5 Things You Need to Learn About Radiofrequency Ablation

More than 40 million Americans are suffering from varicose veins, 50% of which have a family history of the vein disorder that’s the result of venous insufficiency, especially on the legs.

This is why the need for efficient varicose vein removal has never been more important than it is today, especially with the growing prevalence of varicose veins in the older population and their complications if not addressed immediately.

One of the most popular treatments for varicose veins is radiofrequency ablation, a less invasive technique that utilizes radiofrequency energy to target the wall inside a vein to close it off. Here are five things you need to learn about this form of varicose vein removal:

How Effective is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a preferred form of treatment for varicose veins because it’s less invasive, image-guided, safe and leaves little to no scars.

Studies have shown that this procedure closes off varicose veins in 88 out of 100 patients. It utilizes radiofrequency energy instead of laser energy to cauterize abnormal veins that cause varicose veins.

What are the Common Purposes of Radiofrequency Ablation?

Doctors may recommend radiofrequency ablation as a form of varicose vein removal in order to treat symptoms like painful swelling in the veins, aching or throbbing pain, heaviness or fatigue in the legs, skin discoloration and skin sores.

Some doctors would also recommend this procedure for patients who want to get rid of the ugly look of varicose veins on their lower extremities.

How does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

In radiofrequency ablation, radiofrequency energy is delivered through a catheter with electrodes that touch the vein walls, delivering energy directly to the tissues without blood coagulation. ClosureFast is the newest system in the market and it delivered infrared energy directly to the vein walls by heating the catheter tip with radiofrequency energy.

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Safe?

This form of varicose vein removal is deemed safe, especially if an experienced doctor will be doing the procedure. Some of the most common side effects include the feeling of burning or pain at the site, skin burns or small blood clots in the vein. But all of these only last for a couple of days and recovery is high.

How do you Prepare for Treatment?

Before you undergo radiofrequency ablation, it’s very important to tell your provider if you are or may be pregnant, if you smoke or drink alcohol on a regular basis and if you have any allergies to medication, especially to general or local anesthesia.

Make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid complications during and after the procedure.

After undergoing radiofrequency ablation, you will be given medications for the pain and care instructions for the catheter insertion site. Make sure that you check the site for signs of infection and comply with your medication to ensure a fast recovery. It’s also important to avoid heavy exercise, air travel, and hot baths while you’re still recovering.

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all vascular health issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.