RF ablation is also known as the VNUS Closure procedure. The VNUS Closure procedure is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia. RF energy is used to heat and seal diseased veins thereby reducing or eliminating existing varicose veins. During the    VNUS Closure procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the vein. A 7 cm electrode at the tip of the catheter heats the wall of the vein for 20 seconds, and causes the vein to completely close. The physician withdraws the catheter, treating each 7 cm segment until the entire vessel has been sealed. An average 45cm length vein can be treated in this manner in three to five minutes. The procedure is generally very comfortable. By closing the vein, there is no more backward blood flow (venous reflux disease), and the associated  symptoms, including swelling, pain, and the prominent varicose veins, disappear. The 10 year success rate for the VNUS Closure procedure has been documented in the scientific literature at about 98%. Today, this procedure is considered the most effective way to treat venous  reflux disease and its associated symptoms.

After the procedure, the patient is able to almost immediately return to normal activities. The treated leg will be wrapped with a bandage, and the patient will be instructed to wear a compression stocking on that leg for 7 days. The patient will be seen back in our office for a  followup visit within the first week, and then again at about 6 weeks. Typically patients notice less bulging of their varicose veins and improvement in their other symptoms within the first few weeks after the procedure.

Complications and side effects are rare. The most common side effects include minor bruising and pain along the length of the treated vein. Both of these side effects usually disappear within about one week. Blood clot formation in a vein in the leg is a complication that has been  reported to occur in about 1% of all patients. During the followup visits, a brief ultrasound study will be done to make sure you have not formed a blood clot.

Once the venous reflux disease, which is the underlying cause of the varicose veins and other symptoms, is treated, any remaining large varicose veins can be further treated with sclerotherapy. Please see our sclerotherapy page for more information.