Endovenous ablation
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a medical, image-guided treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and close a faulty vein from the inside. It uses a different energy source from laser ablation (EVLT).
What is RFA?
Endovenous ablation closes the faulty vein behind many varicose veins, using either radiofrequency or laser energy. RFA delivers radiofrequency energy through a thin electrode inside the vein; laser ablation (EVLT) uses a laser fiber. Both are medical treatments for venous insufficiency rather than cosmetic surface treatments.
How the procedure works
- Step 01
Mapping
Your physician uses ultrasound to see the vein and follow its path.
- Step 02
Access
After the skin is numbed, a thin tube (catheter) is placed into the vein through a small opening, and the electrode is passed through it.
- Step 03
Numbing around the vein
Local anesthetic is injected along the vein. It numbs the area, helps the vein close around the electrode, and insulates nearby tissue from the heat.
- Step 04
Closure
Radiofrequency energy heats the vein wall as the catheter is slowly withdrawn, and the vein closes. Over time, the treated vein shrinks.
Who it may be for
Ablation is typically used for fairly straight veins near the surface, such as the great and small saphenous veins, because the catheter cannot easily pass through a very twisted vein. It is used mainly to ease symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling, skin changes and sores. Your physician will recommend a treatment based on your ultrasound and evaluation.
Practice details pending review
Whether this practice offers RFA, and its own device, session length, compression and activity guidance, are pending confirmation by the practice. Details confirmed at your consultation.
What to expect
- During
- You may feel small pinpricks as the numbing medicine is injected, often the most uncomfortable part. The heating itself is usually not painful.
- Afterward
- A compression stocking is usually worn to ease bruising and tenderness. Walking is encouraged, while strenuous activity, long trips and prolonged sitting may need to wait.
- Follow-up
- A follow-up ultrasound checks the treated vein. Smaller branch veins may need further treatment, such as sclerotherapy.
- Getting home
- Plan to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
Risks
- More common
- Bruising, tenderness, and inflammation of the treated vein (thrombophlebitis), which can cause pain and redness.
- Less common
- Infection, bleeding at the access site, or damage to the vein.
- Rare
- Heat injury to a nearby nerve, or a blood clot that travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Your physician reviews the risks with you before treatment.
Source: patient information from RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA and ACR), “Endovenous Ablation of Varicose Veins”, paraphrased. It is general information, not this practice’s protocol.
Questions, answered.
- Both close a faulty vein from the inside with heat. RFA uses radiofrequency energy through an electrode; EVLT uses a laser fiber. Your physician will recommend a treatment based on your ultrasound and evaluation. Read about EVLT
- RFA is mainly a medical treatment for venous insufficiency, the faulty valves behind many varicose veins. Fine spider veins on the skin surface are usually treated differently, for example with sclerotherapy.
- When it treats symptomatic venous insufficiency, it may be covered as medically necessary. Coverage depends on your plan, and our team can help you verify your benefits. Check my coverage
Both close a faulty vein from the inside with heat. RFA uses radiofrequency energy through an electrode; EVLT uses a laser fiber. Your physician will recommend a treatment based on your ultrasound and evaluation. Read about EVLT
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