Which surgery is considered safer and better, endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation?

Answers from doctors (16)


More About Doctor Vein Clinic CA

Published on Aug 28, 2019

The latest data show a lower recurrence rate for endovenous laser ablation and less bruising and post-procedure discomfort for radiofrequency ablation. But both work well.

Answered by Vein Clinic CA (View Profile)

The latest data show a lower recurrence rate for endovenous laser ablation and less bruising and post-procedure discomfort for radiofrequency ablation. But both work well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 26, 2019

In my opinion, and those of the other physicians at our practice, we feel that radiofrequency ablation has a slight edge. Both EVLA and RFA have over 95% effectiveness; radiofrequency, however, has no forward fire like the laser does, so placement of the heat is much more exact. And since radiofrequency doesn't "boil the blood" like laser, you have less extravasation of blood, which equates to less bruising, pulling and itching afterward treatment.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

In my opinion, and those of the other physicians at our practice, we feel that radiofrequency ablation has a slight edge. Both EVLA and RFA have over 95% effectiveness; radiofrequency, however, has no forward fire like the laser does, so placement of the heat is much more exact. And since radiofrequency doesn't "boil the blood" like laser, you have less extravasation of blood, which equates to less bruising, pulling and itching afterward treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Vein Specialists

Published on Jan 30, 2019

Endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation are safe and effective methods that close veins with heat. There are several differences in the technologies, although the steps of the procedures are almost identical.

Lasers come in a variety of wavelengths. Higher wavelength lasers, in the 1300 nanometer range or greater, are referred to as cool lasers because they target the water in the cells of the vein walls rather than hemoglobin, like lower wavelength lasers. Cool lasers also typically cause less bruising.

Studies have shown no significant difference between cool lasers and radiofrequency in terms of comfort levels or effectiveness. The major factors in my practice that affect my decision in terms of which one to use are the depth of the veins, length of veins, and whether I am closing a perforator or connecting vein.

Answered by Vein Specialists (View Profile)

Endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation are safe and effective methods that close veins with heat. There are several differences in the technologies, although the steps of the procedures are almost identical.

Lasers come in a variety of wavelengths. Higher wavelength lasers, in the 1300 nanometer range or greater, are referred to as cool lasers because they target the water in the cells of the vein walls rather than hemoglobin, like lower wavelength lasers. Cool lasers also typically cause less bruising.

Studies have shown no significant difference between cool lasers and radiofrequency in terms of comfort levels or effectiveness. The major factors in my practice that affect my decision in terms of which one to use are the depth of the veins, length of veins, and whether I am closing a perforator or connecting vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Treatment Center

Published on Oct 05, 2012

Both procedures are minimally invasive and should be done in office under strictly local anesthesia. Studies have shown that laser is superior due to thermal inertia, meaning the amount of heat applied to the tissue while closing the vein, has a greater advantage over long-term successful closure of the vein involved.

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Answered by The Vein Treatment Center

Both procedures are minimally invasive and should be done in office under strictly local anesthesia. Studies have shown that laser is superior due to thermal inertia, meaning the amount of heat applied to the tissue while closing the vein, has a greater advantage over long-term successful closure of the vein involved.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Sep 18, 2012

Both are safe and effective.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Both are safe and effective.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Sep 17, 2012

To begin with, neither procedure is surgical, but both have comparable results and are greater than 90 percent successful.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

To begin with, neither procedure is surgical, but both have comparable results and are greater than 90 percent successful.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Sep 17, 2012

Both are the same.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Both are the same.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Sep 16, 2012

They are equal in outcome. I offer both and the decision regarding which one to use is often more based on anatomy (size and length of vein) than anything else. I believe a vein specialist should offer all available
treatment modalities.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

They are equal in outcome. I offer both and the decision regarding which one to use is often more based on anatomy (size and length of vein) than anything else. I believe a vein specialist should offer all available
treatment modalities.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Sep 14, 2012

In our office we use radio-frequency ablation. It is less painful for patients, involves less bruising and requires less healing time. Our patients return to work the next day. As for laser ablation, you would need to contact an
office that uses laser.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

In our office we use radio-frequency ablation. It is less painful for patients, involves less bruising and requires less healing time. Our patients return to work the next day. As for laser ablation, you would need to contact an
office that uses laser.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Sep 14, 2012

Great question. I use laser ablation which we have done for many years. In the early years of radiofrequency there was a higher failure rate and higher risk of deep vein thrombosis. The procedure was slow and more expensive. The newer RF generators are improved and claim to offer less pain and bruising. Laser ablation is the most commonly used device and, when used by an experienced surgeon, produces little bruising and discomfort. The new 1470 laser wavelength produces great results as does the 940. If you seek an evaluation by a Board Certified vascular surgeon (by the Board of Medical Specialties) who is specialized in these treatments, my preference is laser ablation.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Great question. I use laser ablation which we have done for many years. In the early years of radiofrequency there was a higher failure rate and higher risk of deep vein thrombosis. The procedure was slow and more expensive. The newer RF generators are improved and claim to offer less pain and bruising. Laser ablation is the most commonly used device and, when used by an experienced surgeon, produces little bruising and discomfort. The new 1470 laser wavelength produces great results as does the 940. If you seek an evaluation by a Board Certified vascular surgeon (by the Board of Medical Specialties) who is specialized in these treatments, my preference is laser ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Sep 13, 2012

These are both very similar.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

These are both very similar.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Sep 13, 2012

Both are equivalent in the best of hands. That being said, there are quite different ability , skill and judgement levels of practitioners performing these techniques. This can translate into side effects. Generally, RF has a higher failure rate and laser may be slightly more painful. What is most important though is to question
the doctor on the follow up protocol, as that is where potential for recurrence is controlled.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Both are equivalent in the best of hands. That being said, there are quite different ability , skill and judgement levels of practitioners performing these techniques. This can translate into side effects. Generally, RF has a higher failure rate and laser may be slightly more painful. What is most important though is to question
the doctor on the follow up protocol, as that is where potential for recurrence is controlled.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Sep 13, 2012

Both are excellent and provide equivalent results.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Both are excellent and provide equivalent results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Sep 13, 2012

Both techniques and ssytems have been compared and are both essentailly the same, very effective and very safe.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Both techniques and ssytems have been compared and are both essentailly the same, very effective and very safe.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 13, 2012

Both procedures work well and the preference is usually dependent on the experience of the operating physician. I have used both but I feel that laser ablation is far superior to RF.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Both procedures work well and the preference is usually dependent on the experience of the operating physician. I have used both but I feel that laser ablation is far superior to RF.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Sep 13, 2012

They are equally good and safe in the right hands. I prefer laser. The skill and experience of the doctor is more important.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

They are equally good and safe in the right hands. I prefer laser. The skill and experience of the doctor is more important.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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