Radiofrequency Ablation in Singapore
Radiofrequency ablation is one of the latest, minimally invasive varicose veins treatments. Ablation is a procedure where the surgeon makes use of heat or laser energy to damage the tissues. This leads to the formation of scar tissues, which closes the vein. The Radiofrequency procedure differs from EVLT as it makes use of radiofrequency energy instead of laser energy to heat as well as damage the walls inside the vein. This generally helps to close off the varicose vein. In this procedure, radiofrequency energy is directed via a thin tube called catheter, which is inserted in the vein through a small incision. This ablation process can also be used on large veins in the legs and can be performed in an office setting by using a mild sedative or local anesthesia. The entire procedure takes about 45-60 minutes. However, if multiple veins are required to be treated on both the legs then the patient may have to undergo numerous treatments on different days, spanning across 4-6 weeks.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation is beneficial for varicose veins as it is a minimally invasive process. Moreover, ablation leaves very little or no scarring and involves only a small cut in the leg, which reduces any risk of infections. This is also an outpatient process and entails only local anesthetics thus, making the post- treatment recovery much easier and faster. Radiofrequency ablation is also believed to cause less discomfort, pain and bruising after the procedure. This factor makes the recovery time much more comfortable than the other treatment options. As a matter of fact, radiofrequency treatment is considered to be 95% more effective than other types of varicose veins treatments. This implies that the patient can return to their normal daily life quicker, which helps to reduce the instances of loss of earnings.
Post Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment
Following the radiofrequency ablation treatment, patients may feel a little uncomfortable and sore and can experience some swelling. They may also have bruises in the areas where they had shots. Hence, for the following 24 hours, after the treatment, they should avoid sitting or standing for a long period of time. Additionally, they should not drive in the next 24 hours. They can resume most normal activities after 24 hours but, should avoid lifting heavy objects and carry out other strenuous movements.
Patients are recommended to wear compression stockings for two weeks after and walk for 20 to 40 minutes on a daily basis. They should raise their legs as often as they can since, it can help to reduce swelling. They should also remove as well as rewrap every night but, should not remove the bandage that is wrapped next to the skin as that will be taken off by the doctor during the next Sonography vascular ultrasound session (usually three days after the treatment).
Overall, patients should follow their doctor’s advice after undergoing radiofrequency ablation treatment and take pain killers when required. And, if they experience and troubles or concerns such as, shortness of breath, swelling, redness or warmth in the leg or a fever, then they should seek medical help immediately.
Find out more about Vein Diseases and Radiofrequency Ablation options
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Why choose treatments by our doctor?
Varicose veins is sometimes a symptom to other severe medical problems such as chronic venous insufficiency or leg ulcers. You may be having more complicated issues such as deep vein thrombosis. For early detection of such life threatening diseases, it is important to have proper diagnosis and treatment by a vascular and endovascular specialist.
Being among the few vascular and endovascular trained surgeons in Singapore and with the continual upgrades in our clinic facilities, our doctor can provide a one stop comprehensive services from diagnosis to treatment for venous diseases or arterial diseases. Our doctor was also one of the first surgeons in private healthcare to use the latest Clarivein treatment to treat varicose veins in Singapore in 2012.
During the assessment of your varicose veins, our doctor will determine if you will need a Sonography (vascular ultrasound) examination to diagnose for issues in the veins hidden deeper in your legs. This can be done onsite during the same consultation as he is one of the few vascular surgeons specially trained in performing vascular ultrasound.
This allows our doctor to explain the results to you immediately and prescribe a customised treatment for you that is best suited for your body and preferences.
