TREATMENT

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

VEIN TREATMENT & THERMAL ABLATION

Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive vein treatment that uses controlled heat to close a diseased superficial vein from the inside. For selected patients with venous reflux or varicose veins, RFA may help reduce symptoms and redirect blood through healthier veins.
  • Closes refluxing veins
  • Uses radiofrequency heat
  • Treats venous reflux
  • Minimally invasive option
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Evaluation & Next Steps

  • Clear severity assessment and next steps
  • Supportive care and recovery guidance
  • Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
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Quick Summary

Key takeaway: Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat inside a diseased vein to seal it closed and reduce venous reflux.

RFA may be considered for selected patients with varicose veins, leg heaviness, aching, swelling, or skin changes linked to refluxing superficial veins. Treatment planning depends on ultrasound findings, vein anatomy, symptoms, and overall health.

WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION?

Radiofrequency ablation is an image-guided vein treatment used to close a diseased superficial vein. A thin catheter is placed inside the target vein through a small access point.

Radiofrequency energy heats the vein wall in a controlled way, causing the treated vein to seal closed. Blood then reroutes through nearby healthy veins, which can reduce pressure in varicose veins and improve symptoms caused by venous reflux.

RFA is not appropriate for every vein problem. The decision depends on ultrasound mapping, vein size, vein path, symptoms, clot history, skin changes, and whether another treatment may be better suited.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • Venous reflux on ultrasound
  • Symptomatic varicose veins
  • Leg aching or heaviness
  • Swelling or skin changes
  • Suitable vein anatomy
A full evaluation helps determine whether RFA is appropriate based on ultrasound findings, symptoms, vein anatomy, clot history, and overall health.

Conditions Treated

Radiofrequency ablation may be considered for selected venous conditions where closing a refluxing superficial vein may reduce pressure and improve symptoms.

Venous Insufficiency

Faulty vein valves can allow blood to pool and raise pressure in the legs.

Varicose Veins

Bulging surface veins may develop when underlying reflux increases venous pressure.

Leg Swelling and Heaviness

Venous reflux can contribute to aching, heaviness, swelling, and fatigue in the legs.

Venous Skin Changes

Long-term venous pressure may contribute to discoloration, irritation, or ulcer risk.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Closes refluxing veins
  • May reduce symptoms
  • Avoids vein stripping
  • Uses ultrasound guidance
  • Outpatient treatment
Benefits depend on ultrasound findings, vein anatomy, symptom cause, compression use, and follow-up care.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

RFA is performed with ultrasound guidance. A radiofrequency catheter is placed inside the target vein, numbing medicine is used around the vein, and controlled heat seals the diseased vein.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Vein ultrasound is reviewed
  • Symptoms are discussed
  • Medications are reviewed

During the Procedure

  • Vein access is made
  • RFA catheter is positioned
  • Vein is sealed

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Walking is encouraged
  • Compression may be used
  • Follow-up ultrasound may occur

Risks / Considerations

  • Bruising can occur
  • Tightness may occur
  • Clot risk is rare

Related Treatments / Alternatives

Depending on vein anatomy and symptoms, RFA may be considered alongside other vein treatments for varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

Endovenous Laser Treatment

A laser-based treatment used to close refluxing superficial veins.

Varicose Vein Treatment

A broader treatment approach for symptomatic bulging veins and underlying venous reflux.

Frequently Asked Questions

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive vein treatment that uses controlled heat to close a diseased superficial vein.
RFA may treat selected refluxing superficial veins that contribute to varicose veins, aching, heaviness, swelling, or venous skin changes.
Both are thermal ablation treatments. RFA uses radiofrequency heat, while EVLT uses laser energy to close diseased veins.
Local numbing medicine is used around the vein. Some soreness, bruising, tightness, or pulling sensations can occur during recovery.
A treated vein usually stays closed, but new refluxing veins or varicose veins can develop over time. Follow-up helps monitor results.
The best option depends on ultrasound mapping, vein size, vein path, symptoms, prior treatment, clot history, and overall health.

Locations

LVVIS offers vein evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.

LVVIS West Side Consultation Office

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Consultations and vascular evaluations

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LV2 Limb & Vascular Division

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care

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LVVIS East Procedure Office

2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care

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LVVIS West Side Surgical Center

6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Advanced vascular and interventional procedures

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