Radio-Frequency Ablation (VNUS) in Chester
A catheter is sited into the main superficial thigh vein, and radio-frequency energy is used to heat up the inside of the vein, causing it to seal up.
Radio-frequency ablation is a minimally invasive alternative for treating varicose veins, using a principle similar to laser treatment. A catheter is introduced under local anaesthetic into the main superficial thigh vein under ultrasound scan guidance. The tip of the catheter is positioned at the junction of the superficial and deep veins in the groin or at the back of the knee, and a probe that generates radio-frequency energy is used to heat the inside of the vein, causing it to collapse. Smaller calf veins lower down in the leg, in a significant number of patients, usually shrink on their own following treatment or can be treated after 4-6 weeks with foam sclerotherapy or through small incisions (less than 2mm).
Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of varicose veins (VNUS Closure) is now as commonly performed as endovenous laser treatment and is just as effective, and usually more convenient, as general anaesthesia is not required and a smaller guide wire can be used. Complications are as for endovenous laser treatment.