No Need to Strip: Choose Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation

According to the Journal of Vascular Surgery, up to one-quarter of Americans have varicose veins today. This common problem can be both uncomfortable and frustrating, especially when traditional treatments like vein stripping seem daunting. With vein stripping, surgeons create incisions and pull varicose veins out of the leg to remove them. Fortunately, newer leading-edge treatments offer the same results as vein stripping without all the pain and downtime. At Minimally Invasive Vascular Center in Laurel, MD, we’re here to help you explore these modern solutions, such as endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

This innovative procedure offers a quicker, more comfortable way to treat varicose veins, allowing you to skip the old-fashioned vein stripping and achieve the relief you deserve.

Understanding Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation

Endovenous RFA is a minimally invasive procedure to treat varicose veins. Instead of removing the veins (as in vein stripping), endovenous RFA involves treating the venous reflux that causes the varicose veins to develop. It targets the root cause.

Venous reflux occurs when the valves in your veins become damaged and stop working properly. They no longer seal tightly, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins. This collected blood stretches the vein until it’s a knobby, twisted, and unsightly varicose vein. During endovenous RFA, your vein specialist creates a tiny incision and inserts a slender catheter into the vein. They deliver radiofrequency energy into the vein, heating the vein wall.

The vein reacts by collapsing and sealing closed. The blood moves into healthy veins nearby. Over time, you flush the old vein tissue out through normal lymphatic function.

RFA vs. Endovenous Laser Therapy: A Quick Comparison

While endovenous RFA uses radiofrequency energy to treat varicose veins, a “cousin” treatment known as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) achieves similar results using laser energy instead. Both procedures are minimally invasive and work by heating the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal, and both require minimal downtime.

The choice between RFA and EVLT may depend on your symptoms and situation.

Benefits of Skipping the Stripping

Endovenous RFA procedures offer many benefits over vein stripping, including:

• Faster, usually taking less than an hour as an outpatient
• Quicker recovery
• More comfortable recovery
• Less scarring

Considering how invasive vein stripping is, it’s no surprise that endovenous RFA is the better choice for most people.

What to Expect After RFA

After undergoing endovenous RFA, you can expect visible improvements within a week or two. Most patients report a noticeable reduction in symptoms like swelling, pain, and smoother legs. While mild bruising and swelling may occur, these side effects are typically minor and temporary. Wearing compression hosiery after endovenous RFA promotes healing and minimizes lingering symptoms.

Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation in Laurel, MD

Ready to say goodbye to varicose veins and the idea of vein stripping? We offer endovenous RFA in our state-of-the-art surgery center at Minimally Invasive Vascular Center in Laurel, MD, so call us at 855-803-6482 or connect with us to schedule a consultation today.