Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive alternative to vein stripping for the treatment of varicose veins and venous reflux. Varicose veins not only pose cosmetic concerns — they can also lead to medical issues like chronic venous insufficiency.
At Premier Heart and Vein Care, we offer radiofrequency ablation as an effective and advanced solution for addressing varicose veins.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?Â
Radiofrequency ablation delivers radio frequency energy via a catheter to each diseased vein. The energy heats and then shrinks collagen in the vein, causing the channel to collapse and close.
With traditional vein stripping, patients undergo surgical removal of the vein and often face a long recovery time. But with radiofrequency ablation, turnaround time is vastly reduced and treatment occurs much faster. There’s not even a need for general anesthesia, reducing many risks. It is an office based procedure, usually taking less than one hour.
How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?Â
During the radiofrequency ablation procedure, Dr. Stevens is guided by ultrasound imaging and inserts a catheter through a small incision below the knee. Then, local anesthesia is administered to numb the leg, ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety during the procedure.
The catheter then delivers controlled heat of about 120 degrees Celsius to the affected vein. This preserves the vein walls, minimizing the likelihood of pain or bruising, especially when compared to traditional laser ablation.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation
In addition to the high success rate in treating varicose veins, the technique offers several other significant advantages over prior approaches.
- Faster treatment and recovery time:Â The procedure is typically completed in less than an hour, with most patients resuming normal activities shortly after.
- Reduced scarring and bruising:Â The controlled heat of radiofrequency ablation avoids damage to the vein walls, resulting in minimal scarring, bruising, or swelling.
- Minimally invasive:Â Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure avoids the need for general anesthesia.
- Well established procedure:Â Has been utilized for more than 15 years and over one million patients with durable results.
Schedule a Consultation With Premier Heart & Vein Care
If you’ve been diagnosed with varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, radiofrequency ablation represents an excellent option.
At Premier Heart and Vein Care, we offer consultations to assess your specific needs and figure out the best possible plan for your situation. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ken Stevens today, either online or by calling (805) 254-3905.
