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Endovenous radiofrequency ablation, also known as RFA, is a treatment for varicose veins in the legs, a condition that affects a large number of adults. This procedure uses heat to close off the larger superficial veins, those closer to the surface of the skin. This includes the great, small and accessory saphenous veins.

The procedure is less invasive than other varicose vein treatments such as vein stripping, and requires only a tiny skin puncture. Radiofrequency ablation takes about 45 to 60 minutes per leg. Your doctor can perform it in the office or at an ambulatory surgery center using local anesthesia.

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation may also be used alongside other procedures such as sclerotherapy and phlebectomy for treating the smaller varicose veins in the legs.

How is endovenous radiofrequency ablation performed?

The general procedure for treating varicose veins using endovenous radiofrequency ablation follows these steps:

  • Before the procedure, your doctor will use ultrasound to map the veins to be treated. A mark is made on the skin to show where your doctor will make a small puncture (incision) to access the vein. This is often just above or below the knee.
  • The skin of the leg is sterilized to reduce the risk of infection. A superficial local anesthetic is applied to the skin around the knee so you don’t feel pain when your doctor makes the small incision.
  • Once the skin is numb, your doctor will make an incision in the skin at the location that was marked before. Using ultrasound as a guide, your doctor will then insert a small tube (catheter) into the vein to be treated.
  • A local anesthetic is injected into the tissues around the vein, and along the entire length of the vein. This keeps you from feeling pain during the procedure. The anesthetic also compresses the vein and prevents heat created by the radiofrequency device from moving too far beyond the vein.
  • When the radiofrequency device is turned on, it heats and closes the vein from the inside. The vein is treated in segments, as the catheter is pulled slowly out of the vein.
  • When the entire length of the vein has been treated, the catheter is removed. Your doctor will use ultrasound again to make sure the treated vein was closed properly.
  • The collapsed vein will close and form scar tissue. Over time the vein will fade away. When this happens, blood will naturally flow to other healthier veins in the leg.

Initial indicators of venous insufficiency

This could be an early indicator of venous insufficiency if you have noticed your legs and ankles swelling and have ruled out edema (water retention). Other symptoms like scaly, black spots on your legs and ankles, intense throbbing pain, or persistent discomfort in your legs could also be present. Finally, varicose veins are a common sign of venous insufficiency.

Venous insufficiency’s frequent cause

Your blood should flow strongly and steadily from your heart to your extremities and back throughout its whole circuit. The most common cause of venous insufficiency is when the small valves inside your veins become damaged and cease functioning properly.

When the valve is compromised, blood returns to the heart more slowly and pools in the vein. The end result is a leg-protruding, ropy-looking vein that is red or purple and may feel hot or painful.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Radiofrequency Ablation?

Anyone with varicose veins can get benefits from Radiofrequency ablation.

However, if you have tried many other treatments and none of them have worked then radiofrequency ablation can be the best option for you.

Candidates for this cutting-edge procedure may include both men and women who are concerned about big varicose veins. The specialists at Hamptons Vein & Vascular can tell you if you’re a candidate for radiofrequency ablation through a consultation. To make sure the therapy is appropriate for you, your doctor examines your varicose veins physically and goes over your medical history.

Radiofrequency ablation may not be an option for those with small veins or veins that are near to the skin’s surface. If the professionals at Hamptons Vein & Vascular feel that sclerotherapy is a better option for you than radiofrequency ablation to treat your troublesome varicose veins, they can make that recommendation.

What Help Can Radiofrequency Ablation Provide?

Because it treats the problematic vein from the skin’s surface, radiofrequency ablation is a well-liked therapy option for varicose veins. In other words, our staff can accomplish notable outcomes without the risks of surgery by using radiofrequency ablation.