Radio Frequency Ablation Closure Procedure

Industry-Leading Vein Treatment

A Solution to Diseased Veins.

 Radio Frequency Ablation Closure Procedure in New Braunfels, Texas

The Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) Closure procedure in New Braunfels, Texas is an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery. The procedure brings state-of-the-art technology to an age-old disease. The RFA Closure procedure targets damaged vein valves that prohibit proper blood flow to improve overall circulation.

About Venus Reflux Disease

Superficial Venous Reflux Treatment in New Braunfels, Texas

Veins carry blood back to the heart. Your legs contain a network of veins. Superficial veins (near the surface of the skin) connect to perforating veins. Perforator veins carry blood from the superficial veins to the deep veins of the thigh and calf. Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close to assist the return of blood back to the heart.

Venous reflux disease develops when the valves that keep blood flowing from the legs back to the heart become damaged or diseased. This can cause blood to pool in your legs, which can lead to a progression of symptoms.

What it Treats

Varicose Veins

Painful Legs

Swollen Legs

Restless Legs

Procedure Time

30 minutes

 

Recovery Time & Side Effects

Most people can drive themselves home and resume normal activity that can be done with a thigh high compression stocking in place.  A few people have a little soreness for a day or two.  Phlebitis is a potential issue that is uncomfortable.

A Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is the most important risk.  For that reason we ask our patients to return in 48 hours for a short ultrasound to check for a DVT.  In our experience, the risk is about 0.5%.  These DVTs are treated as any other DVT- with thinning the blood.

How Does the RFA Closure Procedure Work?

Since valves in veins can’t be repaired, the only alternative is to re-route blood flow through healthy veins. Traditionally, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from your leg. The RFA Closure Procedure in New Braunfels, Texas provides a less invasive alternative to vein stripping by simply closing the problem vein instead. Once the diseased vein is closed, the blood is re-routed to healthy veins.

The Closure Procedure Process

Step 1

Prep and use Ultrasound Imaging

After arrival in the procedure room, your leg will be prepped as for a surgical procedure.  Sterile drapes are used to maintain the sterility and reduce risks of infection.  Using ultrasound guidance, your physician will map the vein and  position the Closure catheter into the diseased vein through a small puncture in the skin.

Step 2

Anesthesia Required

Dilute Local Anesthesia (Tumescent) is then instilled around the vein to provide anesthesia, compress the vein around the catheter for good heat exchange and to protect surrounding structures from the heat.  As this is uncomfortable, Nitrous Oxide (Pronox®) can be used to reduce anxiety and augment the Tumescent Anesthesia.

Step 3

Heat the Vein

The slender catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the catheter, which heats the vein to 250°F in 5 seconds.  We heat the segment for 15 seconds.  Sometimes we apply a second treatment to the same segment.

Step 4

Shrink and Close the Vein

As the vein is heated and the catheter withdrawn, the collagen in the wall of the vein shrinks and the vein closes.

Step 5

Blood Flow is Re-Routed

Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins. Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site, and compression stockings must be worn for one week to complete the closure process.

Results

We expect good cosmetic outcome with minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling. Patients who undergo the RFA Closure Procedure in New Braunfels, Texas typically resume normal activities within a day. The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Ninety-eight percent of patients who have undergone the Closure procedure are willing to recommend it to a friend or family member with similar leg vein problems!

Request a consultation

If you’re suffering from a vein condition, or just achy, painful legs, request a consultation with our professional team at Hill Country Med Spa.

 

Schedule

Happy Clients

“This has changed my life. I can sleep all night and my legs don’t hurt!”

-Cynthia

“Thank you, Dr. Kneuper, for what you do… My legs are completely better!

– Suzanne