Many individuals in Central Florida area and around the country who are suffering from varicose veins have found relief from this venous condition through radiofrequency occlusion. This is a procedure that utilizes sound waves to heat and collapse the problem vein from the top down. Varicose veins may lead to embarrassment for many individuals as the unsightly appearance of the condition may lead some to feel self-conscious. What’s more, sufferers of varicose veins may complain of pain and heaviness in the legs, making treatment important to many suffering from the condition.
Radiofrequency occlusion is minimally-invasive and may be performed in a physician’s office or in an ambulatory surgery setting. Local anesthetic and some intravenous sedation may be used to help ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. Once the area has been cleaned and the local anesthetic applied, a small tube is threaded along the vein. Ultrasound is used for guidance and anesthetic is injected along the way to help ensure patient comfort. With the vein being treated canalized, the sound waves are applied to heat and collapse the vein from the top down. This results in a thin scar and is eventually absorbed by the body’s natural processes.
After the treatment has been performed, a compression bandage is applied to the leg and the bandage should be left in place for about two days. After it is removed, compression stockings are worn for about two to three weeks to aid in the healing process. Individuals may be allowed to walk shortly after the procedure at the physician’s office or the surgery center. Most individuals are able to return to normal activities or return to work within a few days, but should avoid heavy lifting and should wear their compression stockings.
Minimally-invasive treatments such as radiofrequency occlusion have benefits when compared to more invasive treatment options. For one, the recovery time is often much shorter than procedures that may require a general anesthetic. Patients are also able to walk shortly after receiving treatment with radiofrequency occlusion and there is no overnight stay in the hospital required. Healing also occurs more quickly than if incisions are used to perform the procedure, which allows the patient to return to work or other normal activities sooner.
As with just about any medical procedure, there are certain risks and complications associated with the procedure with which patients should be familiar. The chance of bleeding, infection or blood clots is present with this procedure just as with others, however the immediate and long term results are better with this treatment because incisions are not used and trauma is minimal. A unique complication that has been associated with radiofrequency occlusion is skin burn. This is due to the method of occlusion. When performed by a trained professional, complications are rare.
Insurance may cover the cost of radiofrequency occlusion if the patient first tries more conservative methods of treatment such as exercise, weight loss and wearing compression stockings. The cost of treatment may vary depending on the extent of the veins that are to be treated, and radiofrequency occlusion does not treat all types of varicose veins, so additional procedures may be required, which may require patients to have procedures performed at two separate times.