Radio frequency Ablation
What is Venefit™?
Venefit™ is the FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency heat energy to close veins with malfunctioning valves. This is only one of the many methods that Totality in Oklahoma City, OK uses for varicose vein treatment. Radiofrequency heat sealing of veins is one of the tools to cure leg problems including varicose veins, pain, swelling, heaviness, itching, and fatigue. Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat problems with the superficial venous systems including the great, anterior accessory, and small saphenous veins.
Download the Venefit™ brochure
Is Venefit™ painful?
Radiofrequency ablation, which is the mechanism of the Venefit procedure, requires a type of heat or thermal energy for ablation. Because the radiofrequency energy is thermal, a numbing medicine must be injected around the course of the vein to be treated. The injections of numbing medicine can be uncomfortable with feelings of stinging, burning, or even an aching pain. The numbing medicine works in about 3 seconds so the discomfort disappears quickly.
What are the benefits of Venefit™?
The Venefit™ procedure, or radiofrequency ablation, is a technique that has been used in the United States for more than 15 years. Compared with vein stripping, Venefit™ requires only one small incision and although the radiofrequency device is removed from the leg, the treated vein remains. Leaving the vein in the leg has drastically reduced the occurrence of neovascularization, a complication of vein stripping where more veins develop after treatment. Also, compared with laser ablation, studies have demonstrated that radiofrequency ablation is associated with lower rates of pain and bruising.
What results are expected with Venefit™?
Radiofrequency ablation with the Venefit™ procedure delivers results. Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure. Radiofrequency ablation closes the vein successfully by ultrasound about 94-96% of the time. The treated vein becomes fibrotic, like a bango string.
What can I expect during treatments with Venefit™?
Venefit™ treatments are usually out-patient procedures that take less than 60 minutes. The procedure starts with mapping the targeted, defective vein using ultrasound. The leg is prepped with an antiseptic solution and the vein is accessed much like starting an IV elsewhere in the body. The radiofrequency catheter is inserted through the specialized IV, numbing medicine is given, and the catheter is connected to an energy source and withdrawn as it delivers the radiofrequency to the vein wall. The catheter is removed, a small dressing is used where it went into the skin and the leg is placed in a compression stocking.
What aftercare is recommended following Venefit™ treatment?
With radiofrequency ablation using the Venefit™ procedure, patients can resume most normal activities within 3 days. During these first 3 days, compression stockings will be worn continuously. For the next 2 weeks following the treatment, compression is worn only during the day or when the patient is awake and active. Patients are encouraged to walk 30 minutes daily. Patients are also advised to avoid squats, lunges, and abdominal crunches for the next 6 weeks.
What are the possible side effects associated with Venefit™?
As with all medical procedures, potential risks and complication exist with radiofrequency ablation, the Venefit™ procedure. These include vessel perforation, blood clots, pulmonary embolus, phlebitis, infection, nerve damage, arteriovenous fistula, skin staining, bruising, and skin burn.
Am I a candidate for Venefit™?
Venefit™ can be safe for most patients. Venefit™ will not be performed during pregnancy. If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be a suitable candidate for Venefit™:
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Reduced mobility
- A history of blood clots in the veins or the lungs
- A history of major surgery in the past 3 months
What does Venefit™ cost?
Many insurance companies cover radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of symptomatic varicose veins, leg swelling, or leg pain. Please contact Mackee Slattery, our office manager, if you need assistance discussing your coverage with your insurance provider.
Please check out our PRICING PAGE to see the private pay cost.
Free Vein Screening!
We encourage you to schedule a FREE vein screening today. During our meeting, we will advise on whether or not you’re an ideal candidate for Venafit™, as well as compose a custom treatment plan designed to achieve the smooth, clear and vein-free skin you’ve always wanted. Call or text the office today and one of our seasoned staff members will be able to assist you.
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