Varicose veins are a troubling thing for many in the Wasilla, Alaska community and in other parts of the country. They can be embarrassing, make some feel self-conscious, and many even experience pain as a result of the condition. Finding a way to combat these veins is a goal that many sufferers of the condition share, and it's one that has been helped through minimally-invasive treatment options such as radiofrequency occlusion. It's important that patients consult their specialist before receiving any type of treatment, but this has been a safe, effective means of getting rid of varicose veins for many individuals throughout the community and around the nation.
The procedure may be performed in the comfort a physician's office or an ambulatory surgery setting. Local anesthetic is used instead of the general anesthetic used with many vein stripping procedures, and some patients are given some intravenous sedation. The area will first be cleaned to prepare it for the procedure, and then a small tube or catheter is inserted and guided along the problem vein. Direct ultrasound guidance is used to make sure the vein is properly placed for the procedure. Local anesthetic is injected along the way to help ensure the patient's comfort. Once the vein has been canalized, sound waves are applied which heats the vein and collapses it from the top down.
A scar tissue is typically the result of the treated vein, and it is usually absorbed through the body's natural processes. A compression bandage should be applied to the treatment area on the leg, and is left in place for a couple of days to aid the healing process. Once it's removed, compression stockings are worn for a few weeks to continue to aid the healing process. Patients are usually allowed to walk around after a short recovery period that often takes place at the Wasilla specialist's office. Patients may resume their normal activities after only a few days in most cases, but should avoid any heavy lifting and should continue to wear their compression stockings.
Potential side effects of the procedure may include a chance of bleeding, infection or blood clots, just as are possible with other medical procedures. The results are typically improved, however, because of the lack of incisions and trauma used with the procedure compared to others. One of the unique potential complications associated with this procedure because of the method of occlusion is skin burn.
Learn more about radiofrequency occlusion in Wasilla, Alaska.
