Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Treatment for Varicose Veins

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure to treat varicose veins. It uses heat created from radiofrequency (RF).

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins. They happen most often in the legs. Varicose veins can develop when valves in your veins become damaged. This causes problems with blood flow. Over time, too much blood collects in your veins. The veins may bulge, twist, and stand out under your skin. They can also cause symptoms such as aching, cramping, or swelling in your legs.

During RFA treatment, RF heat is sent into your vein through a thin, flexible tube (catheter). This closes off blood flow in the main problem vein.

Getting ready for your treatment

Follow any instructions from your healthcare provider.

Tell your provider if you:

• Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant

• Are breastfeeding

• Smoke or use alcohol on a regular basis

• Have any allergies or intolerances to certain medicines. Explain what reaction you have had to these medicines in the past.

Tell your provider about any medicines you are taking. You may need to stop taking all or some of these before the test. This includes:

• Medicines that can thin your blood or prevent clotting (anticoagulants)

• All prescription medicines

• Over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen

• Street drugs

• Herbs, vitamins, and other supplements

Follow any directions you’re given for not eating or drinking before the procedure.

The day of your treatment

The treatment takes 45 to 60 minutes. The entire treatment (including time to prepare and recover) takes about 1 to 3 hours. You can go home the same day. For the treatment: 

• You’ll lie down on a hospital bed.

• An imaging method, such as ultrasound, is used to guide the procedure.

• The leg to be treated is injected with numbing medicine.

• Once your leg is numb, a needle makes a small hole (puncture) in the vein to be treated.

• The catheter with the RF heat source is inserted into your vein.

• More numbing medicine may be injected around your vein.

• Once the catheter is in the right position, it is then slowly drawn backward. As the catheter sends out heat, the vein is closed off.

• In some cases, other side branch varicose veins may be removed or tied off through a few small cuts (incisions).

• When the treatment is done, the catheter is removed. Pressure is applied to the insertion site to stop any bleeding. An elastic compression stocking or a bandage may then be put on your leg.

Recovering at home

Once at home, follow all the instructions you’ve been given. Be sure to:

• Take all medicines as directed

• Care for the catheter insertion site as directed

• Check for signs of infection at the catheter insertion site (see below)

• Wear elastic stockings or bandages as directed

• Keep your legs raised (elevated) as directed

• Walk a few times a day

• Avoid heavy exercise, lifting, and standing for long periods as advised

• Avoid air travel, hot baths, saunas, or whirlpools as advised

Follow-up

You’ll have a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider within a week. An ultrasound will be done to check for problems, such as blood clots. Your provider will discuss further treatments with you, if needed.