Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive technique for treating venous disease. We use a device called the ClosureFast from Medtronic. It is a safe in simple outpatient treatment for varicose veins and venous insufficiency. This treatment uses a laser to ablate (or close) disease and damaged veins. This allows blood to flow to healthy veins so the body’s circulation is improved. These treatments are highly effective at reducing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or cramping in the legs.
The terms endovenous or minimally invasive means that it is a primarily non-scarring procedure. A very small incision is made to insert a catheter into the vein, avoiding the large scarring procedures of the past such as vein stripping. No stitches or large incisions are necessary. The laser works underneath the skin thus treating only the targeted vein causing the underlying circulation problem.
Advantages
Advantages of endovenous radiofrequency ablation:
Procedure takes just 1 hour appointment
No hospitalization, no general anesthesia
No stitches or large incisions
Can resume normal activities immediately
Treatment Day
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is performed as an approximately one hour appointment in an outpatient medical office. Local anesthesia is all that is usually necessary, but we do have mild oral sedation for those who requested. After dressing into a gown and shorts, the patient is brought into a specialized vein treatment room. The leg and surroundings are sterilized to prepare for the procedure. After numbing the area, a small laser catheter is inserted into the damage vein. The entire diseased vein is then identified under ultrasound guidance. Additional anesthesia is applied to ensure the entire area to be treated is comfortable and numb. The device is then activated in slowly pulled back to the vein. Energy from the catheter causes the vein to close upon itself. This permanent closure by the device is called ablation. Blood is then directed into healthier veins often deeper in the legs. The catheter is removed in a small bandage applied. A compression sock is worn and the patient immediately is able to resume normal activities. We ask patients to walk for approximately one hour after the procedure as this helps blood flow to be appropriately directed.
Varicose Veins
How is Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation performed?
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is performed as an approximately one hour appointment in an outpatient medical office. Local anesthesia is all that is usually necessary, but we do have mild oral sedation for those who requested. After dressing into a gown and shorts, the patient is brought into a specialized vein treatment room. The leg and surroundings are sterilized to prepare for the procedure. After numbing the area, a small laser catheter is inserted into the damage vein. The entire diseased vein is then identified under ultrasound guidance. Additional anesthesia is applied to ensure the entire area to be treated is comfortable and numb. The device is then activated in slowly pulled back to the vein. Energy from the catheter causes the vein to close upon itself. This permanent closure by the device is called ablation. Blood is then directed into healthier veins often deeper in the legs. The catheter is removed in a small bandage applied. A compression sock is worn and the patient immediately is able to resume normal activities. We ask patients to walk for approximately one hour after the procedure as this helps blood flow to be appropriately directed.
Is Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation covered by insurance?
Yes. We accept most insurance plans and they cover procedures as long as deemed medically necessary. Medically necessary treatments include those who are suffering from:
Swollen legs
Painful legs
Cramping
Restless leg syndrome
Ulceration on the legs
Stasis dermatitis
Itchy legs
Some issues leg vein issues without symptoms are considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance plans. However, often cosmetic vein issues are a sign that deeper and more serious medical issues such as venous insufficiency are present.
Our in office insurance and pre authorization specialist can help work with you and your insurance plans to make the treatment of venous disease simplistic.
Why should I have my veins treated at Golden Coast Dermatology, Skin Cancer, and Vein Center?
If you are suffering from venous disease, we can help you today. We are experts at providing care for both medical and cosmetic venous conditions. Our surgeon, Dr. James Tidwell, was fellowship trained and is board certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.
We can also work with your insurance plans to help you obtain coverage for appropriate medical issues. Call us today or make an appointment online.