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Radio-frequency Ablation (RFA)

Radio-frequency Ablation (FRA) or VNUS Closure is a treatment alternative for varicose and spider veins. This is a cutting-edge form of treatment where radio-frequency energy is used to heat and collapse the collagen inside defective veins, eventually sealing them off. The treatment is comparatively newer than most and is becoming the more-preferred option to more invasive procedures such as vein stripping.

During the initial consultation, doctors at our clinic will use an ultrasound machine to examine the affected veins and the extent of the damage. Then, to further ascertain the patient’s eligibility for the procedure, more questions may be asked. Some of the eligibility criteria include the patient’s pregnancy status, whether they are smokers, any allergies or intolerant to some drugs, and so on. This is vital for proposing the best course of treatment appropriate for the patient’s condition.

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How We Conduct the RFA Procedure?

At our highly acclaimed cosmetic clinic, the RFA procedure takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. After prepping you, our experienced cosmetic specialist will start performing the procedure by making a small cut to create an access point into the vein. The superficial vein is first numbed using local anaesthesia at the incision and along the entirety of the vein(s).

An extra thin and flexible catheter is then inserted into the vein at the incision point. Once the surgeon is sure that the catheter has reached the correct position in the vein, radio-frequency heat is methodically applied to the vein as the catheter is slowly drawn backward.

As heat is applied to the inner venal walls, the vein shrinks and collapses into itself, becoming closed off. The body will adjust to this by ensuring that blood flow gets redirected to other healthier blood vessels. More anaesthesia may be injected in the course of the procedure to minimize pain and discomfort. Other vein treatments may be simultaneously done to smaller veins during the RFA, which is predominantly ideal for the greater saphenous vein (GSV).

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Recovery After RFA Treatment

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure which means that you can leave the clinic on the same day you receive treatment.

Postoperative care for VNUS closure includes wearing compressive stockings as directed by the doctor, keeping the legs elevated to facilitate adequate blood circulation to the heart, caring for the catheter insertion site, taking medicines, and taking brief walks several times a day. It’s also advisable to avoid fully immersing the leg in water and doing extensive workouts at the gym. Any complications should be reported to the clinic immediately after they are noticed.

Radiofrequency Ablation

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Benefits of Choosing Radio-frequency Ablation

As with any medical procedure that entails some form of invasion, there are some minimal risks involved. However, the life-changed benefits are also why patients are increasingly going for this procedure to treat varicose and spider veins. Some of the main advantages of VNUS closure are:

  • Quick recovery and downtime as the patient can get back to their regular routines on the same day. This is possible because local anaesthesia is used instead of general anaesthesia
  • Only one session is needed, and since there is only one incision, there is less bruising and way fewer complications.

The vascular surgeon and clinical specialist in our facility have years of experience in multiple vein treatments, including RFA. So, when you book a consultation with us, you are sure to receive state-of-the-art service with virtually impeccable results.

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