What Can Radiofrequency Do for Me?

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency vein ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive in-office procedure that takes about 30-45 minutes to treat venous insufficiency and varicose veins. RFA may be a promising treatment alternative for you if you have these painful, unsightly veins, leg pain, burning, or swelling. If you need radiofrequency ablation in New York, Elite Veins NY specialists can help. Call or make an online appointment today.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency vein ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment for venous insufficiency and varicose veins. In RFA, a small plastic catheter provides heat to the vein wall, causing it to shrink and then seal shut. Once the vein has been sealed shut, the blood is routed to surrounding healthy veins for improved circulation in the area.

Radiofrequency vein ablation has surpassed the more invasive vein stripping procedures done in hospitals and the more painful laser vein ablations as the most popular alternative. RFA is linked with far less tissue effect and a faster and more comfortable recovery than vein stripping procedures, including laser vein ablation. Compared to stripping methods or bleeding and bruising associated with laser vein ablation, RFA uses tiny incisions, resulting in significantly less scarring.

What Happens During the RF Procedure?

As an outpatient procedure, radiofrequency vein ablation can be performed in the office. Dr. Radwaner first utilizes ultrasound imaging to map out the vein. He employs a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and mark the incision site. Then he makes a small incision in the vein that has been damaged. Dr. Radwaner can use the incision to insert a thin, flexible catheter into the compromised vein. The radiofrequency device gets advanced to the damaged area of the vein once the catheter is in position.

This device directs controlled energy beams along the damaged portion of the vein, causing it to shrink and the vein to seal shut. Because the RFA catheter allows precise measurement of the temperature reached within the vein, which laser vein ablation does not, there will be less bleeding, bruising, and tissue damage.

After treating the vein, Dr. Radwaner uses ultrasound to analyze the results before removing the catheter. When the procedure is finished, he removes the catheter and RFA device and applies a special dressing to the incision.

What Is Recovery Like After RF Ablation?

You will be able to walk immediately after your RF ablation treatment, and in fact, regular walking is encouraged to aid recovery and circulation. You must wear the dressing that was applied after the procedure for at least 48 hours. You’ll also need to return to the office for a brief follow-up exam and an ultrasound to ensure the vein is closed.

Insurance Policy

Elite Veins NY is a concierge practice that does not charge a concierge fee. Please provide your insurance policy number and group number to the office before your appointment so that they can check your out-of-network coverage.

Bottom Line

Radiofrequency ablation might be just what you need to improve your health. Linger no more. If you seek to discover the benefits of this treatment, contact Elite Veins NY specialists for more information. Call today or schedule your appointment onsite.