Radiofrequency Ablation
What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment using radiofrequency energy to heat and seal affected veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. It is favored due to its efficacy, minimal discomfort, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional vein stripping surgery.
Why is Radiofrequency Ablation needed?
RFA treats underlying venous reflux disease, a condition characterized by backward blood flow due to malfunctioning valves in the leg veins. This disease can cause pain, swelling, and the development of varicose and spider veins. RFA uses heat to seal malfunctioning veins, allowing blood to be redirected to healthier ones.
Pre-Procedural Evaluation
Before undergoing RFA, patients receive a comprehensive examination, including an ultrasound scan, to allow Dr. Lim to identify affected veins and assess the severity of venous reflux. This assessment is crucial for creating a precise treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
How is the Radiofrequency Ablation procedure performed?
On the procedure day, patients are advised to abstain from eating and drinking for at least 6 hours beforehand. The procedure is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia to enhance patient comfort, although local anesthesia with sedation is also an option.
Once the treatment area is prepared and a local anesthetic is applied, a small incision is made, usually above the knee, to insert a catheter into the damaged vein. The catheter’s placement is meticulously guided by ultrasound. A fluid containing diluted local anesthesia (tumescent) is injected around the vein to provide additional pain relief and protect surrounding structures. The precise and controlled application of radiofrequency energy causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut, eliminating the backward flow of blood in the treated vein.
The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, the catheter is removed, and a bandage is applied to the incision site. Should you have any bulging veins (varicose veins) or spider veins, additional treatment may be performed at the same sitting.
What to expect after the procedure?
Patients are usually discharged the next morning and are encouraged to start walking shortly afterward to promote blood flow and aid healing. Most can return to regular activities within a few days and resume exercising after 2 weeks. Wearing a compression stocking is recommended for 1-2 weeks to reduce swelling and improve healing.
What are the risks associated with Radiofrequency Ablation?
While RFA is considered safe and minimally invasive, it may result in minor and typically temporary side effects such as bruising or swelling at the incision sites. Rare risks include skin burns, discoloration, a 1% risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and less than a 1% risk of nerve injury causing numbness. There is also a 5-10% possibility of the recurrence of varicose veins due to the progression of venous disease.
FAQ about Radiofrequency Ablation
RFA is performed under anesthesia, where a catheter is inserted into the damaged vein through a small incision, and radiofrequency energy is administered to heat and seal the vein.
Patients generally experience minimal discomfort during RFA due to the use of anesthesia and can expect minimal pain post-procedure.
Most patients can return to their regular activities within a day and resume strenuous activities after 2 weeks.
RFA is a safe and minimally invasive procedure with rare risks and side effects, which are usually minor and temporary.
Potential side effects include minor bruising, swelling, rare risk of skin burns, or discoloration, and extremely rare risks include Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and nerve injury.
RFA is utilized to address the larger underlying veins whose malfunction leads to the manifestations of venous reflux. Spider veins are typically addressed by other treatment modalities, such as injection sclerotherapy.
Without addressing the underlying venous reflux, the risk of spider veins recurring is much higher if only injection sclerotherapy is used. Consequently, these two procedures are often performed concurrently.
Radiofrequency Ablation has a high success rate in treating venous reflux disease, with a low recurrence rate of varicose veins.
While the treated (ablated) vein segments rarely recur, the formation of new veins over time can lead to recurrence.
RFA is often covered by insurance when it is medically necessary due to symptoms, but coverage may vary, and it’s recommended to consult with your insurance provider.
The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of veins being treated.
Patients are encouraged to start walking shortly after the procedure to promote blood flow and aid in the healing process.
Yes, wearing compression stockings is usually recommended for 1-2 weeks post-procedure to reduce swelling and improve healing.
While RFA is effective, there is a 5-10% possibility of recurrence of varicose veins due to the progression of venous disease.
Patients are usually advised to abstain from eating and drinking for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
Yes, RFA is typically an outpatient procedure. The procedure can be performed in a day surgery centre, and most patients are discharged the next morning.
Most patients are encouraged to start walking shortly after the procedure. Depending on the extent of the treatment, the majority can typically resume work and regular activities within a few days post-procedure
Indeed, several contemporary, minimally invasive options are available for the treatment of varicose veins and venous reflux.
The choice of treatment is multifaceted, depending on the patient’s symptoms, vein anatomy, cost, and your surgeon’s preferences.
After a thorough clinical assessment, Dr. Lim will tailor an individualized treatment plan to address your specific varicose veins condition effectively.
