Over 40 years of expert care

Best UK Group & 5 star reviews

Established Clinics

Award winning treatment plans

Over 40 years of expert care

Best UK Group & 5 star reviews

Nationwide Clinics

Award winning treatment plans

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Varicose Veins Treatment

Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation is a leading minimally invasive varicose vein removal treatment. Here, we discuss the history and benefits of the treatment, along with procedure details and expected patient results.

Radiofrequency Ablation (also known as RFA) was one of the very first modern-day methods to treat varicose veins. It uses radiofrequency thermal heat energy to shrink and close off the affected varicose veins. It emerged in the late 1990s and represented the start of a new wave of vein removal treatments that minimised patient recovery time and side effects. This revolutionary therapy avoided the painful side effects of traditional vein while giving patients the chance to recover quickly, with minimal scarring.

The procedure was first carried out using a radiofrequency device called the VNUS® Closure® device. Other devices have since, including the device and the ClosureFast™ RFA System. Your consultant vascular surgeon can advise on if this varicose vein removal treatment is most suitable for you.

Radiofrequency Ablation is an "endovenous" treatment for varicose veins. As a minimally invasive procedure, it is also sometimes known as "keyhole surgery."

The treatment can be in clinic with no need for an overnight hospital stay. The word "endovenous" means