According to my doctor, the radiofrequency ablation performed on my legs was not successful because my veins kept moving. Is this normal?

I had radiofrequency ablation performed on both of my legs due to superficial venous reflux and varicose veins. The procedure was not successful on either. According to my doctor, it was because my veins kept moving. I felt a lot of poking and pain during the ablation. He was not even able to give me anesthetic. We had to stop the procedure because my veins would spasm. Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (4)


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Oct 18, 2013

I have not heard of an RF ablation failing or being compromised by "moving veins." To be truthful, I have not heard of that issue or anomaly specifically. Now your vein(s) might very well have gone into spasm, which can indeed happen, especially when multiple attempts are made to access a vein in the same location. Our protocol in these cases is to attempt to access the vein as far distal (down the leg) as possible, and then if the segment of vessel we are trying to access starts to spasm, we move cephalad (up toward the head) slightly and attempt access there. This has usually proven to be the most successful protocol. As for your not having any anesthesia, I would be very surprised if you were not given some form of local anesthesia (tumescent for example). It is unlikely you would have been able to tolerate the RF catheter procedure if you were not numb to some degree. The poking you mention feeling may have been the infusion of this local. Finally, you may want to consider consulting with another provider, just to get a second objective assessment. I would also encourage you to see a board-certified vascular surgeon.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

I have not heard of an RF ablation failing or being compromised by "moving veins." To be truthful, I have not heard of that issue or anomaly specifically. Now your vein(s) might very well have gone into spasm, which can indeed happen, especially when multiple attempts are made to access a vein in the same location. Our protocol in these cases is to attempt to access the vein as far distal (down the leg) as possible, and then if the segment of vessel we are trying to access starts to spasm, we move cephalad (up toward the head) slightly and attempt access there. This has usually proven to be the most successful protocol. As for your not having any anesthesia, I would be very surprised if you were not given some form of local anesthesia (tumescent for example). It is unlikely you would have been able to tolerate the RF catheter procedure if you were not numb to some degree. The poking you mention feeling may have been the infusion of this local. Finally, you may want to consider consulting with another provider, just to get a second objective assessment. I would also encourage you to see a board-certified vascular surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 16, 2013

The answer to your question is no. It really sounds like your doc had difficulty accessing your vein. Although it is true that veins can spasm, it normally only occurs if the vein has been jabbed many times in attempt to try to access them. I rarely experience this unless the vein is uber small or heavily scarred. My suggestion is to find a doctor who is more experienced at vein treatments. Make sure that he/she is board certified. You will want to relay what you have told us to that physician, as well as ask questions regarding your condition and treatment.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

The answer to your question is no. It really sounds like your doc had difficulty accessing your vein. Although it is true that veins can spasm, it normally only occurs if the vein has been jabbed many times in attempt to try to access them. I rarely experience this unless the vein is uber small or heavily scarred. My suggestion is to find a doctor who is more experienced at vein treatments. Make sure that he/she is board certified. You will want to relay what you have told us to that physician, as well as ask questions regarding your condition and treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Oct 16, 2013

Though this rarely happens, it can usually be overcome with various maneuvers. Sometimes a small incision is needed though.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Though this rarely happens, it can usually be overcome with various maneuvers. Sometimes a small incision is needed though.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 16, 2013

This is not normal. When using ultrasound guidance, the veins should be easily visualized and should be able to be cannulated. Small veins are more difficult to enter sometimes but, in experienced hands, the procedure should be able to be done. Also, to be unsuccessful on both sides is very unusual. You should get another opinion from an experienced vein specialist and, preferably, a diplomat of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is not normal. When using ultrasound guidance, the veins should be easily visualized and should be able to be cannulated. Small veins are more difficult to enter sometimes but, in experienced hands, the procedure should be able to be done. Also, to be unsuccessful on both sides is very unusual. You should get another opinion from an experienced vein specialist and, preferably, a diplomat of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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