WHAT IS RFA?
Understanding Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) treats the underlying condition that causes varicose veins and not just the symptoms. It’s safe, proven, does not require hospitalization, and the outpatient procedure time is usually less than an hour. Recovery time is generally a matter of hours, and most people don’t find Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to be overly uncomfortable. In addition, some studies show that the RFA procedure may be associated with lower rates of pain, bruising and complications when compared to other treatment modalities.
In RFA, the doctor inserts a small catheter into the diseased vein through a small incision. Consistent and uniform heat is delivered to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and close. After the vein is closed, blood is naturally redirected to healthy veins, and the treated vein is gradually absorbed into surrounding tissue. Ultrasound guidance gives the doctor a live view of your veins for better accuracy and safety.
HOW RFA TREATMENT WORKS
Improved circulation through healthy blood flow restoration.
To treat varicose veins, Radiofrequency Ablation destroys veins with damaged valves. Eventually, these veins are absorbed by your body. Blood flow is then diverted to healthy veins and circulation is improved.
Radiofrequency ablation treatment, or RFA, is a safe, proven medical procedure that not only treats the symptoms of varicose veins, but also treats the underlying condition that causes them. The outpatient procedure time is usually less than an hour and does not require hospitalization. While some discomfort may be experienced after treatment, typically the discomfort diminishes within a few days.
The procedure is always performed under ultrasound guidance, giving the doctor a live view of your vein for accuracy and safety at all times. A guidewire is inserted into the vein with unhealthy valves then a sheath is inserted along the guidewire and fed through the vein. The guidewire is removed and the doctor gently places a small radiofrequency fiber inside the sheath, into the vein, and radio wave heat is delivered to heat and collapse the targeted vein. Once the vein is collapsed it is eventually absorbed by your body. Afterward, the blood flow is diverted to healthy veins improving circulation.
CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT FOR VARICOSE VEINS
Every patient is unique, and so is every treatment plan.
For veins that are too small, twisted, and/or close to the surface of the skin, RFA is not the best option—sclerotherapy is. In order to improve your health, maximize your results, and restore your active lifestyle, your Vein Clinics of America vein specialist will tailor a treatment plan specifically for your condition. Often this involves the combination of a few types of treatments, always with the goal of getting you back on your feet as quickly as possible.
