Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Treatment
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive thermal vein treatment used to close superficial veins affected by venous reflux. During the procedure, a physician guides a thin catheter into the affected vein and delivers controlled radiofrequency energy. The resulting heat causes the vein walls to contract and seal, allowing blood to reroute through healthier veins.
RFA is performed using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia. Tumescent anesthesia is placed around the treatment area to improve comfort and protect the surrounding tissue from heat. Most patients can walk immediately after the procedure and return to many of their usual activities within a short period.
Radiofrequency ablation may be recommended for select patients experiencing leg pain, heaviness, swelling, fatigue, cramping, skin changes, or visible varicose veins. A vein screening and diagnostic ultrasound can help determine whether RFA vein treatment is for you. Request a screening now to get started.
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Benefits of RFA
- Immediate pain relief: Blocking problematic veins provides quick pain relief.
- Avoiding surgery: RFA is minimally invasive and avoids the risks of surgery.
- Little to no recovery time: Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after RFA.
- Improved functioning: With no pain, you can start feeling like yourself again and return to your day-to-day activities.
- Lowered need for pain medications: After the procedure, you should not feel pain like before. You may experience minimal procedural pain, but only for a short time.
What to Expect with RFA Treatment
During the procedure, you will be awake and comfortable. Local anesthetics are used along the length of the vein to be treated. A catheter is inserted through a tiny incision in the skin, using real-time ultrasound imaging for proper positioning. Once the radiofrequency energy is introduced, a precise burn closes the vein and destroys the nerve that is causing pain. Several veins may be treated with the same procedure. The catheter is then withdrawn, and the procedure is over.
Radiofrequency Ablation Recovery Tips
Your leg will be wrapped in a compression stocking for a few days. You can resume normal activities immediately but postpone high-intensity exercise for a couple of days. Post-procedure pain is minimal.
You will return for a brief follow-up visit to ensure the vein is completely sealed shut, and most of our patients are back to their full activity schedule within just a few days. RFA is typically definitive, meaning no further treatments are needed right away. Results can take a few weeks to show, but pain relief can be almost instantaneous, lasting for years. The procedure can be repeated if needed.
Our patients are generally delighted with the results, which are long-lasting and involve much less discomfort than previous vein treatment techniques. It is recommended that patients continue moving and walking as much as possible to allow for proper blood flow. There should be no scarring after the procedure, but it is not unusual to feel stiff, tender knots on the skin surface — with some redness — since it is a sign of the vein closing.
Request a Screening at a Vein Clinic Near You
United Vein & Vascular Centers are Nationally IAC accredited facilities which means they have undergone a thorough review of their operational and technical components by a panel of experts in the field. Your vein health and quality of life are important. Treatment for common vein conditions like varicose veins are typically quick and easy, requiring no down time or hospital stays.
There’s never been a better time to address your vein health issues. Most insurance providers including Medicare cover vein treatments; feel free to ask us about your coverage. We’re available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have about vein health or treatment. Find a clinic near you now to request a vein screening.
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