Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure in Silicon Valley & Monterey County
Find Relief for Your Varicose Veins at Our Vascular Centers
Varicose veins affect millions of people throughout the United States. If left untreated, it can lead to discomfort in the area. It can also be a sign of a more significant vascular issue. California Vein & Vascular Centers perform radiofrequency ablation procedures at our offices in Salinas, Los Altos, Los Gatos, and Morgan Hill, CA to reduce the appearance of unsightly varicose veins. Our vascular specialist, led by our founder, Dr. Hardeep S. Ahluwalia, has successfully completed the treatment on numerous patients. We utilize the latest equipment and technology to give you the best results. Our continued commitment to our patients is why we currently enjoy a procedure success rate of 99.9%, which is nearly 5% higher than the industry standard. Contact our team today for a medical consultation.
How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Treat Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and bulging veins that typically appear in the legs. They are caused when damage to the blood valve prevents it from pushing blood towards the heart. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for treating varicose veins. Our team uses radiofrequency energy to heat and close the vein walls, preventing blood from entering the damaged area. Once the vein has been destroyed, the tissue is absorbed into the body, and blood is rerouted to nearby healthy veins.
How Is RFA for Varicose Veins Performed?
At California Vein & Vascular Centers, our skilled, trained, and experienced medical team can recommend a treatment plan to help soften or even eliminate the appearance of varicose veins.
Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. The treatment is typically completed within an hour. However, patients should expect to be at our office for at least two hours for pre-procedure check-in and post-treatment recovery. Learn more about the steps in the RFA procedure:
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- The doctors will make a small incision in the skin near the varicose vein.
- A thin catheter is inserted into the vein under ultrasound guidance.
- Once the catheter reaches the affected vein, it’s heated using radiofrequency energy.
- The radiofrequency energy damages the wall of the vein and closes it off.
- The catheter is removed, and a bandage is applied to the incision site.
What Are the Benefits of RFA Treatment for Varicose Veins?
Radiofrequency ablation is a popular procedure for treating varicose veins. It can enhance the cosmetic appearance of the leg and boost the patients’ confidence. When you meet with our team for your consultation, we’ll take the time to help you understand all the benefits of this treatment option to determine if it’s right for you. Some of the most notable reasons why RFA is the best choice for our patients include the following:
- Minimally Invasive – RFA is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it only requires a small incision and does not involve major surgery. This reduces the risk of complications and allows for faster recovery.
- High Success Rate – RFA has been proven to be highly effective in treating varicose veins, with success rates as high as 98%. It also has a lower recurrence rate compared to other treatment options.
- Quick Recovery – Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure, reducing disruption to their daily lives.
- Less Painful – Compared to traditional vein stripping surgery, RFA causes less discomfort during and after the procedure. Patients may experience some mild soreness or bruising.
Are There Any Risks Associated With RFA Treatment?
While radiofrequency ablation is generally considered a safe procedure, as with any medical intervention, it has some risks. At California Vein & Vascular Centers, we want our patients to have all the information they need to make the right decisions for their health. We’ll take the time to address any concerns and answer any questions you may have before your procedure. Learn more about some of the common risks of RFA:
- Skin Burns – As RFA uses heat to treat the damaged veins, there is a slight risk of skin burns around the area of treatment. However, this is a rare occurrence, and proper procedure technique minimizes this risk.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – DVT is a potentially serious condition where a clot forms in a deeper vein. It’s a rare complication of RFA, but it can be severe if it occurs.
- Nerve Damage – There’s a small risk of nerve damage during the procedure. However, this tends to be temporary and resolves on its own over time.
- Infection – There’s a minor risk of infection with any procedure involving an incision. However, infections are very rare in RFA and are usually easily treated.
What Is the Recovery Process for an RFA Procedure?
Immediately following your radiofrequency ablation treatment, it’s typical for patients to feel some tenderness, bruising, or pain in the incision or treatment area, which should subside within a couple of days. Typically, patients can return to light physical activities. Your doctor will provide an exact timeline for your recovery. To reduce the risk of post-procedure complications, we advise our patients to do the following:
- Stay Active Throughout the Day
- Avoid Hot Baths
- Avoid Strenuous Activities
- Take the Prescribed Medications
- Care for the Incision Site
- Keep Your Legs Raised as Needed
Serving in the following Locations
- Los Gatos: San Jose, Campbell, Saratoga, Santa Clara Valley, Silicon Valley, the South Bay, the Bay Area, and Santa Clara County.
- Los Altos: Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Silicon Valley, the Peninsula, and the Bay Area.
- Morgan Hill: Gilroy, South San Jose, Silicon Valley, Watsonville, Santa Clara County.
- Salinas: Monterey County, Hollister, Prunedale, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Watsonville, Seaside, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Carmel
Innovative Varicose Vein Treatment in Salinas, CA
Varicose veins can prevent you from being the most confident version of yourself. At California Vein & Vascular Centers, our vascular specialist provides radiofrequency ablation treatment to safely eliminate varicose veins at our offices in Salinas, Los Altos, Los Gatos, and Morgan Hill, CA. Our patients have been stunned by the results of this safe and effective treatment option. You no longer have to live with unsightly varicose veins. Instead, speak with one of our team members to schedule your medical consultation. We’ll determine if radiofrequency ablation treatment is right for you.