The Vein Institute

RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION FOR VARICOSE VEINS

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What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a minimally invasive medical procedure that targets varicose veins. During treatment, a doctor inserts a thin radiofrequency fibre into the affected vein. The fibre delivers controlled radiofrequency energy in 20-second bursts that heat the vein wall, causing it to seal shut and stop the blood flow. Over time, the body may naturally absorb the treated vein. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should experience minimal discomfort during treatment, though sensations vary from person to person.

Who may benefit from Radiofrequency Ablation?

According to the National Health Service, radiofrequency ablation may be suitable if you have:

  • Varicose veins causing symptoms such as aching, heaviness or swelling in your legs
  • Veins identified through ultrasound as having reflux (backward blood flow)
  • A preference for a treatment with a shorter recovery period

Keep in mind that not all varicose veins require treatment, which is why an individual assessment is important to determine whether intervention is necessary.

What are the potential benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation procedure?

Over the past decade, radiofrequency nerve ablation has become a widely used option for treating varicose veins due to its minimally invasive nature and established clinical use.  

Potential benefits and key features of the RFA procedure may include:

  • No general anaesthetic, sutures or stitches
  • Quick procedure, typically taking ~45 minutes
  • A single treatment may address the main affected vein, with smaller veins managed separately if required
  • Most patients can get back to their routine after the session
  • Local anaesthetic with nerve block is used to reduce discomfort during the procedure

What happens during a Radiofrequency Ablation procedure?

  • First, your doctor will numb the area where the RFA fibre will enter with a regional anaesthetic.
  • Then, they will use ultrasound guidance to reveal the problem vein and its path throughout your body.
  • They will then make a 2mm incision and insert the fibre into the vein, guiding it through with the help of ultrasound. 
  • Dilute local anaesthetic with the help of ultrasound is then deposited around the vein before delivering short radiofrequency bursts that will heat the vein and seal it shut.
  • Once they seal the vein, they will cover the incision with a bandage and apply gentle pressure. As the incision site is small, sutures or stitches are not required.

We may combine radiofrequency ablation with sclerotherapy to achieve comprehensive treatment. While RFA is a great treatment for large and uncomplicated varicose veins, the fibre can’t access smaller varicose vein branches or spider veins. Your doctor may use sclerotherapy to treat these smaller vessels during follow-up appointments.

What makes Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) different from Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)?

RFA and EVLA are very similar treatments. Specifically, they both use special fibres that heat the vein to seal it shut. However, EVLA is better suited for larger veins than RFA. Meanwhile, RFA often results in less discomfort for patients and a slightly lower risk of complications.

Your doctor will determine the best treatment for your condition based on your assessment. 

What are the risks of Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Specialists consider RFA to be a very safe varicose vein treatment option. But as with any medical procedure, it does carry a few side effects and risks. These include: 

  • Bruising around the treatment site
  • Temporary aching and swelling 
  • Pigmentation or ‘staining’ on the skin as your body absorbs the vein

More serious risks during and following Radiofrequency Ablation of varicose veins include: 

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) (<1%)
  • Nerve damage (<1%)
  • Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic or overdosage resulting in a seizure (<1/10,000)

Your doctor will discuss these risks with you during your consultation and answer any questions you may have.

How to prepare for Radiofrequency Ablation varicose veins treatment

To help ensure your procedure goes smoothly, please follow these preparation guidelines:

  • Eat a good meal before your RFA procedure. Although RFA is minimally invasive, it still involves puncturing the skin. Hence, like in a blood test, coming in on an empty stomach could make you feel faint.
  • Drink 2 glasses (around 500 ml) of water within an hour of your treatment. Staying well-hydrated may help reduce the risk of clotting and minimise post-op side effects like swelling and pain. 
  • Wear loose-fitting pants, a dress or a skirt on the day of your appointment. This is because we will wrap your legs in compression bandages, which will make it difficult to pull on tight clothing.
  • Avoid shaving your legs the morning of the treatment.

Post-treatment care

As no general anaesthetic or large incisions are involved, patients are allowed to leave our clinic almost immediately after treatment. However, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to aid your recovery.

First, you’ll need to drink lots of fluids. Second, you’ll need to keep the compression wraps we provide on for 24 hours and wear compression socks for the next 3 to 5 days (only during the day). You will also need to walk for at least 30 minutes a day for 2 weeks after your procedure. 

Schedule a Varicose Vein Consultation at The Vein Institute

If you’re experiencing symptoms from varicose veins, a proper medical pre-assessment at The Vein Institute is the first step. From there, we can explain your treatment options, answer your questions and let you know whether radiofrequency ablation or another approach may be suitable for you. 

Book a consultation with our team today for expert guidance.

Have questions about Radiofrequency Ablation in Australia?

We have listed some of our most asked questions to the right. If you would like to speak to someone, please contact us on 04 2010 2637 or make an appointment.

Read more: Which Varicose Vein Treatment is Right for Me?

What can I expect during treatment?

  • After your scan at our clinic, we will clean your leg before injecting a tiny amount of anaesthetic (using super fine needles).
  • Then, we’ll insert a thin RFA fibre into the vein.
  • Next, we will apply a cool anaesthetic around your vein to protect the surrounding tissue from any heat damage.
  • During the procedure, we will slowly pull the Radiofrequency Ablation fibre out, sealing the vein as it goes along. As we use anaesthetic, you shouldn’t feel any pain.
  • After the procedure, you will need to wear bandages/compression stockings for three days and walk for half an hour a day. We’ll provide a voucher for these socks as part of your treatment plan. You can redeem the voucher with Bauerfeind.
  • You shouldn’t do any long-distance travel for 4 weeks.
  • Your leg may feel numb for six hours after the procedure, but the numbness will be topical and shouldn’t affect movement.
  • A follow-up appointment is required for all patients. At this appointment side veins may be treated with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy.

How does Radiofrequency Ablation work?

In this procedure, we close off the faulty vein by delivering heat through the radiofrequency ablation fibre. The closed vein eventually disappears as the body reabsorbs it over time.

 

How much does RFA treatment cost?

RFA treatment at The Vein Institute ranges from $3,200 to $4,200 (out-of-pocket), depending on the complexity of your varicose veins, if you’ll need one or both legs treated, and how much of the cost Medicare covered. Review the costs for our varicose vein treatment plan.

How does blood get back to the heart if the vein is damaged?

When your veins become varicose veins, they no longer pump blood effectively back to the heart and are not responsible for your circulation. As everyone has billions of veins, the blood naturally finds its way to the heart using other veins. Additionally, it’s almost always surface veins that turn varicose. These veins collectively carry only 10% of your blood volume, so treating one won’t affect your circulation much. On top of that, your body can grow a new vein in the area.

Do I need to prepare for the procedure?

  • If your procedure is scheduled for the morning, be sure to eat breakfast. You may also take any of your normal medications unless your doctor recommends otherwise.
  • You should wear loose-fitting pants because your legs will be wrapped with elastic bandages after the procedure.
  • Stay hydrated! We recommend drinking around 500 ml (2 glasses) of water within an hour of your treatment.
  • Lastly, avoid shaving your legs the morning of the treatment.

Can I drive after a Radiofrequency Ablation treatment and what must I do?

  • Yes, you can drive after the procedure (if you have not taken any medication for anxiety).
  • However, we recommend you don’t do any long-distance travel (> 5 hours) for at least 2 weeks after your treatment.
  • You must wear compression wrap for 24 hours. Once those hours are up, you will need to wear compression socks for up to 3 days.
  • All patients must have a review scan after the procedure between 1-2 weeks from the date of treatment.

What are the possible complications of Radiofrequency Ablation?

Rare: Soreness or phlebitis which usually settles with Nurofen.

Very Rare: DVT/Pulmonary Embolism. An extremely rare complication which will require the use of a certain drug.

Extremely rare: Nerve damage.

How many treatments are needed?

The number of treatments varies depending on the extent of vein disease and how many veins are affected. In many cases, radiofrequency ablation is used to treat the main problem vein, while smaller branches may require additional treatments such as sclerotherapy.

Is RFA covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

Medicare rebates and private health insurance coverage may apply in certain situations, depending on your condition, the treatment performed and your level of cover. Coverage can vary between patients and insurers.
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