Radiofrequency Ablation (VNUS)
                         of Varicose Veins

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA or VNUS Closure)

This technique has virtually replaced the old-fashioned vein stripping, which is rarely done these days. It represents a dramatic advance in the treatment of venous reflux and varicosities. This procedure is performed in the office using sterile techniques. A small nick is made in your skin after local anesthesia is administered. The saphenous vein is then punctured using ultrasound guidance, and a special catheter is advanced through the length of the vein. Special local anesthesia is then injected along the vein, and the catheter is then used to heat-seal the vein.

The heat-sealing process is painless and takes about 3-4 minutes. The catheter and sheath are then removed and a bandage applied. Your compression stocking is put on, and you are able to walk home with no difficulty. There is almost no post-procedural pain and you should be able to return to normal by the next day. The results of RFA are usually dramatic, with resolution of your throbbing, pain, and swelling in most patients.

In many cases small varicose veins connected to the treated vein may resolve completely as can be seen in these pre- and post- procedure pictures.

Sometimes, you may want to have either sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy for any prominent veins that still remain.