Venous Ablation in Mesa and Gilbert, AZ
Venous insufficiency is a very common condition resulting from decreased blood flow from the leg veins up to the heart. Normally, one-way valves in the veins keep blood flowing toward the heart, against the force of gravity. When the valves weaken and don’t close properly, blood flows backwards. This condition is called reflux. Veins that have lost their valve effectiveness become elongated, rope-like, bulged, and thickened. These are commonly known as varicose veins.
The board-certified vein specialists at Tri-City Vein and Vascular Center have extensive experience performing venous ablation procedures. Call (480) 835-6100 to request an appointment at our vein center in Mesa and Gilbert.
What is Venous Ablation?
For patients suffering from venous insufficiency, vein ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that treats the veins from the inside. This outpatient procedure uses heat energy to seal the afflicted vein.
Is Venous Ablation right for me?
Your cardiovascular specialist can best determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. Enlarged and swollen blood vessels commonly associated with varicose veins can also cause pain and impaired walking that can generally worsen as the day goes on. In more severe cases darkening of the skin can occur. Compared to traditional vein stripping techniques, venous ablation is effective, has fewer negative outcomes (up to 95% success rates), leaves virtually no scars and has much less pain during recovery.
Is Venous Ablation safe?
Venous ablation is extremely safe; however, as with all surgical procedures, there are risks that should be fully discussed with a physician.
How should I prepare for this procedure?
Inform your physician if you are allergic to anesthetics, have a pacemaker, internal defibrillator, or other implanted medical devices. Please avoid caffeine the day of your procedure, arrive well hydrated and bring your medium grade compression stocking. To minimize the risk of bruising and bleeding, patients who take blood thinners may be asked to stop their medication prior to the procedure. The leg being treated will be sterilized and covered with a surgical drape, and a local anesthetic will be administered to the site where the incision will be made.
What should I expect during this procedure?
Unlike more invasive procedures that surgically strip veins from the leg, venous ablation uses a catheter, which is inserted through a small incision. The skin is sterilized, local anesthesia is administered, and a small needle is inserted into the vein to be treated, using ultrasound for guidance. An external ultrasound transducer is used to study the vein and track its path. It is also used to guide the insertion of the catheter and gauge the effectiveness of the procedure. The tip of the catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to heat and seal off the vein. Sealing off the faulty vein does not adversely affect circulation because other veins assume the management of blood return back to the heart. The treated vein shrinks and seals, making it unlikely to reopen and cause a recurrence of symptoms. Your physician will prescribe compression stockings to enhance your comfort and request that you have a follow-up ultrasound exam in one week to ensure that the procedure was successful.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Venous Insufficiency (Reflux)
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used in the treatment of venous insufficiency (Reflux). Under ultrasound guidance, radiofrequency energy is transmitted to the vein through a catheter, resulting in closure of the vein. Unlike vein “stripping” patients treated with RFA are usually able to resume activities in a day.
Tri-City Vein Center uses the Radiofrequency Ablation procedure, which is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound guidance one of our board-certified vascular physicians will position the catheter into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. The small catheter delivers heat to the vein wall, causing it to shrink and the vein to seal closed. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will reroute itself to other healthy veins.
Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Your physician will encourage you to walk, and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time.
Most patients report feeling minimal pain during the RFA procedure.4 Your physician will give you a local or regional anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
Patients treated with the Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) procedure may resume normal activities more quickly than patients who undergo surgical vein stripping or laser ablation. With the RFA procedure, the average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days.5 For a week following the treatment, your vein specialist recommends a regular walking regimen and suggests you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within one to two weeks following the procedure.4
Most patients report limited to no scarring, limited bruising, or swelling following the Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) procedure using the RFA catheter. 4
Although the RFA procedure and 980 nm endovenous laser ablation are both minimally invasive procedures, a comparative, multicenter study showed that the RFA procedure was associated with statistically significant lower rates of pain, bruising, and complications. Patients undergoing the RFA procedure also reported improvements in quality of life measures up to four 4 times faster than patients treated with 980 nm endovenous laser ablation. 4
During vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a tool is threaded through the diseased vein to pull the vein out of the leg. With the RFA procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then treated and left in place. This minimally invasive approach reduces the likelihood of pain and bruising associated with vein stripping surgery.6,7
Many insurance companies pay for the RFA procedure in part or in full. The RFA procedure has coverage policies with major health insurers. As a courtesy, our venous authorization team will verify your coverage.
Request an Appointment
The expertly trained vein specialists at Tri-City Vein Center have extensive experience treating patients throughout the Mesa area for vein conditions. Call (480) 835-6100 to request an appointment today.
