Radiofrequency Ablation

Carolina Vein Institute

Varicose Vein Specialists & Aesthetic Injectors located in Chapel Hill, NC & Raleigh, NC

Varicose veins are large, swollen veins that can cause pain and heaviness in your legs. At Carolina Vein Institute in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Apex, North Carolina, board-certified varicose vein specialists Ashley Baquero, MD, Luan Tran, MD, and their experienced team offer minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to reduce the appearance and discomfort of varicose veins. Schedule an appointment with Carolina Vein Institute by calling the office or booking online today.

Radiofrequency Ablation Q & A

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure that uses radio waves to heat up small areas of tissue. To treat varicose veins, your vein specialist inserts a small tube, called a catheter, into the vein and directs the radiofrequency energy through it.

This causes the damaged tissue to heat up and form scar tissue, closing off the varicose vein from receiving its blood supply. Over time, the vein walls collapse, permanently reducing the size of the treated vein.

What can radiofrequency ablation treat?

Carolina Vein Institute uses radiofrequency ablation to treat varicose veins and pain associated with them.

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that commonly affect the legs, particularly in older adults. They develop when the valves in your veins become damaged, which causes blood to collect in the affected veins.

You can typically see varicose veins in your legs. They’re highly visible and can twist and bulge near the surface of your skin. While they can have no symptoms, varicose veins often cause swelling, cramping, and aching in your legs.

What happens during radiofrequency ablation?

Carolina Vein Institute is proud to offer the VENCLOSE™ system for patients hoping to reduce the size and appearance of varicose veins.

After administering local anesthesia, your vein specialist makes a small puncture in your skin to access the affected vein. They then insert the radiofrequency catheter to perform the treatment. Once you’re numb, the device delivers powerful radiofrequency energy that causes the vein walls to close and collapse. The entire procedure lasts about 20-30 minutes.

What happens after radiofrequency ablation?

After your varicose veins collapse, they close off permanently, and your blood is rerouted to other healthy veins. Over time, your body naturally absorbs the closed varicose vein, so you don’t need to return to the office to have it removed.

Bruising and mild discomfort are typical side effects with radiofrequency ablation, but they should subside within a few days.

Most patients report significant improvement in the way their legs look and feel within weeks of their radiofrequency ablation treatment. However, many say they experience noticeable relief in a matter of days.

To find out if radiofrequency ablation is right for you, call Carolina Vein Institute, or schedule an appointment online today.