Learn more about Radiofrequency
Watch videos from our specialist doctor, Dr. Joana de Carvalho, and learn more about radiofrequency treatment.
What is Radio Frequency?
Radiofrequency is a minimally invasive procedure for varicose veins in the legs.
This technique allows the saphenous vein to be treated without removing it (unlike Stripping), using ablation – which is characterized by the use of heat to “damage” the tissue, which in turn causes a scar that causes the vein to become occluded.
Through a puncture in the skin, a radiofrequency catheter can be inserted, delivering energy to the vein wall. Through heating, the collagen fibers shrink, thus achieving permanent occlusion of the vein.
This treatment causes the vein to transform into a vestigial structure (fibrous scar) after a few months, which is not detectable on an ultrasound examination, without actually having been removed.
Before and After Radiofrequency Treatment Cases
See the difference in varicose veins and spider veins before and after treatment.
Radiofrequency treatment. Learn more about varicose veins and spider veins.
Radiofrequency Treatment
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.
The patient lies down and the vascular specialist begins by making a “prick”, usually below the knee (the point where the vein is closest to the surface of the skin) to be able to insert the catheter (a very thin tube).
The radiofrequency energy is controlled by a computerized generator and directed through the catheter. The heating level must be constant and between 85 and 90°C.
The catheter is passed through the vein at an average speed of 7 cm per minute.
At the end of the treatment, the obliteration of the saphenous vein is confirmed through an ultrasound examination.
Contraindications
Radiofrequency is not recommended in the presence of a thrombus in the vein to be treated, or if the patient has an extremely tortuous vein.
Procedure
1h;
Performed in the office, with local anesthesia.
The patient should walk several times a day. In some cases, they can resume work the following day. They should avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, saunas, or air travel.
Post-treatment
In the days following treatment, it is recommended to wear elastic support stockings for at least 1 week.
It is normal to experience local pain and redness along the path of the treated vein, which is a temporary situation.
Associated complications are rare.
Some patients report loss of sensation or a feeling of numbness in the area where the vein runs.
The most serious occurrence, which can occur in 1% of cases, is deep vein thrombosis.
Medical Specialist
in Radiofrequency
Dr. Joana de Carvalho
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
- Member of the College of Phlebology
Specialist Doctor
in Radiofrequency
Prof. Doctor Sergio Sampaio
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- PhD from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
Medical Specialist
in Radiofrequency
Dr. Filipa Jácome
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Master's Degree in Medicine, from the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS)
- Guest Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP)
- She was awarded 5 scientific merit awards.
English (UK)