A Guide to Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy

Blog Post
By BASS Vein Center
A Guide to Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy
October 19, 2023

Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy is a minimally invasive form of treatment for varicose veins. With this procedure, the vein doctor will use heat to damage the weak vein. This heat causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue then closes the vein, allowing blood to flow naturally through healthier veins.                         

Who is Eligible for Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy?

Not everyone who has varicose veins will need or be eligible for radiofrequency ablation. Suitable patients for this form of treatment have reflux in the greater saphenous vein that goes along the thigh or the smaller saphenous vein at the back of the calf. This vein will need to be straight in order to use the radiofrequency ablation catheter which passes the laser up the vein.

There are some types of veins that cannot be treated with RFA. These include large visible tortuous varicose veins as well as smaller thread and reticular veins. The smaller veins are often best treated with another process known as sclerotherapy.

When you see a vein specialist for a consultation here at BASS Vein Center, they will inform you if RFA treatment is the right choice for you.

How to Prepare for RFA Treatment

The vein specialist you see here at BASS Vein Center will provide you with specific instructions on preparing for your procedure. This includes any changes in your medications that you might need to make. It is recommended to wear clothing that is lightweight, loose-fitting, and comfortable. You will be provided with a gown to wear during the RFA procedure.

What to Expect During Treatment

The RFA procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. At the beginning of the procedure, the doctor will numb the area using a local anesthetic. Then a small incision is made at the site. Once the skin has been cleaned and numbed, a series of small incisions are made next to the vein being treated. A phlebectomy hook is then inserted to remove the varicose vein through the small incision. The entire procedure typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour to complete.

What to Expect Following the Procedure

Because of the local anesthetic being used, patients rarely experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The incisions that are made are small, so they do not require any stitches afterward. Once the RFA treatment process is over, the treated leg is wrapped in a snug compression wrap. The doctor will recommend that you wear compression socks or stockings for at least two to three weeks after the treatment. As long as you are wearing compression socks or stockings, you can resume your usual daily activities starting on the day after your procedure. Most people can return to regular activities within 24 hours, however, strenuous activities are limited for around two weeks.

Are There Risks with Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy?

As with any procedure where the skin is penetrated, there is always a risk of infection. The chances of infection that may require antibiotic treatment are reported to be less than one in 1,000. It is common for skin discoloration or redness at the site of treatment to occur after the procedure. This is temporary and should go away within a few days after the treatment.

Find Ablation Therapy Near Me

If you are interested in learning more about radiofrequency ablation therapy or would like to schedule an appointment, get in touch with our team here at BASS Vein Center for more details. Our specialists will examine to determine if you have a vein issue and let you know if ablation therapy can help. Call us today at (925) 281-5912 for more information.

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