Ablación por radiofrecuencia (ARF)

At Illinois Vein Specialists, our goal is to accurately diagnose the root cause of your vein symptoms and recommend a treatment plan that is right for you.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Using venous ultrasound for guidance, a thin catheter delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to close a diseased vein. Blood is then naturally redirected through healthier veins, helping reduce the pressure and symptoms caused by venous insufficiency.

How Does RFA Work?

Before treatment, our team uses venous ultrasound to map the veins beneath your skin and identify abnormal blood flow. This allows us to determine which veins are functioning properly and which may require treatment.

During RFA, the treatment area is numbed and a thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a small access point. Using ultrasound guidance, controlled radiofrequency energy is delivered to the vein wall, causing the diseased vein to collapse and seal closed.

Once the vein is closed, blood is redirected through other healthy veins in the leg. Over time, the treated vein is naturally absorbed by the body.

Advantages of RFA

Minimally invasive, office-based treatment
Performed using ultrasound guidance
Requires only a small access point
Designed to treat the underlying diseased vein
Most patients can return to normal daily activities relatively quickly
No traditional vein stripping or ligation

What Can RFA Treat?

RFA may be recommended for patients with chronic venous insufficiency caused by malfunctioning veins in the legs. Symptoms can include varicose veins, aching or heavy legs, swelling, cramping, skin discoloration, and other signs of venous hypertension.

Because visible veins don’t always tell the full story, we use venous ultrasound to determine what is happening beneath the skin before recommending treatment.

What to Expect After RFA

Most patients are encouraged to walk after treatment and can return to many normal activities relatively quickly. Some temporary tenderness, tightness, bruising, or discomfort around the treated vein may occur as it heals.

Our medical team will provide specific instructions regarding activity, compression, and follow-up based on your individual treatment.

Is RFA Right for Me?

There is no single vein treatment that is right for every patient. Illinois Vein Specialists offers several minimally invasive options, including RFA, EVLT, VenaSeal™, Varithena®, and Sclerotherapy.

Dr. Perlmutter and the IVS medical team will review your symptoms, medical history, and venous ultrasound findings to determine which treatment is most appropriate for your specific condition.

What to Know Before Your Procedure

Before RFA, be sure to:

– Tell our medical team about any medications you are taking, particularly blood thinners.
– Let us know about previous vein procedures, medical conditions, or allergies.
– Follow any preparation instructions provided by our team.
– Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment.

Our team will review the procedure with you beforehand and answer any questions you may have.

Schedule a Vein Evaluation

If you’re experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency or varicose veins, the first step is determining their underlying cause. Our team can evaluate your circulation and determine whether RFA or another treatment option is appropriate for you.