Vasacare Vascular Clinic

Specialising in treatment for varicose veins

Radiofrequency ablation - RFA

Also known as VNUS ClosureFast, or Celon this treatment is a minmally invasive way to treat your varicose veins.

How is it done?
This is normally performed under local anaesthetic although in some cases it may be preferable to do it under general anaesthesia if there extensive varicose veins, which require removal at the same time.

How does it work?
Direct heating of the inside of the vein causes damage to the vein wall, which collapses and seals up.

Is it painful?
Local anaesthetic injections along the length of the vein to be treated can be uncomfortable, but the laser treatment itself is normally painless.

How long does it take?
the procedure normally takes 30-40 minutes. It is a walk-in, walk-out treatment. You would normally be ready to leave after a couple of hours.

What is the recovery time?
Normal day-to-day activity can be resumed the following day. Vigorous exercise, should as gym workouts, riding or cycling should be avoided for the first week.

Will I need further treatment?
The radiofrequency (RFA) treatment does not normally need to be repeated. In many patients no further treatment is required. When the veins are extensive these can often be treated by removing them at the same time, or treated in the clinic later with injection sclerotherapy.

Will my veins come back?
The veins treated will not normally come back. New varicose veins can develop over time. This is quite variable and may affect some people more than others.

What are the risks?
RFA is safe and simple to perform. The vein being treated is seen with ultrasound. There is a slight chance of bruising and discomfort after the treatment. Serious risks, such as deep vein thrombosis - DVT, are very rare. Before any treatment a full discussion of the possible risks and side-effects of any treatment is a routine part of your care.
© 2011 Dominic Dodd Contact