Varicose Vein Treatment with Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation, also known as Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation, is the gold standard for treating Varicose Veins and performed by LA’s finest vein doctor: Dr. D!
Schedule a consultation with Dr. D today to create your very own personalized treatment plan with his minimally invasive and highly effective radiofrequency ablation (RFA) techniques.
Dr. D Operates a State-of-Art-Operating-Room for RFA
Radiofrequency Ablation or Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation is cutting edge technology used to treat varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVTs), chronic venous insufficiency, leg ulcers and other vein related issues in the legs and feet. It has completely replaced antiquated vein-stripping, an archaic method where doctors literally “stripped” the veins from your legs. This resulted in deep scarring and trauma to the leg with very long healing times and higher chances for infections as well as other complications. With RFAs, patients receive out-patient, one day procedures that are minimally invasive, with little to no downtime and extremely high success rates.
Dr. D will walk through the details of this procedure specific to your case with you during your consultation, however the basics of the procedure are as follows. Thermal heat is used to seal off the diseased veins that you may have. In each leg, there is the potential for two legs to be diseased. Once the damaged veins are gone, your blood is then rerouted to healthier veins, ones that do not develop into varicose veins.
How RFA Procedures Work in Four Steps:
Important Recovery, Results and
Risks of Radiofrequency To Know
Recovery
The recovery process and aftermath of RFAs is very easy, straightforward and highly successful for patients. Each patient should consult with their vein doctor for specific recommendations, however the general guidelines are as follows. Your RFA aftercare instructions include walking, light exercise that does NOT include cardio, using compression stockings, going back to work, and wearing compression stockings. It is not recommended to go into a chlorine pool, the ocean or any activities that cause excessive sweating. Cardio is not allowed, however upper body workouts are okay. Besides these few restrictions, there is no down time after RFA. In fact, it is encouraged to go back to work and continue walking as this is very healthy for your RFA recovery. Some bruising after the procedure and slight discomfort immediately and the procedure up to 2 weeks is normal. Please advise with your physician to discuss treatment for these minor discomforts. They may include taking arnica and/or your normal pain medication.
Results
The results from RFA are 90 to 95% effective with almost all patient symptoms being alleviated immediately or slowly over the course of a few months after the procedure. Patients will experience significant relief in symptoms like swelling, aching, and skin coloration. Your veins will be permanently closed and you do not have to worry about the vein opening up again. In addition to the medical symptoms disappearing, you will have significant cosmetic improvement. Your bulging varicose veins will no longer be visible. Additionally, the appearance of new spider veins should also decrease.
Risks
There are always risks associated with any procedure, however RFA’s boast the lowest risk possible with complications typically ranging from 2.44% to 5%. Minor complications may include one of the following: bruising, minor bleeding at the puncture site, temporary numbness, minor nerve irritation or skin irritation. Severe complications are very rare and may include blood clots, skin burns and infections.
FAQ for Varicose Vein Treatment
with Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure to treat varicose veins and DVTs. It is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that utilizes With the guidance of ultrasound mapping, thermal heat and catheters to collapse and close off diseased veins. Together, an experienced RVT and vein doctor insert a catheter in the veins, heats up the veins and then the veins collapse.
RFAs work by destroying diseased veins from your legs by using thermal heat and small catheters. It is a highly effective and relatively quick procedure performed in the office by Dr. D! The procedure is done under local anesthetic and only takes approximately 45 minutes.
Radiofrequency ablation is typically not painful for patients during the procedures or afterwards during the recovery process. The doctor will use a local anesthetic during the procedure, so you do not feel pain. Some patients may experience minor pressure, a brief pinch or burning sensation during the procedure. During recovery, patients may experience temporary discomfort but this should subside very soon afterwards.
The Radiofrequency ablation procedure takes approximately 15 to 90 and depends on the number of varicose veins being treated. More severe cases or tortuous veins may take longer. You will spend approximately 30 minutes pre-op in preparation for the procedure and 30 minutes post-op in recovery. Therefore, patients should expect to be in the vein clinic for about 2 to 3 hours.
The recovery process after radiofrequency ablation is generally very short and minimally invasive, making it the most effective and popular procedure for varicose vein treatment in the Sherman Oaks and Greater Los Angeles area. The recovery generally includes avoiding pool & ocean activities, however patients can resume light daily activities. Patients may experience temporary pain and minor discomfort immediately after the procedure, but this subsides after a few days. Varicose veins symptoms will be relieved immediately.
Radiofrequency ablation for varicose vein treatment has a success rate of 90 to 95% making it the most effective procedure for patients suffering with endovenous vascular disease and vascular insufficiency. Patients typically never have a recurrence of varicose veins and their symptoms are alleviated.
