We have performed tens of thousands of radiofrequency occlusions and laser ablations. We can tell you they don't differ much. However, in our experience, the laser is associated with a little more post-op pain (called phlebitis) than radiofrequency. We have both available and chose radiofrequency almost every time because of less post-procedure discomfort.

Radiofrequency does cost more and requires a slightly larger nick in the skin than laser, but the veins are easier to see under ultrasound and there are fewer side effects. On the other hand, the laser is less expensive and requires a smaller nick, but veins are harder to see with ultrasound and there is more risk for phlebitis because of the steam it creates.

All said, both have relatively the same success rate and same overall effectiveness.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

RF is heat based as apposed to laser. Very few providers have both. They are basically used for the same indications. Laser has a small advantage over RF in the event of short segments of veins needing treatments. Some people treat perforators and very short segments of veins because the treating tip is more suitable. However, the percentage of success is equal for truncal veins. Laser is more expensive. RF fibre have become much cheaper. In short, if you trust your doctor use what he/she is most experienced with. You need to know and ask about venaseal which is the newest and latest in ablative treatments. Always remember that foam sclerotherapy is very cheap and if done with a good technique can get you the same results in 80 percent of cases.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

These are basically the same procedure which is to seal the refluxing saphenous vein. One is not better than the other. The difference is in the experience of the surgeon and having a vascular background. The surgeon will have a preference for one or the other. I use laser ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is a commonly asked question. Both laser and RF do the same thing-they close the leaking valves in the treated veins and then the veins will dissolve over time. Years ago the RF company use to say that RF was less uncomfortable then laser. However, with the new lasers, especially the l470 wavelength, the lasers now have minimum associated discomfort. The bottom line is that both work equally well with equal post procedure discomfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Although both techniques are effective, there is a major difference in how the vein is treated with these different technologies and in patient experiences. In Radiofrequency ablation, a special catheter delivers radiofrequency energy directly to the wall of the vein, elevating the temperature of the vein wall and causing it to scar close. The catheters are expensive. Endovenous laser uses a relatively inexpensive laser fiber to deliver heat to the vein and the surrounding tissue. There have been publications in the surgical literature demonstrating the superiority of Radiofrequency ablation over laser in terms of post procedure pain and bruising. The advantage for the physician is that laser fibers are much cheaper and therefore the doctor's costs are lower.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

From a patient's perspective there is virtually no difference. The procedure is performed the same and the outcomes are the same. Radiofrequency ablation may cause less short term bruising but the difference is usually minimal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012