How are varicose veins treated? Today, we discuss radiofrequency ablation for non-invasive varicose vein treatment.
So how are varicose veins treated? At theUSA Veins Clinic, experts highlight radiofrequency ablation since it is a novel varicose vein treatment in vascular surgery.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are dilated veins caused by an alteration or dysfunction of the venous valves that, by not working correctly, cause blood to flow back and accumulate in the veins, causing them to increase in size progressively.
A sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, prolonged standing, and pregnancy are some factors that can contribute to its development. The echo-doppler is a test that, through ultrasound, allows us to confirm the diagnosis of varicose vein treatment to determine the vein or veins to be treated and plan the intervention.
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive technique used in varicose vein treatment. It uses thermal energy produced by low-frequency electromagnetic waves to treat varicose veins in the lower extremities without the need to remove them.
Radiofrequency ablation is guided by ultrasound and through a minimal incision or a puncture in the vein to be treated, through which a catheter is inserted that is connected to the radio frequency unit. In this way, cauterization of the vein is carried out by thermal effect, sealing the insufficient vein without the need to extract it. The technique is performed on an outpatient basis, with local anesthesia and the duration is approximately 60 minutes.
When is Radiofrequency ablation indicated?
It is indicated when there is venous insufficiency at the level of the lower extremities, which can be manifested as:
- Presence of large and dilated veins
- Edema and swelling in the legs
- Heaviness and pain in the legs
- Cramps and tingling in the legs
- Itching around one or more veins
- Skin inflammation and ulcers
How are varicose veins treated?
Radiofrequency ablation has revolutionized varicose vein treatment and is one of the new standards for treating venous insufficiency.
If you have any of these symptoms, consult our team, they will assess your case and advise on the best varicose vein treatment for you.
Some tips before your varicose vein treatment:
- Bring your prescription medical-grade compression stockings to your appointment.
- Please try on the tights now to make sure they fit you.
- Shower the morning of the procedure and use an antibacterial soap to clean the leg.
- We do not recommend shaving your legs before the procedure, as compression stockings can cause ingrown hairs.
- Bring a pair of loose-fitting pants to your appointment (your leg will be wrapped in a bandage).
- We recommend that you eat a light meal before arriving.
The day of your varicose vein treatment:
- The treatment lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. The entire treatment (including the time of preparation and recovery) takes less than an hour. For the treatment:
- After you sign in, a staff member will review a list with you that includes the consent form. You will have ample opportunity to ask any question you may have to both the doctor and the staff.
- We will help you feel as comfortable as possible by offering extra pillows or the option to watch a movie or listen to music.
- We will wash your leg with an aseptic soap and place a sterile cloth around it.
- We will use an ultrasound to identify the veins and guide the procedure.
- Medicine will be injected to make the leg to be treated numb.
- Once your leg is numb, a needle will make a small hole (puncture) in the vein to be treated.
- The catheter or wire with the heat source is inserted into your vein.
- You may be injected with a larger amount of numbing medicine around the vein.
- Once the catheter is in the best position, it begins slowly withdrawing. As the catheter sends heat, the vein closes off.
Schedule your online appointment for Radiofrequency Ablation here!
