Minimally RF Ablation Procedure is performed by a specially trained interventional radiologist. This Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure is often done in outpatients. However, some patients may need hospitalization after the procedure.

• The doctor may use a topical anesthetic cream over the area of the abnormal vein before the procedure to reduce discomfort.
   
• The leg to be treated is cleaned, sterilized and covered with a surgical drape.
   
• The doctor will numb with a local anesthetic the area where the catheter has to enter the abnormal vein and will use the transducer or ultrasound wand to study the vein and trace its path.
   
• A small incision is made in the skin on the site.
   
• With the use of ultrasound guidance, a catheter or vascular access sheath is inserted through the skin and positioned within the abnormal vein. The laser fibber or radiofrequency electrode is inserted through the catheter and the tip of the fibber or electrode is exposed by barely pushing back the catheter.
   
• Laser or radiofrequency energy is applied as the catheter is slowly removed.

This RF Ablation Treatment is usually completed within one hour.

Experience during treatment?

• You will be asked to wear protective glasses if lasers are used and when they are in use.
   
• An area of the leg is cleaned and numbed.
   
• A small puncture will be felt when the local anesthetic is injected into the site of access to the vein and during injection of the local anesthetic into the length of the vein.
   
• This area is numbed in a short time.
   
• You may feel slight pressure when the catheter is inserted, but it will not be a very big discomfort.
   
• Injecting the local anesthetic around the abnormal vein is the most annoying part of the procedure because it usually requires multiple injections along the vein. The closure of the vein with laser or radiofrequency is usually not painful. Occasionally, some people perceive an odour or taste as something that is burning during the closing of the vein.
   
• You will have to use a gradient compression media after the procedure to help reduce bruising, sensitivity and minimize the small chance of blood clots.

You can restart normal activity immediately, with the exception of travelling by plane or sitting for a long time (for example, a long car trip). You must remain active and not spend too much time in bed during the recovery period as this increases the possibility of complications of coagulation. However, arduous physical activities should be avoided for some time after the procedure.

How Much Is RF Ablation

It is very common question that How Much Is RF Ablation and Is Radiofrequency Ablation Painful which patient usually asks to their doctor. Answer to both of question is that it is not very costly treatment and not at all painful to the patients.

What are the benefits and risks?

Below are Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment:

• No surgical incision is needed: just a small cut in the skin that does not need stitches so if you want to know Is RF Ablation Painfulthen answer is no..
• When compared to traditional vein removal techniques, intravenous ablation is more effective, has fewer complications, and is associated with much less pain during recovery.