stay comfortable throughout.
You'll likely be back to normal activity within a few days, often faster than with laser ablation or older vein-stripping surgery. For the first couple of weeks, your specialist may suggest regular walking and a break from strenuous activity or prolonged standing.
For most patients, relief begins within about two days, with continued, noticeable improvement over the next one to two weeks.
Most patients report little to no scarring, bruising, or swelling afterward. A compression wrap or stockings are typically worn for about a week to support healing.
Both use heat to close the vein, but they deliver it differently. In a published randomized study, ClosureFast was associated with less pain, less bruising, fewer complications, and a faster improvement in quality of life than 980nm laser ablation.
Many plans, including Medicare, cover radiofrequency ablation when varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (long-term weakening of the leg veins) are causing symptoms. Your free vein screening includes an ultrasound when needed, and from there our team verifies your benefits and explains any costs up front.
See if ClosureFast is right for you.
Start with a free vein screening: a quick visit, clear answers, and a plan at any of our 6 Southern California offices.