The Vein Institute

Radiofrequency ablation

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What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure for treating varicose veins. Our doctors insert a thin RFA fibre into the vein which heats it and seals it shut, stopping blood flow. Over time, your body will absorb the vein. During RFA treatment, the fibre lets out radiofrequency energy in 20-second bursts directly into the vein. Rather than clotting the blood, the energy targets the collagen in the vein wall, making it shrink. You should not be able to feel this happening. 

What are the benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation?

Over the past decade, RFA has emerged as a gold standard treatment due to its high success rate, short recovery time and minimal discomfort for patients.

  • No general anaesthetic, sutures, or stitches
  • Quick procedure, taking ~45 minutes
  • You’ll only need one RFA treatment per leg. However, we may need to treat smaller branches with sclerotherapy in a follow-up treatment.
  • Minimal downtime – you can get back to your routine after you leave our clinic
  • Less pain with a local anaesthetic nerve block (without effecting your walking).

What happens during the 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 tiny 1mm incision and insert the fibre into the vein, guiding it through with the help of ultrasound. As they move the fibre along the vein, it will deliver 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 is so small, you won’t need any sutures or stitches.

We find that varicose vein treatment is most successful when we use Radiofrequency Ablation along with sclerotherapy. That’s because while RFA is a great treatment for large and uncomplicated varicose veins, the fibre can’t fit into smaller varicose vein branches or spider veins. So, your doctor will use sclerotherapy to seal these shut.

What makes Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) different to 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 ultrasound results.

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
  • Aches and swelling. These are very common side effects, and you can easily manage them through compression and over-the-counter pain relief
  • Pigmentation or ‘staining’ on the skin as your body absorbs the vein

More serious risks during and following the procedure include: 

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) (<1%)
  • Nerve damage (<1%)
  • Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic

How to prepare for varicose veins laser treatment?

  • Eat a good meal before your RFA treatment. 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 will reduce the risk of clotting and minimise post-op side effects like swelling and pain. 
  • You should 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, you’ll be allowed to leave our clinic almost immediately after your 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 – 5 days. You will also need to walk for at least 30 minutes a day for 2 weeks after your procedure. These steps will ensure reduced swelling and discomfort.

You’ll notice a 60-80% reduction in your veins after the procedure. You may also notice fewer symptoms (or stop experiencing symptoms at all). However, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if symptoms have reduced since RFA and sclerotherapy have similar side effects to varicose vein symptoms. To see more before and after varicose vein treatment photos, click here.

Have questions about Radiofrequency Ablation treatment?

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.

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