Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is practiced in a sterile operating theater environment of an outpatient facility.

 

The procedure

RFA is a thermal endovenous technique consisting of burning the vein from the inside. The vein is occluded by heating the vascular wall, causing its inflammation. It is thus unnecessary to mechanically remove the vein since, over time, the vein disappears by natural atrophy.

The intervention is done by puncturing the vein to introduce a probe that guides a thin catheter. In this way, the phlebologist aims to locally generate a target temperature of 110 to 120 degrees for 20 sec every 7 cm. Anesthesia is local-regional to ensure patient comfort.
 

The advantages

- almost immediate recovery of activity; two days off are however a minimum.

- rapid resolution of symptoms, usually within 2 weeks.

- a quick check of the venous occlusion within 24 to 48 hours via ultrasound.

- a better cosmetic result: absence of scars since there is no incision.
 

​The disadvantages

- skin burns, hematomas, vascular perforations, nerve damage,

- deep phlebitis, even pulmonary embolism (which remains rare).