Almost one in ten men and three out of ten women suffer from varicose veins. The vessels swell with blood that accumulates inside. The cause of high blood pressure who remain, or if you are sitting for long periods of time can. This pressure eventually leads to weakening of the valves, allowing blood to pool in the veins. The moment you begin to turn and bend, and hear from the skin surface.
There are various forms oftreatment that can be applied to resolve varicose veins. These include venous stripping, sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), and compression stockings. Another approach is called radio frequency occlusion (RO), or ablation. Below, we'll explain how it is performed, and describe the advantages it offers over other treatment options. You'll also learn about the possible side effects that can surface following the procedure.
Spider Vein Treatment
How Radio frequency Occlusion Is Applied To Diseased Vessels
Radio frequency ablation is similar to EVLT. The latter method uses a laser fiber to heat the inside of the diseased vessel with the goal of sealing it. This prevents blood from flowing through the vein, which eventually collapses, and is absorbed into the body. With RO, the vessel is likewise heated, but with sound waves. The heat damages the vein and creates scar tissue. The scarred vessel collapses into the body, and disappears.
Radio frequency occlusion is a minimally invasive procedure. An entry point is chosen near the end of the diseased vein, and a local anesthetic is applied. Then, a small hole is made, and a catheter is inserted through it. The catheter is guided with the help of ultrasound imaging. Once it has traveled the length of the vessel, sound waves are used to damage the inner wall.
Advantages Over Conventional Forms Of Treatment
Years ago, the conventional method for addressing varicose veins was to remove them with a procedure known as venous stripping. During this operation, the saphenous vein was tied off and "stripped" from the leg. Common side effects included bleeding, bruising, and scarring. Up to ten days were needed before the patient could resume her normal daily routine. Because radio frequency occlusion is a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery period is much shorter than that of venous stripping. Most patients are able to resume their daily activities within a few days.
Another advantage is that there is a lower likelihood of blood clots (though there is a small degree of risk). This is due to the patient being able to move around sooner.
Possible Side Effects From The Procedure
Even though radio frequency ablation is less invasive than venous stripping, it poses many of the same risks. As with any type of operation, bleeding and infection can occur. The risk of both circumstances is lower that it is with stripping, but still worth mentioning.
Another potential complication is skin burns. These stem from the heat generated by the sound waves used to damage the inner walls of the vessels. If the surgeon is skilled, the risk of skin burns is minimal.
What To Expect After Receiving Treatment
Immediately following treatment, the leg is wrapped in a special bandage. This is typically worn for a few days before it is removed. The doctor may take the opportunity to examine the patient's leg for signs of problems. If the leg appears in good condition, the bandage is replaced with a compression stocking.
The stocking is left in place for a few weeks. It applies constant pressure against the leg's veins, helping to push blood toward the heart. When the patient has fully healed, the compression stocking is removed. As noted, patients can usually resume their normal activities within days of receiving treatment.
While there are several effective methods for addressing varicose veins, some are less invasive than others. Because treatment is based on individual needs and circumstances, consult your doctor regarding whether radio frequency occlusion is a viable option.
How Radio Frequency Occlusion Is Used To Treat Varicose Veins
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