Is radiofrequency occlusion a safe procedure with a low risk of death?

I'm thinking of having radiofrequency occlusion to rid the varicose veins that I believe are deep within the saphenous system. Can this procedure result in scaring or burning?

Answers from doctors (3)


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Jul 18, 2013

Radiofrequency ablation is a very safe procedure for a number of reasons: It is done in an outpatient or clinic setting, no general anesthesia is involved, it is minimally invasive and the patient is not bed-bound afterwards. Certainly with any procedure there are risks, but with the VNUS closure (or radiofrequency ablation) the risk of death is low to non-existent, especially if the patient is healthy. When done properly by a board-certified vascular surgeon, there should be no scarring, although there may perhaps be a very tiny scar (no more than 0.25 cm in length) where the closure catheter was introduced. Visible varicose veins should, in most cases, be removed by microstab phlebectomy.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Radiofrequency ablation is a very safe procedure for a number of reasons: It is done in an outpatient or clinic setting, no general anesthesia is involved, it is minimally invasive and the patient is not bed-bound afterwards. Certainly with any procedure there are risks, but with the VNUS closure (or radiofrequency ablation) the risk of death is low to non-existent, especially if the patient is healthy. When done properly by a board-certified vascular surgeon, there should be no scarring, although there may perhaps be a very tiny scar (no more than 0.25 cm in length) where the closure catheter was introduced. Visible varicose veins should, in most cases, be removed by microstab phlebectomy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 17, 2013

Radiofrequency occlusion is a safe procedure.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Radiofrequency occlusion is a safe procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 17, 2013

Yes, radiofrequency closure is a very safe procedure with extremely low risk of death. Any procedure has potential risks and complications, and scarring and burning from closure can occur. The chances of complications are low and even lower in experienced hands. You should see an experienced vein specialist for your procedure, one that is board certified.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Yes, radiofrequency closure is a very safe procedure with extremely low risk of death. Any procedure has potential risks and complications, and scarring and burning from closure can occur. The chances of complications are low and even lower in experienced hands. You should see an experienced vein specialist for your procedure, one that is board certified.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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