Radiofrequency Occlusion and Eliminating Varicose Veins

Eliminating varicose veins is important for many individuals suffering from them in the Yonkers, New York area as well as in other parts of the country. Varicose veins often lead to pain and heaviness in the legs, which may be very troubling for sufferers of this condition. What's more, the appearance of varicose veins—often bulging and purplish or bluish in color—may cause some to feel embarrassed or self-conscious, making treatment all the more important for many individuals. There are several treatments and procedures designed to help patients overcome this condition and patients are encouraged to consult a vein specialist in the Yonkers area to determine which may be best for them.

One possible treatment that has been used to treat varicose veins is radiofrequency occlusion. This procedure uses sound waves to destroy the problem veins to eliminate the venous condition's appearance as well as any symptoms. This procedure may be performed in a doctor's office or an ambulatory surgery setting. Local anesthesia and an intravenous sedation is used to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. A small tube or a catheter is threaded along the vein using direct ultrasound guidance. Local anesthetic is injected along the way. With the vein being treated canalized, sound waves heat and collapse the vein from the top down. This creates a thin scar tissue which may be absorbed by the body.

Following radiofrequency occlusion, a compression bandage is placed on the leg to aid in the healing process. This is left on for a couple of days and compression stockings are then worn for about two to three weeks while the treatment area heals. Patients may walk after a short recovery period at the doctor's office. Most patients are allowed to return to work or other normal daily activities after a few days as long as they avoid heavy lifting and wear their compression stockings. It is important to discuss recovery with a vein specialist in the Yonkers area to ensure proper healing after treatment.

Medical procedures often have possible risks and complications associated with them and radiofrequency occlusion is no different. There may be a chance of bleeding, infection or blood clots just as with other procedures. Because of the lack of incisions and trauma with this procedure, the immediate and long term results may be improved. Radiofrequency occlusion may also have a chance of skin burn due to the method of occlusion used with this treatment. Patients should seek treatment with a trained and experienced medical professional to help minimize the chances of these risks and complications.

Insurance may cover the cost of radiofrequency occlusion if used to treat varicose veins that are of a medical concern and cause symptoms. However, insurance companies may stipulate that the patient must first try more conservative methods of treatment such as exercise, weight loss and wearing compression stockings before surgery may be covered. Some patients may require additional procedures or other procedures, as radiofrequency occlusion does not treat all types of varicose veins. Patients should discuss this further with a vein specialist.

Learn more about radiofrequency occlusion in Yonkers, New York.