How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Treat Varicose Veins?
What do you observe when you look at your legs? Do you notice an unusual skin discoloration that appears dark purple or blue? Does the discolored leg also feel painful and cause a heavy feeling in your legs? You may be developing varicose veins El Paso, a condition known to present such symptoms, to name a few. Varicose veins develop when a valve in your leg veins gets damaged and causes blood flow issues. As a result, blood will collect in your veins, causing them to enlarge and twist. Your doctor may recommend radiofrequency ablation, and here is a discussion on what treatment with this procedure entails.
Getting Ready For Radiofrequency Ablation
You will begin with an initial consultation with your doctor to check on your current health and then recommend instructions you will follow. During your consultation, tell your doctor about a possible pregnancy, if you are breastfeeding, your smoking and alcohol use, and any medication allergies. Your doctor will also ask about your current medications so you will know which ones to stop. Such will include blood-thinning medications, herbs, supplements and vitamins, OTC medicines, and prescription drugs.
Your Day of Radiofrequency Ablation
Your doctor will likely use an ultrasound to guide the procedure during treatment. Your doctor will inject the affected leg with numbing medication and then make a small hole in the vein requiring treatment. Next, your doctor will insert a catheter with radiofrequency heat into your vein while injecting more numbing medication. After the catheter reaches the correct position, your doctor will slowly draw it back as it sends heat to close off the varicose vein. Sealing the vein will cut off its blood supply and divert it to healthy veins, thus eliminating your symptoms. Your doctor may also tie off some branch varicose veins with a few incisions. Lastly, your doctor will remove the catheter, apply pressure to the insertion site to prevent bleeding, and then put a bandage on your leg.
Your Recovery At Home
Your doctor will give you specific instructions at home to ensure a quick recovery. You will have to take all your medications as per the prescription. Always check the insertion site for any signs of infection while practicing care, including changing your bandage and keeping the area clean. You can also raise your legs a few times daily to increase blood flow to your legs and do walking exercises every day. Lastly, avoid heat and strenuous activity during your recovery.
When to Call Your Doctor
You can contact your doctor immediately if you notice higher fevers of 38o C and above. Also, call when you begin having trouble breathing, develop severe pain and swelling in your treated leg, and have severe numbness. While checking your insertion site, talk to your doctor if you notice signs of infection, including inflammation, bleeding, increased pain and redness, and bad-smelling discharge.
Varicose veins are a larger version of spider veins and usually present with more uncomfortable symptoms than the latter. With varicose veins, your affected veins will enlarge, twist, and appear larger under your skin. Varicose veins also cause uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, muscle cramping, swelling, and leg heaviness, making moving difficult. Radiofrequency ablation targets these affected veins and sends heat to destroy the varicose veins and seal their blood supply. Consequently, you enjoy a pain-free life while achieving your aesthetic goals.