What is Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure usually used for varicose veins. The scar tissue produced when a doctor uses heat to damage the tissue is termed ablation.

When a physician uses heat to injure the tissue, scarring occurs. This is referred to as ablation. The scar tissue closes the vein. In this method, radiofrequency radiation is used instead of laser energy to generate heat and damage the inside wall of the vein. This often closes off the varicose vein in the leg.

The treatment involves the insertion of a catheter into a venous incision, delivering radiofrequency energy to the varicose vein, and the heat produced by the catheter causes the vein to collapse. This process requires direct contact with the wall of the vein; compression is thus carried out using tumescent anesthesia coupled with external compression, whereas the vein would collapse through an electrical feedback mechanism. Compression stockings are worn for a week or more, with duplex ultrasound employed to confirm the closure of the vein.

Who is a candidate for radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?

You can have radiofrequency ablation (RFA) if you have:

• Pain relief after a nerve block injection. That is, the targeted nerve at the back of your pain is an appropriate candidate for the RFA.
• Failures of two chronic pain treatments: pain medication and/or physical therapy.
• Radiofrequency ablation may not be appropriate for you if you are:
• Have an infection.
• They suffer from a condition called bleeding.

How should I prepare for this procedure?

You will receive special preparation instructions along with your revised prescription order if anything needs to be changed.

You may wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for your test. You will be provided with a gown for your procedure.

How well does this procedure work?

A physician with extensive radiofrequency experience is highly successful in performing treatment. Of those who have it, radiofrequency closure is effective in roughly 97 out of 100 cases. It is, therefore, ineffective in three out of every hundred cases.

• Ablation tends to cause less pain after surgery as compared to vein surgery.
• The outcomes from ablation are generally as effective as those from vein surgery, typically two years or more after the surgery.
• If the veins do not close, they are retreated. Procedures include another ablation or another type of treatment.

How is the Radiofrequency ablation performed?

This treatment is often completed on an outpatient basis. However, sometimes, people may have to stay overnight in a hospital after the procedure. Talk with your physician about whether you will need to be admitted.

Local anesthetic is given by your doctor to numb the area. At the site, a tiny skin incision is made.

After the skin is cleaned and numbed, a line of incisions, not larger than a pencil eraser, is made in the skin next to the swollen vein. Under the surface of the skin, the phlebectomy hook will be inserted to remove the varicose vein through the tiny hole from the minuscule incision. This usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour.

What will I expect during and after the procedure?

Due to the local anesthesia used on the localized area, you will not feel any pain during the procedure.

The wound incisions that are made in the process do not have to be stitched since they are so tiny. Your leg will be dressed with a snug compression wrap after the treatment.

After surgery, you must wear graduated compression stockings for two to three weeks. As long as stockings are used, nearly all activities are possible from the day after the surgery.

The day after, you can go about your daily activities. There will be no intense activities for the next two weeks.

What are the benefits and risks associated with the procedure?

Benefits

There is only a small scratch on the skin, and it does not have to be stitched up; there is no requirement for a surgical incision.

Risks

There is a risk of infection with any operation that involves incision of the skin. The risk of an infection requiring antibiotic treatment is less than 1 in 1,000.

Pigmentation of the skin at the site of the treated varicose vein can occur, and this is usually temporary.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your doctor at once if you:

• Have severe pain, redness, or swelling at the site where the needle was inserted.
• Have a worsening of numbness or weakness in an arm or leg.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Radiofrequency ablation in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Radiofrequency ablation in Lucknow, India. We have a highly experienced team of vascular surgeons who use advanced tools and follow international standard infection control measures. Our hospital ensures safer procedures, quicker recovery, and improved long-term outcomes.

To seek an expert consultation for Radiofrequency ablation in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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