Treatment

Radiofrequency Ablation

Doctor performs an endovascular procedure with precision and teamwork

Say Goodbye to Aching Legs: How Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Can Help You Walk Pain-Free Again

Imagine this: You’ve been struggling with tired, heavy legs for months—maybe even years. By the end of the day, your legs feel swollen, achy, and sometimes cramp without warning. You might’ve brushed it off as aging or too much standing. But beneath the surface, your veins could be silently struggling to send blood back to your heart. This condition—called chronic venous insufficiency—is more common than many people realize. And thanks to modern technology, there's a safe and minimally invasive way to fix the problem: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA).

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Your veins act like one-way streets, equipped with valves that open and close to direct blood toward the heart. But when these valves become weak or damaged due to venous disease, blood can flow backward—a condition known as venous reflux. Over time, this leads to blood pooling in the legs, causing varicose veins, swelling, pain, and even skin changes or ulcers.

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive vein treatment that uses controlled heat generated by radio waves to close off these faulty veins. By sealing the damaged vein, we redirect blood flow to healthier vessels, relieving pressure and improving circulation.

What to Expect During the Procedure

On the day of your procedure, you'll be in a comfortable setting—often right in our clinic. Here's what typically happens:

• Ultrasound guidance helps us locate the affected vein.
• After numbing the area, we insert a tiny catheter into the vein through a small puncture in your skin.
• Radiofrequency (RF) energy is delivered through the catheter, gently heating the vein wall.
• As the catheter is withdrawn, the heat causes the vein to collapse and seal shut.

The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour, and you’ll walk out shortly afterward—literally.

Recovery: Quick, Simple, and Effective

Most patients return to their normal routine within one to two days. You may be asked to:

• Wear compression stockings for a few days
• Walk several times a day to promote circulation
• Avoid prolonged standing, heavy lifting, and hot baths or saunas for a short time

We’ll schedule a follow-up ultrasound to ensure the vein has closed properly and blood flow is successfully rerouted. Most patients report a significant improvement in symptoms and appearance, with a success rate of over 98% for treating varicose veins using RFA.

Risks & Side Effects: What You Should Know

Radiofrequency ablation is generally very safe, especially compared to traditional vein stripping surgery. That said, minor side effects may include:

• Temporary bruising or soreness
• A mild burning sensation or skin irritation
• Very rarely, a small blood clot or nerve irritation

To ease discomfort, simple home care like applying an ice pack or taking over-the-counter medication usually does the trick. We'll continue to monitor your progress during follow-ups.

Are You a Candidate for RFA?

If you’ve been diagnosed with varicose veins, venous reflux, or suffer from leg swelling and discomfort, RFA could be the right solution. A consultation in our clinic includes:

• A detailed physical examination
• Ultrasound imaging of your leg veins
• Discussion of your medical history, lifestyle, and risk factors

You may be an ideal candidate if you have a family history of vein disease, live a sedentary lifestyle, or carry extra weight—all of which can strain your leg veins.

And if RFA isn’t suitable, rest assured we offer a full spectrum of vein treatments, including sclerotherapy, compression therapy, and other advanced techniques.

Understanding Varicose Veins: Why Treatment Matters

When veins fail, the pressure builds up. Over time, this can lead to:

• Bulging, twisted veins
• Heaviness and cramping
• Swelling and skin discoloration
• Risk of venous ulcers or blood clots

Radiofrequency ablation doesn’t just improve how your legs look—it helps prevent complications that can impact your overall vascular health.