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In-Office Minimally Invasive

Medically Reviewed By:

2026-07-21

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation in Sarasota & Bradenton

Goodbye to Varicose Veins. No Large Incision, Minimal Scarring for Most Patients, Back to Normal the Same Day.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the current standard of care for treating the underlying cause of varicose veins — a diseased saphenous vein that has lost the ability to push blood upward toward the heart. Instead of removing the vein through open surgery, RFA uses heat from radiofrequency energy to close the vein from the inside. The body then reroutes blood through healthy veins.

At Vascular Wellness Institute, Radiofrequency Ablation is performed in the office under local anesthesia. There are no general anesthesia risks, no hospital stay, and no large incisions — just a small needle puncture to insert the catheter. Most patients walk out of the office and return to normal activities the same day.

How Radiofrequency Ablation Works

A thin catheter is inserted into the diseased vein through a small needle puncture — typically below the knee. Tumescent anesthesia (dilute local anesthetic) is injected along the length of the vein to numb it and protect surrounding tissues. The catheter is then slowly withdrawn as it delivers heat energy, causing the vein wall to collapse and seal shut. Over the following weeks, the sealed vein is absorbed by the body and disappears.

The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour per leg. Patients wear a compression stocking for a period following treatment and are encouraged to walk immediately. Strenuous exercise and prolonged standing are restricted for a short period.

RFA vs. Varithena® Foam Ablation in Sarasota, Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch

Radiofrequency ablation is highly effective at closing the diseased vein. In a prospective European multicentre study, 91.9 percent of treated veins remained closed at five years (Proebstle et al., British Journal of Surgery, 2015). Some veins — those that are twisted, heavily branched, below the knee, or have reopened after a previous procedure — are better suited to Varithena®, which closes the vein with a medicated foam instead of heat. Your surgeon will recommend the right treatment based on your ultrasound findings.

Is Ablation Right for You?

Radiofrequency Ablation is appropriate for patients with:

  • Symptomatic varicose veins (aching, heaviness, swelling, restless legs)
  • Duplex ultrasound-confirmed saphenous vein reflux
  • Skin changes or superficial phlebitis related to venous insufficiency
  • Recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis

A duplex ultrasound of the venous system is performed before treatment to map the anatomy and confirm the diagnosis. Insurance coverage — including Medicare — generally requires documented reflux and a trial of conservative therapy (compression stockings) before covering ablation.

Anesthesia Type

Local

Typical Duration

45–60 min

Performed At

Office

Recovery Time

Same day

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Radiofrequency Ablation hurt? +

    The procedure is performed under local tumescent anesthesia. Most patients feel pressure and mild discomfort during the numbing injections but do not experience significant pain during the ablation itself. Post-procedure soreness along the treated vein is common for one to two weeks and is managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and compression.

  • Will my varicose veins disappear immediately after ablation? +

    Ablation treats the underlying refluxing vein, but surface varicose veins may remain visible for several weeks to months as the body absorbs them. Many surface veins improve significantly on their own after the source of reflux is treated. Remaining visible varicosities can be addressed with microphlebectomy or sclerotherapy in a follow-up visit.

  • How many treatments will I need? +

    Most patients require one ablation session per affected vein segment, followed by one or more sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy sessions for remaining surface veins. The total number of visits depends on the extent of your venous disease.

  • Is Radiofrequency Ablation covered by insurance? +

    Yes, when medical criteria are met. Medicare and most commercial insurers cover ablation for symptomatic venous insufficiency with documented saphenous reflux, typically after a trial of compression therapy. Our staff will verify your benefits and obtain any required prior authorization before scheduling.

  • Are there any risks or complications? +

    Radiofrequency ablation is a very safe procedure. Potential complications include bruising, minor skin burns, superficial phlebitis along the treated vein, and — rarely — deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Your physician will review all risks at your consultation and explain the precautions taken to minimize them.