What to Expect with RF Ablation at Legacy Vein Clinic
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a technique that uses radiofrequency energy to seal the diseased vein closed. Your body then re-routes blood through other veins, and the closed vein shrinks and disappears over time. First, your leg will be injected with numbing medicine. Next, our board-certified vascular expert will insert a very thin catheter into the diseased vein using ultrasound guidance. Additional numbing medication may be injected around the vein. The catheter is then slowly drawn backward while an RF heat source sends out heat that seals the vein shut.
The catheter is then removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to stop any bleeding. A bandage is then placed on your leg. The RF ablation vein treatment is performed in our outpatient office. It takes about 30 minutes for each vein treated.
