Radiofrequency Occlusion, Sound Waves and Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are troubling for many patients in Alexandria, Virginia and in other parts of the country. Many who suffer from this condition seek treatment to help them overcome the unsightly appearance of the veins, as well as the pain and heaviness that often accompanies this condition. Radiofrequency occlusion is a procedure that has helped many patients overcome this venous condition through the use of sound waves that destroy the problem vein. Those who are interested in radiofrequency occlusion or who are looking for treatment of varicose veins should speak with a vein specialist in their area to discuss the treatment.

Radiofrequency occlusion may be performed in a physician's office or in an ambulatory surgery setting. Local anesthesia and some intravenous sedation is used to help ensure patient comfort throughout the treatment process. The area is cleaned and the anesthetic is injected into the distal area of the vein. Next, a small tube or catheter is used and threaded along the vein using ultrasound guidance. Local anesthetic is injected along the way to help ensure the patient's comfort throughout the procedure. Once the vein is canalized, sound waves are applied to heat and collapse the vein from the top, down. The vein will eventually result in a thin scar tissue and is absorbed by the body's natural processes.

Following treatment with radiofrequency occlusion, a compression bandage is applied to the leg to aid in the healing process. This should be kept in place for a couple of days and then compression stockings are worn for another two to three weeks to continue to aid the healing process. Patients may walk shortly after treatment and most are able to resume normal activities or return to work after a few days provided they avoid heavy lifting and wear their compression stockings. Patients should follow any recovery instructions given to them by the Alexandria vein specialist who performed the procedure.

Side effects and complications may occur with any procedure and discussing them with a vein specialist is encouraged before undergoing treatment. There may be a chance of bleeding, infection or blood clots with radiofrequency occlusion as with many other procedures, although immediate and long-term results may be improved due to a lack of incisions and trauma from the procedure. A unique complication that is associated with radiofrequency occlusion, however, is skin burn due to the method of occlusion used during treatment. For more about radiofrequency occlusion and possible side effects, an Alexandria vein specialist should be consulted.

Insurance companies may cover the cost of radiofrequency occlusion as long as patients first try more conservative means of treatment such as wearing compression stockings, weight loss and exercise. Note that the only way to get rid of varicose veins is by destroying them or removing them, so these conservative methods are not a permanent fix to varicose veins, but rather treat the symptoms of the condition. Patients should discuss this with a vein specialist and their insurance company.

Learn more about radiofrequency occlusion in Alexandria, Virginia.