What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive technique to remove the greater saphenous vein (GSV) in the thigh and/or the small saphenous vein (SSV) at the back of the calf. Both of these veins commonly feed into visible varicose veins. During radiofrequency ablation, heat is delivered to the vein wall by a catheter inside the vein. The heat causes the collagen in the vein wall to contract; this contraction results in collapse and closure of the vein. After the vein is sealed shut, blood naturally is re-routed to other healthier veins.
VENEFIT™ TARGETED ENDOVENOUS THERAPY: WHAT TO EXPECT
The Venefit procedure is a minimally invasive treatment in which Dr. Sharma insets a catheter into the veins to collapse and close the diseased leg veins.
Dr. Sharma will make a tiny incision below the knee and access the vessel. She will then insert the radiofrequency catheter into the vessel to the top of the target vein using ultrasound imaging. Anesthetic saline solution will also be injected over the entire vein to numb the leg, squeeze blood from the vein and protect surrounding tissue. Each 7 cm segment of vein is then treated with 20-second burst of radiofrequency energy which causes the vein to contract and seal closed. The catheter is then withdrawn and the next 7 cm segment is treated until the entire length of vein has been ablated (closed). After the catheter is removed, a bandage is placed over the incision, and your leg will be wrapped with a compression bandage to aid healing. The procedure takes 45 minutes and most people resume normal activity immediately.
The body naturally re-routes blood to healthier veins and most patients will notice improvement of symptoms in a few days. The closed vein becomes scar tissue and is absorbed by your body over the next few months.
ADVANTAGES OF THE VENEFIT™ PROCEDURE
Minimally Invasive: This procedure eliminates the need for general anesthesia and surgery as required for vein stripping. The procedure is performed in the office using local anesthesia.
Less Pain, Less Bruising, and Faster Recovery: This procedure has been shown to have faster improvements in patient’s quality of life when compared to laser based treatments.
Excellent Clinical Outcomes: The procedure has been shown to be 93% effective at three years.
