Radiofrequency ablation is a way of treating problem veins without resorting to invasive surgical procedures like vein stripping surgery. If you are having issues like varicose veins, you should seek more information about this treatment method, especially before scheduling a surgery that will require a hospital stay and a period of downtime while you recover.
Varicose veins can cause problems for you in more than one way. They can create symptoms that often make daily living uncomfortable. People with them often experience swelling of the lower legs that frequently extends to the ankles. It can become worse later in the day. Individuals who sit in a stationary position for long periods of time are more susceptible to the symptoms. Likewise, those who spend most of the day on their feet are more likely to have them as well. Other symptoms include itching, burning, numbness and tingling. The legs can also ache and have a feeling of tiredness or heaviness.
Not everyone who has varicose veins will experience these symptoms. There will, however, be an impact on the appearance. Varicose veins look like large, blue streaks that run underneath the skin and are clearly visible. Sometimes, they can cause the skin to bulge out as well. When this happens, the impact on the appearance is magnified.
Varicose veins develop almost without exception in the legs. The cause is pooling of the blood because it is not circulating through the vessels as it should. There are valves in the veins that will permit the blood to flow in only the right direction. When they fail, the force of gravity can make the blood flow backwards. This causes pooling that puts too much pressure against the walls of the veins. As a result, they become varicose due to the enlargement that takes place.
These problems can be eliminated in minimally-invasive ways through radiofrequency ablation. It is done when a catheter is injected into the vein that is targeted for removal. Through the catheter, a probe is pulled through the length of the vein that emits radiofrequency energy as it goes. The energy heats the vein and safely destroys it.
If your comfort or self-esteem is being harmed by problem vessels like varicose veins, you should have our specialist at Smith Vein Institute evaluate them and determine if you are a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation. We have locations in Concord Township and Middlefield. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started!