Source: coastalvascular.net

Chronic venous diseases are common amongst Singaporeans. According to statistics, up to 80% of our population, especially the older generation, are prone to developing issues such as spider and varicose veins. Spider veins are thin, red and blue weblike blood vessel networks that appear on the skin surface while varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins that can cause pain and discomfort. 

Learn More: Understanding the Different Types of Varicose Veins

Patients may seek treatment due to cosmetic reasons or to eliminate the symptoms experienced. One option that patients can consider is radiofrequency ablation. 

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat up the inside of a diseased vein. The heat contracts the collagen inside the vein and damages the vein wall, making it collapse and close. 

This procedure is used for varicose vein treatment, but can also be administered to treat nervous conditions such as facial pain, peripheral nerve pain and joint pain, and other issues such as heart rhythm problems and tumours. It aims to stop or reduce pain, improve function, reduce reliance on pain medications, and avoid or delay surgery. 

Although radiofrequency ablation is a viable solution for many suffering from spider and/or varicose veins, it is not for everyone. Your vascular surgeon may recommend other forms of treatment if you are pregnant, suffering from an infection, or have bleeding issues. 

What Happens During Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Local anaesthesia will be injected around the affected area and patients will be kept awake during the procedure. No pain will be felt. 

Using an ultrasound to visualise the vein, the vascular surgeon will make a tiny incision in your skin and insert a thin, flexible catheter into the vein. Once the catheter is positioned within the vein correctly, a radiofrequency electrode will be passed through it. Radiofrequency energy will then be applied to heat up the diseased vein and collapse the vein wall as the catheter is slowly withdrawn. The vein will close and seal while blood flow reroutes itself through the surrounding healthy veins. The incision will be closed and bandaged. 

Outcome and Recovery 

Following the procedure, patients will be required to wear compression stockings to reduce bruising, prevent blood clots and promote recovery. You may experience improvements within a week. Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for seven days but normal activities may resume. Your vascular surgeon may encourage you to remain active. 

According to reports, the success rate of radiofrequency ablation treatment is between 95% and 98%, with far fewer complications than vein stripping and much less discomfort than endovenous laser ablation. 

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

• Fast and Safe

Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure that can be completed between 30 and 60 minutes. Its non-surgical nature eliminates the risks associated with surgery.

• Little to No Pain

Radiofrequency ablation does not require deep or large incisions, it will also be performed with local anaesthesia. Hence, there will be no pain or discomfort felt during or after the procedure.

• Very Little Downtime

Radiofrequency ablation does not require you to limit your movements after the procedure. Normal activities may resume immediately, but strenuous activity should be avoided. 

• Minimal Bruising

As compared to other varicose vein and spider vein treatment methods, radiofrequency ablation does not cause serious bruising or swelling. Any of these conditions will only last for one or two weeks. 

If you’re suffering from spider veins or varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation is a potential treatment option you can explore. Speak to your vascular doctor to find out if this procedure is suitable for you. 

Cheng SC Veins and Endovascular Clinic offers a variety of varicose vein and spider vein treatments to provide patients a better quality of life. Schedule your consultation with us today.