Introduction
The veins carry blood from different parts of the body to the heart. Most problems with the vein occur due to defective body circulation, known as chronic venous insufficiency (also known as venous reflux disease). Healthy veins have valves. These valves prevent the backflow of blood in the leg veins (work against gravity). In venous insufficiency, these vein valves fail or malfunction, which allows the blood to flow in the backward direction (towards gravity) and collect in the leg veins. Blood buildup in leg veins causes vascular dilatation (enlargement) and, eventually, the development of spider and varicose veins. Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat these problems.
How to Differentiate Spider Veins From Varicose Veins?
Chronic venous insufficiency manifests as both varicose veins and spider veins. Both of the conditions show signs and symptoms.
What Is a Spider Vein?
In spider veins, small superficial veins of the leg are affected. As a result, the vein and affected area become blue or red due to insufficient venous supply to the leg veins. A non-invasive treatment helps in correcting this condition.
What Is Varicose Vein?
Varicose veins are a severe form of venous reflux disease. It mainly affects the large deep veins of the legs. Due to the blood pooling in the leg, veins become dilated (enlarged), which leads to swelling. Other clinical signs of varicose veins commonly include discomfort, throbbing, burning sensations, muscle cramping, and fatigue. These symptoms can lead to leg ulcers, blood clots, and other potentially serious disorders. The legs, ankles, and feet are the most common places for varicose veins. It usually requires invasive treatment for correction. Radiofrequency ablation is one of the treatment methods for it.
What Is Radiation-Frequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive surgery. It is one of the safest, most comfortable, and most straightforward therapies for chronic venous insufficiency. It uses radiofrequency energy to remove damaged veins.
What to Expect on the First Consultation Before RFA?
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A doctor will take medical and health history to ensure that a person is well enough to receive treatment.
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After that, an ultrasound to map the leg veins is performed, which helps distinguish healthy veins from damaged ones requiring treatment.
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Finally, a customized treatment plan is designed, suggested procedures reviewed, and the day for the RFA procedure is scheduled.
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The patient is advised to take enough rest at night before treatment.
What to Expect on the RFA Procedure Day?
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Unless the doctor instructs, a patient should eat and drink properly and take all regular medications (if the patient is taking any regular medication before the surgery).
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The patient should wear comfortable clothing.
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The team will guide the patient through the entire process from beginning to end so that the patient is well prepared.
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The procedure takes twenty minutes, but the patient should be prepared to spend seventy to ninety minutes in the hospital.
How Will Doctors Perform Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minor surgical procedure. It includes the following steps:
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First, local anesthesia (which causes numbness in the operated area of the body) is given.
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An incision is made on the diseased vein to place a small catheter (plastic tube) with the help of an ultrasound view.
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Then radiofrequency waves generate heat radiation that burns the damaged vein. It shrinks and collapses the diseased vein.
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Heat is applied consistently and uniformly, which causes the collagen in the vein walls to contract, which closes the veins.
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Then, the catheter is withdrawn from the vein after each section is treated. The procedure is repeated until the entire length of the vein has been ablated.
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Then blood is redirected to healthy veins once the diseased vein is closed, which enhances circulation.
What to Expect After the Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure?
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As radiofrequency ablation is done under anesthesia, the patient requires close monitoring by the medical staff till the sedation wears off after the surgery.
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The patient may experience some discomfort or soreness in the treatment area.
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The patient will be discharged on the same day.
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Many patients can resume their normal daily activities the day after the operation, although with some changes.
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The doctor will schedule a follow-up consultation within a week of surgery to assess the patient's recovery and decide whether they need additional treatments.
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A patient is advised to do mild physical activity a few days after the procedure and avoid sitting for long hours.
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It is unusual to have pain near the operating area. Instead, a person may feel a mild burning sensation. This discomfort often disappears one to two weeks after the operation.
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After the treatment, the ablated nerve usually takes two to three weeks to die and stops sending pain signals entirely.
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In some patients, additionally, doctors add a prescription for a painkiller.
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In cases when a patient is weak, the doctor recommends physical therapy sessions to regain strength.
What Are the Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins?
The advantages of radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins are listed below.
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Easy, Quick, and Safe - The usual time of the RFA procedure is 35 to 40 minutes. The procedure is non-surgical, so it reduces complications associated with surgery.
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Minimally Invasive - RFA may treat an entire vein up to 30 inches with a short, 14-inch incision.
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Almost No Pain - A patient will not experience pain or discomfort during the procedure as it is done under local anesthetic. The pain or discomfort after the procedure will be minimal.
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Minimal Bruising - Compared to other surgical and non-surgical treatments for varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation is a better therapy for post-procedural bruising and swelling.
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Minimal Downtime - The doctor will advise the person to resume normal activities within 24 hours after having RFA. But a person should avoid excessive exercise and heavy lifting for about a week.
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General Anesthesia Is Not Necessary - General anesthesia increases the risk of disorientation (confusion), stroke (reduced blood supply to the brain resulting in brain damage), or heart attack in older persons and those with severe medical conditions. Because RFA treats varicose veins without requiring general anesthesia, it eliminates these dangers.
What Are the Side Effects of Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins?
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Mild redness, swelling, discomfort, pain, and bruising around the treatment site are the main adverse effects of radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins.
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Due to the heat energy, nerve damage is possible.
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Some patients may also have slight skin discoloration at the operated site.
Conclusion
Radiofrequency ablation is done for the treatment of more prominent varicose veins. It is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment option. The greater saphenous vein and small saphenous vein of the calf are two examples of more prominent veins frequently found in the legs. These large varicose veins protrude through the skin or are apparent as red or blue veins underneath the skin. A doctor may perform a full duplex ultrasound scan during the consultation to determine the best treatment option for the patient. A damaged vein is heated during the process, causing a diseased portion to collapse and completely obstruct. The body will subsequently remove these blocked veins through reabsorption, and the circulation of leg veins increases. Side effects associated with RFA are minor and transient, and a person may return to their routine right after the RFA procedure. Therefore, RFA for varicose veins is the least risky and most dependable vein therapy.
