RF Ablation: Learn About This Drug-Free Treatment for Your Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular conditions, with about one in five Americans experiencing them in their lifetimes. These ropey and twisted veins typically appear in your legs or feet — and while they’re generally harmless, they can be painful.

Varicose veins form when the valves inside your veins weaken or fail to function correctly. Blood pools inside instead of flowing back to your heart, and the veins get swollen and twisted under your skin. If you have symptoms like aching, heaviness, itching, or pain, it’s time to learn more about your varicose vein treatment options.

Our team at Vascular & Interventional Specialists specializes in vein care in Miami, Florida. One of our most popular treatments is ClosureFast™ — a radiofrequency (RF) ablation technique that’s drug-free and very effective.

How RF ablation treats varicose veins

RF ablation is a minimally invasive varicose vein treatment that closes off damaged veins using heat energy. It involves inserting a thin and flexible catheter into your varicose vein under local anesthesia.

The catheter contains an electrode that emits RF energy and gently heats the vein. As your vein heats up, the walls collapse, stick together, and the vein closes. Once it’s closed, blood can’t collect inside anymore.

Your blood naturally reroutes through healthy veins. Gradually, your varicose vein shrinks, eventually disappearing underneath your skin.

Treatment takes place in our office on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day. Before your procedure, we thoroughly assess your varicose veins using ultrasound imaging. That helps identify the precise location of the problematic veins and guides your treatment process.

The benefits of RF ablation for varicose veins

RF ablation is quickly becoming the preferred treatment for varicose veins, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that only requires a tiny incision, reducing your risk of complications and promoting quicker recovery compared to traditional vein-stripping surgery.

RF ablation effectively closes off varicose veins and alleviates associated symptoms. It not only treats the underlying cause of varicose veins but also improves their appearance over time.

Most people experience significant improvement in their symptoms, and the ClosureFast system has a 91.9% closure rate at five years. And since RF ablation is drug-free and minimally invasive, most people can resume regular activities shortly after treatment.

Is RF ablation right for you?

If you're dealing with the discomfort of varicose veins, you could be a good candidate for RF ablation. Our team specializes in comprehensive vein consultations, where we examine your veins and review your medical history to develop a customized treatment plan. 

Learn more about your options and find out if RF ablation is right for you with an appointment at Vascular & Interventional Specialists. Call us at 305-230-4664 or book online now.