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Vein Treatment

Radio Frequency Ablation.

Radiofrequency ablation closes diseased veins with controlled heat. Outpatient procedure. Local anesthesia. Most patients walk in and walk out.

  • 30 to 45minutes per session
  • Localanesthesia, no general
  • Outpatientno overnight stay
  • 1 to 2 daystypical recovery
What it is

A minimally invasive way to close the vein that is causing the trouble.

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. The procedure uses radiofrequency energy to heat and cauterize damaged or weakened veins.

When your damaged vein is closed, your varicose veins fade away, and your blood is forced to move through healthier veins on its journey back to your heart and lungs.

During the procedure

A 30 to 45 minute outpatient procedure, start to finish.

Treating one vein each appointment. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable.

  1. 01

    Prep

    Your provider begins by cleaning your leg and draping the area in a sterile fashion. Every effort is taken to keep you comfortable during the treatment with local anesthesia.

  2. 02

    Ultrasound access

    A small needle is inserted in your vein under ultrasound to guide a sheath to your varicosed vein. Next, the doctor threads a radiofrequency fiber catheter into your varicosed vein.

  3. 03

    Sealing the vein

    When the fiber is in place, your provider turns on the radiofrequency energy and slowly moves the fiber through your vein. The heat closes and seals it.

  4. 04

    Finish and bandage

    Your provider turns off the energy and removes the fiber catheter and sheath. No stitches are required and a simple bandage at the insertion site is all that is needed. Finally, a pressure bandage or compression stocking is applied.

After the procedure

Caring for your legs after RFA.

  • Compression stockings

    Wear them continuously for several weeks after your treatment.

  • Walk every day

    30 to 40 minutes daily, including the day of your treatment.

  • Mild bruising is normal

    Some bruising or redness around your incision site should fade in a couple of days.

Your varicose vein will drain, shrink, and fade away over the next few weeks. If you are troubled by varicose veins and want to find out if endovenous radiofrequency ablation is right for you, call Advanced Vascular today.

How it looks

A catheter, a closing vein, a quieter leg.

Three step radiofrequency ablation diagram: disposable catheter inserted into vein, vein heats and collapses, catheter withdrawn closing vein. Courtesy of Medtronic.
Courtesy of Medtronic. © Medtronic. All rights reserved.

Your physician will perform the ClosureFast procedure. Using ultrasound, your physician will position a small catheter in the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. The catheter delivers heat to the vein wall, causing it to shrink and seal the vein. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will reroute itself to other healthy veins. Your physician may encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time. The average patient typically resumes normal activities in a few days.

How it works

Heat closes the problem vein. Healthy ones take over.

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to close problem veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier ones. Minimally invasive. Quick recovery. Effective results.

  1. 01

    Tiny entry point

    A small opening is made in the skin, usually near the affected vein.

  2. 02

    Inserting the catheter

    A very thin, flexible tube (called a catheter) is gently guided into the vein.

  3. 03

    Targeting the problem vein

    The catheter is carefully positioned along the damaged or varicose vein.

  4. 04

    Applying gentle heat

    The catheter sends out radiofrequency energy, which heats the vein walls.

  5. 05

    Sealing the vein

    The heat causes the vein to collapse and seal shut.

  6. 06

    Catheter removal

    The catheter is then removed. No stitches are needed.

  7. 07

    Natural healing

    The closed vein is gradually absorbed by your body over time.

  8. 08

    Blood flow rerouted

    Your blood naturally finds its way through nearby healthy veins, improving circulation.

Why patients choose RFA

Why choose Advanced Vascular?

Reduced pain. Improved circulation. A quick return to daily activities. RFA is a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins with minimal downtime.

  • ·

    Minimally invasive. RFA uses a tiny catheter and a small skin puncture. No large incisions or stitches.

  • ·

    Quick recovery time. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.

  • ·

    Effective results. RFA is highly successful in closing problematic veins and relieving symptoms like pain, swelling, and heaviness.

  • ·

    Less pain and bruising. Compared to traditional vein surgery, RFA typically causes less discomfort and fewer side effects.

  • ·

    Fast procedure. The treatment usually takes less than an hour and is done in office or outpatient settings.

  • ·

    No general anesthesia needed. Local anesthesia is used, reducing risks and allowing a quicker recovery.

  • ·

    Improved leg appearance and comfort. Helps reduce visible varicose veins and improves overall leg health and comfort.

  • ·

    Long term relief. Many patients experience long lasting symptom relief and improved quality of life.

What to expect

From consultation
to relief.

The procedure is performed in a comfortable outpatient setting. Most patients report little to no discomfort and can resume normal activities within a day.

Before

A focused consultation.

  • Initial consultation. Your provider assesses your vein health and may perform an ultrasound to map out the problem veins.
  • Pre procedure instructions. You may be asked to avoid certain medications, wear loose fitting clothing, and drink plenty of water.
During

30 to 45 minutes.

  • Quick and comfortable. The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Minimal discomfort. Our goal is to keep you as comfortable as possible during this minimally invasive procedure.
  • Tiny incision. A thin catheter is gently inserted into the vein through a small puncture in the skin. No stitches required.
After

Walk out, walk often.

  • Immediate walking encouraged. You will be asked to walk right after. It helps with circulation and healing.
  • Compression stockings. You may be advised to wear them for a few days to aid healing and reduce swelling.
  • Minimal downtime. Most patients return to work and normal activities the next day.
Frequently asked

RFA, answered.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins caused by chronic venous insufficiency. It uses radiofrequency energy (heat) to close off malfunctioning veins, allowing healthy veins to take over blood flow.

The procedure typically takes less than an hour and is performed in an outpatient setting.

A thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance. The catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to heat the vein wall, causing it to collapse, seal shut, and eventually be absorbed by the body.

Varicose veins. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Symptoms like leg pain, swelling, heaviness, or skin changes due to poor venous circulation.

Most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. You will be asked to wear compression stockings for one to two weeks. Walking is encouraged immediately after the procedure.

Ready when you are

RFA care
at Advanced Vascular.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Banerjee. A focused, honest conversation about your options. No pressure.