How are varicose veins treated?
Did you know radiofrequency ablation is known for excellent and effective results without surgery? Let’s learn more about this varicose vein treatment.
How are varicose veins treated with RFA?
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is today the treatment of choice for insufficiency of the incompetent saphenous axes. These are the Internal and External Saphenous veins, long superficial veins that run through the leg on the inside and behind and are usually the main point of failure from which the most prominent and superficial varicose veins originate. Its initial therapeutic approach is fundamental since its correct varicose vein treatment will attack “the causes” of varicose veins and facilitate and optimize its subsequent treatment.
Why choose Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
How is the radiofrequency ablation carried out? The RFA consists of applying controlled thermal energy to the diseased (varicose) vein (induces collagen denaturation and contraction) with the aim of closing (obliterating) the vein. This way, we power the blood to circulate through those healthy veins. The procedure itself is similar to the laser, although it acts in a completely different way. The laser causes blood coagulation and the alteration of the internal layer of the vein (thrombotic occlusion), whiles the radiofrequency when working at a temperature very inferior and controlled constantly, achieves its effect by producing an alteration (denaturation) of the proteins of the venous wall which induces an effective fibrotic occlusion.
From a technical point of view, it consists of introducing a thin bipolar catheter through a skin puncture under local anesthesia. Under ultrasound control, the therapeutic end of the catheter is positioned at the level of the saphenous-femoral junction and progressively withdrawn as the vein closes. At the end of the radiofrequency ablation procedure, a compression bandage is placed, and the patient is recommended to walk regularly.
What are the most obvious advantages of the RFA?
There are four of them, backed by comparative studies with the strongest scientific evidence that confirms its advantages over other techniques.
- Its performance under local tumescent anesthesia and on an outpatient basis (allows the patient to lead a normal life on the same day of the intervention).
- It does not require a surgical approach to the groin.
- Less number of incisions, ecchymosis, and bruising.
- Absence of postoperative pain and better quality of life.
See your doctor if:
- Veins are hot to the touch and very soft.
- Your veins cause pain.
- You are developing ulcers, rashes, or skin ulcers.
- The skin on the ankle or calf changes color and thickens.
- Your spider veins or varicose veins bleed.
Signs when you need to schedule for radiofrequency ablation:
- Presence of large and dilated veins (visible from the outside)
- Heaviness and pain in the legs
- Cramps and tingling in the legs
- Ulcerations and sores on the skin (excess pressure on the veins)
- Difficulty walking
How are varicose veins treated at the USA Veins Clinic?
Before (preparation)
A preoperative study will be conducted, and you will be asked about the medications you usually take and if it is necessary to suspend their administration temporarily.
Before the intervention, you must follow a fasting, hygiene, and medication protocol that our vein specialists will indicate at the USA Veins Clinic. You should not wear any metal objects during the operation: rings, bracelets, earrings, piercings, etc.
After (recovery and results)
The intervention is ambulatory and immediate ambulation. After radiofrequency ablation surgery, a compression stocking is placed, and the incorporation into working life will occur between 12 and 24 hours after the procedure.
We have extensive experience using these state-of-the-art devices at the USA Veins Clinic. We have performed hundreds of varicose vein treatment cases with excellent results and high patient satisfaction. Today, it is one of our primary weapons against varicose veins.
Schedule your online appointment for varicose vein treatment here!
