Should You Get Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation for Venous Reflux?

At Minimally Invasive Vascular Center, we meet a lot of people who want to rid themselves of the frustrating symptoms of vein disease. Doing so doesn’t have to require surgery, as was once the norm. We’ve come a long way since the days of vein stripping and are now much more reliant on innovative technologies. Here, we discuss one of the most popular, radiofrequency.

What Is Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation?

An endovenous treatment is one that is administered inside of a vein. This is necessary with vein treatment because the goal is to close the vein that isn’t functioning properly. Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed to close varicose veins. IT is performed in the office and does not usually require general anesthesia, so patients can resume most of their normal activities right away. The provider may administer a local anesthetic on or beneath the skin to maximize comfort during the treatment. 

To perform endovenous radiofrequency ablation, the doctor makes a small nick in the skin. They insert a tiny catheter into the vein, where the thin probe administers controlled radiofrequency energy into the vein wall. This heat is not painful. It is just enough to cause the vein to collapse on itself and the walls to stick together. Unable to travel through the vein any longer, blood naturally reroutes to other nearby veins. The treatment process usually takes less than an hour. 

Why Patients Choose Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation

The ultimate goal of any vein treatment is to close or remove veins that are not functional and are causing uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the reasons patients choose endovenous radiofrequency ablation over other procedures include:

• The procedure is brief
• Short recovery time
• Little discomfort during and after treatment
• Few side effects
• Minimal swelling compared to some other treatments

Recovery from endovenous radiofrequency ablation occurs over about a week. Mild swelling and bruising may develop in the treatment area, but do not typically interfere with daily activities. Patients may be instructed to avoid certain things, like hot tubs and swimming, for several days. They may also wear compression stockings for a week or two. Compression helps close the veins more quickly and supports the efficient flow of blood through the leg veins. 

Come visit our office in Laurel, MD to learn more about our minimally invasive vein treatments. Contact us at (855) 803-MIVC (6482) to schedule your appointment.