Radiofrequency Ablation

​Fraser Clinic offers non-surgical treatment for varicose veins. We have experience of non-surgical treatment extending back more than 20 years and Fraser Clinic was among the first to take this treatment up in New Zealand.

For RFA we utilise the latest technology available, the Medtronic ClosureFast system.  It is one of the safest and most effective varicose vein solution available. Previously the only treatment for large varicose veins involved the use of surgical stripping under general anaesthetic.

RFA is used to treat the main trunks of abnormal saphenous veins. Published research of the technique performed on more than 1000 patients has shown a low risk of complications and superior results when compared with surgery and UGS (excellent results in over 90% of patients).

The treatment involves a combination of laser and ultrasound technology. A fine laser catheter is passed up the diseased vein then surrounded by tumescent local anaesthesia. The catheter is positioned close to the junction in the groin, or behind the knee (where the saphenous veins join the deep veins) with the aid of Ultrasound and the vein is closed with the use of heat which permanently seals the vein.

With over 3500 patients treated over the past 20 years, RFA, combined with UGS to remaining varicose tributaries represents the most advanced management option for the non-surgical treatment of varicose veins.

Follow-up studies conducted at the clinic indicate that the recurrence rate after RFA is less than 5% after 5 years, in line with international figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Generally, the vein disappears entirely and is less likely to reform. It is a less painful procedure with less downtime following treatment.

There are generally very few side effects from radiofrequency; certainly, less than following surgery. Because the catheter generates heat in the vein, excessive exposure to heat near the skin could cause a burn. In practice, this is a rare complication (we have not encountered a single incident in over 3500 patients). This is because of careful technique and the use of tumescent anaesthetic liquid placed around the outside of the vein which acts to confine the laser heat to the vein only.

Skin staining can occur, but usually involves large veins close to the skin’s surface, treated with UGS. We do not expect staining to be permanent, resolving in less than 24 months in most cases.

Bruising may occur, mainly in the thigh, but usually resolves over the course of a week with anti-inflammatory cream or tablets.

Treatment with RFA is usually confined to the main trunk saphenous veins, between the knee and the groin and the calf up to the region behind the knee. The affected veins usually are at least 5mm in diameter, straight, and deeply placed. Sometimes, only a short segment of the affected vein can be treated in this way.
Once the larger varicose vein trunks are treated with RFA, the remaining varicose veins can be closed with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. This works out very well in practice because the pressure on these smaller remaining veins is usually less because of the preceding RFA treatment. This allows the smaller veins to be well treated with UGS. Both treatments can be performed in one session, although it is not uncommon to require a few more injections a week later at follow-up in order to complete the first treatment.

The treatment for one leg usually takes about an hour; about one and a half hours if we treat both legs at the same time.

The treatment is not painless but is generally very well tolerated. A local anaesthetic solution is injected around the vein to be treated with a very fine needle. This provides a painless environment for the RFA treatment itself, but the sleeve of fluid around the vein acts as a heat sink to protect the surrounding tissues from damage from the heat of the RFA. Sclerotherapy requires multiple injections with a fine needle.

You will be fitted with a measured compression surgical stocking and asked to go for a walk before returning home or indeed, back to work, should you so wish. An appointment will be made for you to return after one week for further assessment.

Your stocking should be worn, uninterrupted ideally, for one week, and during the daytime for the second week. We advise against strenuous exercise and hot pools during the first two weeks, preferring instead that you undertake daily walking for at least half an hour to an hour per day if possible.