Vein Radiofrequency Ablation

Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care

Pain Management Physicians & Vein Specialists located across Northwest Indiana

When you decide it’s time to get rid of unsightly and painful varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that safely and permanently eliminates the veins. The vein specialists at Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care in Hobart, LaPorte, Merrillville, Munster, and Valparaiso, Indiana, offer state-of-the-art treatments for varicose veins, including vein radiofrequency ablation, which lets you do away with the veins without taking downtime. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office, or use the online booking system.

Vein Radiofrequency Ablation Q & A

What is vein radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. During this procedure, your provider at Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care inserts a catheter into the vein, gently guides it to through the varicosity, and then gradually withdraws the catheter while sending radiofrequency energy into the vein wall.

The heat from the radio waves collapses the vein walls. The treated area is gradually reabsorbed by your body, effectively eliminating your varicose veins. Additionally, your body naturally reroutes blood flow, sending it through nearby healthy veins.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins develop when valves that normally keep blood flowing up your leg vein start to weaken. As the valve fails, blood flows back down your leg, a condition called venous insufficiency.

Blood builds up in the vein as the reflux is stopped by the next healthy valve below the damaged valve. The accumulating blood engorges the vein, causing large, twisted, dark blue, and purple varicose veins.

What symptoms indicate I may need vein radiofrequency ablation?

Varicose veins frequently cause symptoms such as:

Leg pain (e.g., aching, throbbing, or burning)
Leg swelling
Heavy-feeling legs
Tired legs
Restless legs
Itching
Muscle cramps

Radiofrequency ablation also eliminates venous insufficiency. But when this condition goes untreated, it causes additional symptoms, including eczema-like skin rashes, thickened and discolored skin, and slow-healing wounds around your ankles.

What should I expect during vein radiofrequency ablation?

You have options about the type of anesthesia you want to receive during your procedure, so your provider explains your choices and you can make a decision ahead of time.

Your provider uses ultrasound imaging to see your veins and guide the catheter. Depending on the severity and depth of your varicose veins, they may also use ultrasound to map the veins prior to starting your ablation procedure.

The procedure only requires a tiny cut that allows your provider to insert the catheter. The process only takes about one hour, and then you don’t even need stitches; your provider simply applies a bandage to the site where they inserted the catheter.

You wear compression stockings for a while after radiofrequency ablation. Except for avoiding strenuous physical activity and prolonged sitting, you can return to your daily activities as soon as the procedure is finished.

If you have any questions about vein radiofrequency ablation or you’re ready to eliminate your varicose veins, call Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care, or use the online booking feature.