Radiofrequency Ablation
Recommended treatment for Varicose Veins
What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) treatment for Varicose Veins?
Radiofrequency Ablation also known as ClosureFast procedure uses radiofrequency or heat energy to close the diseased vein. This redirects the blood flow to healthy veins thus relieving symptoms. This is a minimally invasive treatment and is more effective and safer alternative to surgery (vein stripping). More that 2 million patients have been treated with this procedure all over the world.
How is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) treatment Performed?
For radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins, your physician will use an ultrasound to insert a thin device called a catheter into your vein. The small catheter delivers heat to the vein wall causing it to shrink and the vein to seal closed. Once the diseased vein is closed, the blood reroutes to other healthy veins.
How soon after the treatment will my symptoms improve?
Most patients report relief of symptoms after two days with a noticeable improvement in one to two weeks..
How quickly can I resume normal activity?
The average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days. We might recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest that you refrain from very strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or prolonged periods of standing for a few weeks after the treatment.
Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) painful?
Most people describe radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins it as uncomfortable rather than painful. Most procedures are performed with the patients being awake and the physician giving them some local anesthetic (numbing medicine) to improve patient comfort. In few cases when patients feel pain, we can give light sedation to make the patient more comfortable.
What happens to the treated vein left behind in the leg?
After the treatment the treated vein becomes fibrous tissue and over time is completely absorbed into the surrounding tissue.
How effective is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) compared to surgery
During traditional surgery (vein stripping), incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a tool is threaded through the diseased vein to pull the vein out of the leg. With the radiofrequency ablation procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then treated and left in place. This minimally invasive approach reduces the likelihood of pain and bruising associated with vein stripping surgery. Based on the published research, the success rate of radiofrequency ablation treatment for varicose veins is between 95-98%. Traditional surgery has much lower success rate with significantly more side-effects.
How effective is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) compared to laser treatment?
Radiofrequency ablation treatment for varicose veins utilizes radiofrequency waves compared to laser to heat and seal the vein. The maximum temperature reached within the vein is 120 degrees centigrade with radiofrequency ablation as compared to significantly higher temperature with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). This results is less pain, less bruising and significantly faster recovery time compared to endovenous laser ablation. Patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation reported improvements in quality of life measures up to four times faster than patients treated with endovenous laser ablation.
Meet our Vein Doctor
Sumeet Goswami, MD, MPH
Experienced physician with Ivy League training & excellent outcomes.