Varicose veins? Radiofrequency eliminate them

The technique of radiofrequency is a technique that began its development in the last decade and at the present time we have a great experience in its handling, reason why it is considered like one of the best techniques for the treatment of the varices by its security, minimum aggression and without need of work, in most cases.

What is the radio frequency technique?

The treatment of varicose veins with radiofrequency is a minimally invasive technique, which is performed by a small puncture in the saphenous vein. Through it we introduce a thin catheter with a heat-emitting terminal at its tip, which seals the vein throughout its path and thus eliminates the need for vein excision as was done during traditional surgery (striping or safenectomy). In addition, it is avoided to operate at the level of the groin, since we accede to that zone by means of this device, always under ultrasonic control.

This treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, with local anesthesia, patients go to the medical center and once the treatment is done, they return home at two o'clock. In most cases with an elastic compression medium and can perform a completely normal life.

Advantages and disadvantages compared to other techniques

At present we have different techniques for the management of varicose veins. A classic surgery and its evolution with the CHIVA method, a form of less aggressive surgery; have joined the so-called thermoablative techniques such as Radiofrequency and Endolaser , as well as foam treatments thereof. In addition, new techniques are constantly flourishing in order to diminish that aggression that the surgery produced and will prove their effectiveness with the passage of time.

The main advantage that Radiofrequency presents with respect to the other techniques is the good long-term result, being one of the procedures that less index of appearance of new varices has. Especially if we compare it with techniques such as those based on foam.

To this good long-term result, minimal aggression is added, avoiding having to operate at the groin level in addition to saphenous vein excision, which minimizes the risks of hemorrhage, hematomas or infections inherent to any procedure surgical. This minimal aggression results in a period of minimal or no work.

Few disadvantages present the technique of Radiofrequency, although there are a number of patients who, because of their type of varix or the shape of their veins, do not technically allow "navigation" with the catheter inside these, having to resort in those cases to other therapeutic options. That is why it is essential to always be valued by a Vascular Surgeon who will perform, prior to treatment, Doppler ultrasound and an exhaustive study of our circulatory system with an analysis of our varices, since there can be multiple varieties between each person, and we will offer in an individualized way the best therapeutic option for our specific case.

What would you advise a patient who has varicose veins and wants to have this treatment?

The main thing when we have varicose veins, let's not forget that varicose veins are a chronic disease of our circulatory system and not just an aesthetic alteration, is to be valued by a specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery, a specialty that is responsible for the study of all diseases of our circulatory system.

This specialist will perform a Doppler ultrasound, essential test for the study of our venous system. Through this procedure and a clinical study will indicate what type of varices we have, their degree of development and where the failure occurs in our circulatory system.

We must know that varicose veins are a system of vessels that carry the blood back from our feet to the heart. For which these veins are equipped with valves. It is the failure of one of these valves that causes the blood to reverse its direction and instead of returning to the heart, returns again in a harmful way to the feet, which causes the veins to dilate giving pain, discomfort and the appearance of varicose veins

Once these varicose veins have appeared, they will progressively advance, making it practically impossible for veins to return to a healthy state if we do not act.

This overloading of the venous system will eventually generate the complications of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (technical name of varicose veins), such as leg ulcers, variceal bleeding, or thrombosis.

Therefore, the aim of the treatment is not only esthetic but to avoid that in the future the varices can generate such complications, which can become serious or very incapacitating. 

Recommendations before and after radiofrequency

Patients before being subjected to a radiofrequency procedure can develop a completely normal life.

After the hour-long procedure, an elastic compression stocking or, in certain cases, a bandage on the treated leg. After two hours of treatment, he will return to his home, being able to resume his life normally within a few hours.

The incorporation to the labor activity varies according to the age of each patient, the type of varicose vein and its volume and the type of work to be performed, although in most cases it can be done within 24-72 hours at work activity.

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