Endovenous Thermal Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation for Varicose Veins

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Westlake, OH

Endovenous Ablation

Endovenous RF ablation therapy (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure to reduce the appearance of unsightly varicose veins. The procedure employs catheters, RF generators, and ultrasound to treat bulging varicose veins non-surgically. So, you can enjoy shorts and skirts free of embarrassment and without the complications of an extended recovery time.   

Premier Vein Clinic is the Cleveland area’s principal purveyor of vascular treatments. We treat both aesthetic and health issues associated with severe varicose veins so that you no longer have to suffer in vain. Our blog is a bullion of valuable vascular information. And it’s updated regularly, so you can be sure you’re looking at the latest. 

Before and After Photos

About RF Vein Treatment

Endovenous RF ablation therapy is a high-tech alternative to more invasive surgeries like vein stripping. Vein stripping requires the patient to go under general anesthesia and may even include an overnight hospital stay. RFA simplifies varicose vein reduction because it is highly effective but minimally invasive.   

Dr. Naar employs ultrasound guidance during Thermal RF vein treatment, so he’s never flying blind. Sonic frequencies glide past the venous inner wall but never harm your skin. After a slender catheter is inserted into the problem vein, a fine fiber optic cable is threaded into the bulbous blood vessel. The optic cable channels precise RF waves through the vein, heating it and collapsing it.[1] Endovenous RadioFrequency ablation is a safe and easy procedure that takes under an hour. 

What Types of Vein Conditions Does RFA Treat?

Endovenous RF ablation is highly effective at treating the two most common types of venous conditions: spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins creep closer to the skin’s surface. They are red and threadlike. Varicose veins probe deeper into the flesh. They are larger than spider veins and they are often described as “rope-like” in appearance. Varicose veins tend to take on a deep purple hue. Many millions of Americans are afflicted with one or both of these issues, so know that you’re not alone. 

Dr. David Naar is the founder of Premier Vein Clinic. He is among the best doctors in Ohio at safely removing damaged and unhealthy veins for maximum aesthetic effect. We are conveniently located in Westlake to best serve the greater Cleveland area. Contact us to learn more about RFA or  any of our other amazing vein treatments. You can call (440) 641-0433 to speak with one of our helpful representatives.  

Benefits 

  • Rapid results you can rely upon 
  • No incisions mean no obtrusive scars
  • Minimally invasive with just a local anesthetic 
  • Outpatient procedure
  • Brief and easy treatment 
  • Patients walk right out of the treatment under their own power

Ideal Candidates

What is Endovenous Ablation?

Ideal candidates for endovenous RF ablation therapy suffer the stigma of an unattractive venous condition. They are seeking relief from their swollen, unsightly veins. Patients may also be motivated by health concerns. Some veins can lead to discomfort and even cramps, hyperpigmentation, eczema and ulceration. If you have saphenous vein insufficiency, you are a good candidate for RFA.[2] 

Dr. Naar may delay or negate endovenous radiofrequency treatment if the patient has been recently pregnant, or if they are still recovering from some other surgery. If the patient presents other vascular issues, such as severe deep vein thrombosis, Dr. Naar may advise the patient to pursue another treatment option 

Your Private Consultation at Premier Vein Clinic

Dr. David Naar is a leader in the field of vascular surgery. His refined skills and depth of knowledge distinguish him from his colleagues in Cleveland. He completed his surgical training at the prestigious Tufts University School of Medicine and Medical Center in Boston. And then, in New York, he earned a Vascular Surgery Specialty Fellowship at SUNY. He is a thought leader in the venous space. Dr. Naar has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in well-renowned surgical journals. 

At your private consultation, Dr. Naar will assess the severity of your vascular condition. After he’s become acquainted with your health history Dr. Naar will plot a course of treatment that is tailored to your unique needs. Your treatment may include endovenous laser ablation therapy. If so, Dr. Naar or one of his medical professionals on staff will inform you on how to properly prepare for your procedure. 

Unappealing varicose and spider veins will not resolve on their own. In fact, they might only get worse. So don’t wait! Contact us to schedule your private consultation with one of the best vein men in Cleveland. Call (440) 641-0433 to reach our office directly. Premier Vein Clinic is conveniently located in Westlake, Ohio. 

Preparation and Procedure

Even though RFA is minimally invasive, there are some basic guidelines that you are strongly advised to abide by to ensure a healthy recovery and optimal results. You should quit or abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol in the month leading up to your procedure. We also stress that you cease taking supplements or medications that are known to thin the blood. As one might imagine, blood circulation and proper clotting are especially important in any operation involving the veins. 

vein treatment cleveland

RadioFrequency ablation (RFA) only requires a local anesthetic, so you will be awake and alert when the procedure begins. Dr. Naar’s steady, surgical hand is guided by ultrasound, allowing him to “see” the twisted topography of varicose veins under the skin without having to make an exploratory incision. He will then insert a guidewire into the problem blood vessel. The guidewire will direct an ultrathin sheath on a meandering path through the vein itself. 

The sheath is intended to hold a fine fiber  in place so that it can bathe the vein’s interior with thermal radiofrequency energy .[3] The RFv wave will heat the offending vein until it collapses in on itself, thus eliminating it. 

What Happens to Blood Flow After the Vein Is Closed?

The human circulatory system is both resilient and remarkable. Your body will instantly reroute blood flow after the vein’s collapse.[4] As unappealing as they are, varicose and spider veins are only superficial veins close to the surface of the skin. However, 95% of your blood is carried by your deep system, and so RFA’s effect on your overall blood flow will be minimal.    

Recovery

There may be some small discomfort immediately after your procedure, but it will soon fade. Endovenous RF ablation therapy has a high success rate—about 98%—and there are few complications.[5] Patients will be prepped to expect some mild bruising in the treatment area, accompanied by some possible itching, numbness, tingling and tenderness. All of these symptoms should steadily subside over the next two to three weeks.   

Results

Our positive patient reviews speak volumes about the likely extent of your future satisfaction. Until now, patients had to weigh the risks of invasive strip surgery against the desire to see their varicose veins vanish. Endovenous RF ablation offers a minimally invasive option, thereby allowing more people to partake in this transformative procedure. 

No longer will you dread the summertime. After your RFA treatment, you can go on a shopping spree for shorts! RF ablation therapy allows our patients to confidently bare their legs at the beach once more

FAQ

How much does RFA cost?

The total cost of your treatment will depend on the extent of your procedure. Patients with more severe cases of varicose veins are likely to require more intensive treatment in order to achieve the results they seek. At your personal consultation, your attending medical professional should provide a comprehensive overview of your treatment options and quote you an accurate cost.

Can extracted veins be used for open-heart surgery? 

Varicose veins are caused by damage to the vascular valves. Therefore, they are not the ideal donor tissue for bypass surgery. 

What happens if varicose veins go untreated?

Varicose veins will not get better over time. In fact, they will only worsen. People with severe varicose veins are at a higher risk for developing certain sores and ulcers along the legs. 

References

  1. Timperman, P. E., Sichlau, M., & Ryu, R. K. (2004). Greater energy delivery improves treatment success of RFAS of incompetent saphenous veins. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 15 (10) 1061-1063. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.RVI.0000130382.62141.AE
  2. Chen, S. S. H., & Prasad, S. K. (2009). Long saphenous vein and its anatomical variations. Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. 12 (1) 28-31. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2205-0140.2009.tb00004.x
  3. Wallace, T., Leung, C., Nandhra, S., Samuel, N., Carradice, D., & Chetter, I. (2017). Defining the optimum tumescent anaesthesia solution in endovenous laser ablation. Phlebology, 32(5), 322-333. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268355516653905 
  4. Nicholls S. C. (2005). Sequelae of untreated venous insufficiency. Seminars in Interventional Radiology. 22 (3) 162–168. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-921960 
  5. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Varicose veins: Overview. 2008 Feb 20 [Updated 2019 Sep 25]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279247/