Varicose Veins: Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for Reference varicose veins Opens New Window. (Ablation means a doctor uses heat to damage tissue, which makes scar tissue form. This scar tissue closes the vein.) This technique uses radiofrequency energy (instead of laser energy) to heat up and damage the wall inside a vein. This usually closes off a varicose vein in the leg.

To treat a varicose vein, radiofrequency energy is directed through a thin tube (catheter) inserted through a small incision in the vein. It can be used on large veins in the leg and can be done in an office setting using Reference local anesthesia Opens New Window or a mild Reference sedative Opens New Window. You will be able to walk following the treatment and recovery typically is short.

After treatment, you will wear compression stockings for 1 week or more. To follow up, your doctor will use duplex ultrasound to make sure that the vein is closed.

Is it safe?

Possible side effects of radiofrequency ablation include:

• Skin burns.
• Feelings of burning, pain, or prickling after recovery, from nerve damage (less likely than after vein stripping surgery).
• Small or large blood clotting in the vein or a deep vein (less likely than after vein stripping surgery).

The more experience your doctor has had with radiofrequency, the less risk you are likely to have. Talk to your doctor about how often these side effects happen in his or her practice.

How well does it work?

When done by a doctor with plenty of radiofrequency experience, chances of treatment success are good. Radiofrequency closure works well in about 85 out of 100 people who have it. That means it doesn't work well in 15 out of 100 people.^{Reference 1}

• Pain after treatment is typically less after ablation than after vein surgery.
• After 2 years or more, results from ablation are generally as good as from vein surgery.^{Reference 2}
• Veins that do not close are treated again. Choices include another ablation or another type of procedure.

For help deciding whether to have a procedure for varicose veins, see:

Opens New Window Varicose Veins: Should I Have a Surgical Procedure? Opens New Window

If you are thinking of radiofrequency ablation treatment, consider some Reference questions to ask about varicose vein treatment. These questions include: How much experience does the doctor have with the particular treatment? How much do the exam and treatment cost? How many treatments does the doctor think you will need?

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.