In the past few years, the use of lasers and radiofrequency has become an excellent alternative to surgical stripping to treat varicose veins. If you have saphenous insufficiency you are a candidate for radiofrequency therapy. Using the Radiofrequency catheter we can eliminate your vein without making any incisions in the groin or stripping your vein. This takes the place of stripping. This procedure is very well tolerated and done through just a needle stick. A thin catheter is inserted into the diseased vein, through a small puncture that does not leave a scar. Under ultrasound guidance, the catheter is guided up into the great saphenous vein in the thigh or the small saphenous vein in the calf. The radiofrequency energy is delivered to the inside of the vein, heating and sealing the vein closed. The procedure is done in the office with a special local anesthetic called tumescent. It numbs the area very quickly. You are typically here for about an hour. You can resume most activities on the same day. Wait 1 week before resuming strenuous exercise and 2 weeks before swimming or using a hot tub.