Radiofrequency ablation therapy

Along with laser therapy and foam sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation therapy is one of the endovenous therapy procedures that have become well-established in the treatment of trunk varicose veins. The method is also referred to as endoluminal or endovenous radiofrequency ablation and radiofrequency-induced thermal therapy (RFITT).
Treatment costs up to 1500 EUR. The method is similar to laser therapy, except that the damage to the veins is caused by radio waves. A catheter is inserted into the diseased vein under ultrasound guidance. Radio waves are emitted via the catheter tip and the vein closed off step by step while continuously pulling back the catheter. Radiofrequency ablation is gentler than laser therapy, but even here, temperatures in the diseased vein reach up to 100° and it is in effect burnt. Similarly to laser therapy, burns, scabbing, and scars may also occur with radiofrequency ablation if the tissues are not adequately protected from the heat. Tumescent anaesthesia (a special type of local anaesthesia) is used to prevent overheating. This anaesthesia method builds a fluid firewall around the veins that prevents heat from being transmitted to the surrounding tissues and causing damage. A general anaesthesia is usually not necessary and the treatment is often performed as an outpatient (ambulatory) procedure.

It is more difficult to push the catheter through tortuous snake-like varicose veins, such as those found in side branch veins, without damaging them. Other methods are usually preferable in such cases.

The catheter and equipment used in this method of treatment are medical devices and not medicinal products.