Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (VNUS Procedure) represents a minimally invasive means of curing varicose veins and venous insufficiency. It involves the use of radiofrequency energy, delivered through a catheter in a vein, to close the vein from the inside. This treatment requires only a tiny incision in the leg to be performed. It is often done in the office using only local anesthesia, and does not require a hospital stay. Most patients find that the procedure is nearly painless, and the vast majority of patients are back to their usual routine by the next day.

Radiofrequency ablation is truly remarkable, because it provides us with a means of treating varicose veins and venous insufficiency without vein removal surgery. In the not so distant past, surgeons would remove the poorly functioning vein with a procedure called vein stripping. This involved making two incisions in the leg, and literally "ripping out" the vein from the leg. Although this was effective, it caused pain, and sometimes required weeks for a full recovery.

Now, we are able to treat varicose veins in a way that results in minimal pain and a speedy recovery. Not only that, but RFA is more efficacious than vein stripping, with fewer complications. Radiofrequency ablation truly has revolutionized how varicose veins are treated, and has become the new standard for treating venous insufficiency and varicose veins.