VNUS Closure is used, instead of vein stripping, to eliminate reverse blood flow in the saphenous vein, but without physically removing the vein, and can be performed in the office with local anesthesia. With Closure, or Radiofrequency Ablation, the vein is closed using radiofrequency energy through a catheter to heat the inside of the vein. Ultrasound is required to make the diagnosis and indicate whether a patient is a candidate for the procedure. Like other venous procedures, the Closure procedure involves risks and potential complications, but these are much less likely than with traditional surgery.