Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins

If you are suffering from varicose veins and wondering whether the radiofrequency ablation treatment would work for you, then an understanding of this procedure would help you decide the best for you. Nowadays, many people are opting for radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins. Radiofrequency is generally advised to people who suffer from saphenous vein insufficiency (a common varicosities condition in most people), which include edema, leg fatigue, pain, venous ulcers, and skin changes.

Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure

As the name suggests, this procedure requires minimal invasive treatment for varicosities. Ablation, heat to damage tissues, is practiced by the doctors. The procedure involves heating the wall of the veins, using a catheter and a bipolar generator. The saphenous vein is accessed below or above the knee via an intravenous puncture/cannula or through a small incision. While maintaining the vein wall temperature at 85°C, the catheter is withdrawn manually at every 2.5-3 cm/minute. Though this method closes off the affected vein in the leg, it makes a scar tissue form. After the treatment, you need to wear compression stocking for one or two weeks, as advised by the doctor, depending on the condition of the veins. At the follow up, the doctor would use duplex ultrasound to ensure that the affected vein has closed properly.

Possible effects after the treatment

As per the patients’ feedback, this treatment can result in immediate occlusion, covering 90 to 100% of saphenous veins. The patients’ reviews reveal that they require less analgesia and less pain, compared to that of other surgery like stripping. However, in very few cases, there could be side effects like leg fatigue, edema, leg pain, and varicosities, even after the surgery. But, overall the patient satisfaction rate is quite high.

Some other possible side effects include:

However, all these side-effects would be minimal or nearly zero if the varicose veins are treated by a reputed doctor, who comes with years of experience with radiofrequency. The more experienced the doctor is with this method of treatment, the less risk you would likely to have.

Author
Dr. Chane

You Might Also Enjoy...

Bad Habits That Are Jeopardizing Your Veins

Your risk of vein issues such as varicose veins, spider veins, and chronic venous insufficiency increases with age. Certain bad habits also jeopardize vein health. But vein problems aren’t inevitable. There are ways to protect your vascular health.

Heart-Healthy Habits You Can Start Today

Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death, but it isn’t inevitable. Your daily habits play a key role in harming or helping your heart health, and now is the right time to adopt practical habits that protect your heart.

The Facts About Cholesterol and Its Impact On Your Heart

High cholesterol causes silent damage to the heart and circulatory system. Getting your cholesterol checked regularly and working with a health care provider is the only way to know where you stand in the fight against heart disease.

4 Factors That Cause Non-Healing Foot Ulcers

Wound care is an important part of avoiding serious complications if you have a condition that interferes with your body’s ability to heal. A vascular specialist can help you keep your feet healthy and limit complications.