Radiofrequency Occlusion and Varicose Veins

Individuals who are suffering from varicose veins in the Waldorf, Maryland area and in other parts of the country will attest to the pain and heaviness often associated with this condition, not to mention the embarrassment or self-consciousness that may grow out of the unsightly appearance of the venous condition. Varicose veins may appear as bulging from the skin and may be purplish in color, making them an aesthetic nightmare for many individuals. Fortunately, minimally-invasive procedures are available that may provide relief from this condition without the invasiveness and long recovery period required following surgery.

Radiofrequency occlusion is one such treatment that has helped individuals in Waldorf and other areas of the country find relief from varicose veins. It is a procedure that may be performed in a doctor's office or in an ambulatory surgery setting using a local anesthetic and some intravenous sedation. The physician will first clean the area being treated and the local anesthetic is then injected into the distal area of the vein that is being treated. Next, a small tube or catheter is threaded along the vein using direct ultrasound for guidance. Local anesthetic is injected along the way to ensure the patient's comfort during the procedure. With the entire vein canalized, sound waves are used to heat and collapse the vein from the top down.

The collapsed vein will result in a thin scar tissue and the body will eventually absorb it, effectively getting rid of the varicose vein. A compression bandage is placed on the leg following treatment and left in place for about two days. Compression stockings are then worn for the next two to three weeks to aid in the healing process. After a short recovery period in the physician's office or the surgery center in which the procedure is performed, patients may walk. Most individuals are able to resume their normal activities or return to work within a few days if they avoid heavy lifting and wear their compression stockings.

As with any procedure or treatment, there are certain risks and complications that have been associated with radiofrequency occlusion. Individuals interested in this procedure are encouraged to discuss possible risks with a vein specialist in the Waldorf area before proceeding with treatment. Some of the risks and complications include bleeding, infection or blood clots. The lack of incisions and trauma associated with the procedure improves immediate and long-term results compared to traditional surgery. A unique complication that has been associated with radiofrequency occlusion is a small chance of skin burn. This is due to the method of occlusion. Complications are rare if a trained and experienced individual performs the procedure, however, so patients should seek treatment with a skilled professional.

Whether insurance companies will cover the cost of radiofrequency occlusion depends on a few factors. In many cases, more conservative means of therapy and treatment for varicose veins must be tried before insurance will cover this procedure. Exercise, weight loss and compression hose are recommended methods of treatment. This procedure does not treat all types of varicose veins, so some patients may require additional procedures to remove all varicose veins, or may require several sessions of treatment before they reach optimal results. Again, it is advisable that patients consult a vein specialist in their community for more information.

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