Have you ever wished your varicose veins could just disappear? Or have you considered seeking treatment but were worried about the downtime?
At Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute, we can make them vanish with little to no downtime (depending on the demands of your daily life). How? With safe radiofrequency ablation.
We treat your varicose veins in the office using the advanced ClosureFast® device, and you can go home shortly after the procedure. Here’s what to expect during the radiofrequency ablation procedure and your recovery.
Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to heat and eliminate (ablate) your varicose veins. The precisely controlled heat immediately collapses and seals the vein.
After the vein closes, your body naturally restores healthy leg circulation by rerouting blood through other veins.
The treated vein turns into scar tissue. Over time, your body breaks down and removes the tissue, permanently eliminating what was once an unsightly varicose vein.
Before performing radiofrequency ablation, we take ultrasound images of your leg veins. The details show us the extent of the problem and let us plan your procedure.
A slim, flexible catheter delivers radiofrequency energy inside the vein. To do that, we begin by making a tiny opening and inserting the catheter into a blood vessel.
Using ultrasound, we guide the slim tube through the blood vessel until it reaches the end of the diseased vein. Then, we inject tumescent anesthesia into the space surrounding the vein.
Tumescent anesthesia combines a local anesthetic with saline (salt water), allowing it to surround the vein and prevent discomfort from the heat. Pressure from the water also compresses the vein, ensuring the vein walls are close to the catheter.
The specialized ClosureFast device treats one part of your vein at a time by sending radiofrequency energy through a precise area at the end of the catheter. We also gently press down on your leg above the heated area, using pressure to ensure the vein closes.
After withdrawing the catheter a short distance, we treat the next vein segment (sending a brief blast of radiofrequency heat and pressing on your leg).
We repeat the same process through the vein, slowly withdrawing the catheter and heating the next segment until we reach the end of the diseased vein.
After removing the catheter from your fully treated vein, we place a bandage over the small opening and apply compression stockings. You spend a short time recovering in the office before going home.
Varicose vein symptoms like leg pain improve in about two days. Over the next two weeks, you’ll notice a significant difference, and your bulging veins start to disappear as your body gradually clears away the treated vein.
We encourage you to walk regularly, and you need to wear compression stockings for about a week. Most people return to most of their usual activities in a few days, but there are two exceptions: You need to avoid strenuous activities and prolonged standing for a week or two.
Whether you want to improve the appearance of your legs or stop uncomfortable symptoms, radiofrequency ablation may be the best solution. Call Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute to schedule a vein assessment and learn about your treatment options.
