Thermal ablation of insufficient veins with a radiofrequency catheter - EVRF (Endovenous Radiofrequency Therapy) VeneFit, ClosureFast system
Once the RF catheter has been inserted into the lumen of the incompetent vein and the tip of the catheter appropriately placed in the initial segment of the vein (in the groin in the case of the saphenous vein or in the popliteal fossa in the case of the popliteal vein), the area of the vein to be closed will be anaesthetised - along its course - punctures will be made (usually every ten centimetres or so) and anaesthetic fluid administered. In the next stage, the actual thermal ablation procedure will begin, involving the slow withdrawal of the RF catheter from the closed vessel.
Although the energy delivered by the radio waves must be high enough to shrink the vein and subsequently scar and overgrow the vessel lumen, the vein closure procedure is painless. As a result of the heat acting on the inner wall of the vessel - blood stops flowing through the closed inefficient vein - reflux - the reversed, abnormal blood flow that is the cause of varicose veins - is thus eliminated.
The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance and local anaesthesia. The average procedure time is 30-60 minutes. After thermal ablation, a compression stocking is placed on the limb.
Benefits:
- Highly effective 97-98% treatment.
- It enables an immediate return to activity.
- It does not pose a high risk of complications.
- It causes almost no pain.
- It does not require hospitalisation.
