Treating Veins With Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), also known as VNUS or ClosureFAST, is a Medicare-approved, minimally invasive technique for eliminating unhealthy veins. RFA uses thermal (heat based) energy to damage the vein, causing it to seal closed. RFA is used to treat major varicose veins and is a safer and more effective alternative to surgery.

RFA is convenient with minimal side effects. An area on the inside of the knee is injected with a local anesthetic (numbing medicine). Using an ultrasound, your vein doctor enters the unhealthy vein with a needle and inserts a thin device called a catheter.  After a numbing solution is delivered along the length of the vein, the catheter is activated and thermal energy is delivered to the walls of the vein. The entire procedure takes between 15-45 minutes and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Many patients return to work the same day.

Radiofrequency Ablation should always be performed by a Certified physician to ensure best results.

The published success of RFA treatment is between 95 to 98 percent, with very few complications recorded. Traditional surgery has a much lower success rate of approximately 85%, with significantly more side effects. RFA causes less post-procedural discomfort than other endovenous methods including Endovenous Lаѕеr Ablаtіоn. Due to this combination of efficacy, convenience and minimal discomfort, we consider RFA to be the very best option for most cases of venous insufficiency.

The RFA device heats the vein wall, sealing the damaged vein permanently. Once the vein is closed, blood flow is re-routed to healthier veins and the body reabsorbs this unhealthy vein over time.

Most people with vein disease are eligible for RFA. Exceptions include patients with active bleeding disorders or infections. Discuss your medical history with your vein doctor. A spider and varicose vein treatment specialist will consider your personal health history before recommending RFA.