RFA vs EVLA Varicose Vein Treatment

Two common types of varicose vein treatments are Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Both treatments are very effective at treating Varicose Veins and have emerged as the gold standard treatments for Varicose Vein removal due to their high success rates, short recovery times, and minimal discomfort for patients. But how do you know which treatment is more suitable for you?

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)

EVLA treatment starts with a thin catheter being inserted into the affected vein. The catheter contains a thin laser filament which is also inserted into a damaged vein via ultrasound guidance. Laser energy is then used to deliver heat to the vein walls which causes the blood within them to clot which then seals the vein, stops blood flow and results in the vein collapsing.

The body will then naturally absorb the dead tissue, and blood is redirected to other healthier veins within the leg. The treatment is performed under local anaesthetic so minimal pain or discomfort is felt. Patients can return home shortly after the procedure has taken place.

Some may claim that EVLA can be more uncomfortable than RFA and bruising post-procedure is more common but the chances of this are minimal with the newer laser fibres that are used for EVLA, and the treatment provides a very successful outcome for all patients.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA treatment also starts with a thin catheter being inserted into the affected vein via ultrasound guidance. It then uses high-intensity, high-frequency radio waves rather than laser energy to deliver heat to the veins being treated which causes the collagen within the vein wall to shrink which prevents blood from flowing through the vein, which then causes it to collapse and close.

Like EVLA treatment, the collapsed vein is then absorbed naturally by the body and the blood is re-routed to other healthy veins in the leg. The treatment is performed under local anaesthetic so minimal pain and patients can return home shortly after the procedure has taken place.

Which treatment is best for varicose vein removal?

Comparing RFA and EVLA treatments for Varicose vein treatment is tricky. Both treatments achieve the same result and use similar techniques to accomplish it by heating the walls of the veins.

Research has shown that there was no significant difference between the two methods in terms of effectivity and postoperative complication rates. See research paper here.

The Private Clinic performs both radiofrequency ablation and Endovenous laser ablation regularly as walk-in and walk-out treatments within our vein clinics.

When you visit us for a consultation, a duplex ultrasound scan will be performed on your legs. This will help determine the cause and source of your varicose veins and will also help your surgeon decide which treatment is going to be most effective for you to achieve the best results.

We also offer three additional varicose vein treatment options:

• VenaSeal
• Foam Sclerotherapy
• Phlebectomy

These additional treatments are often used when the patient is not suitable for RFA or EVLA treatments. They may also be used in combination with RFA and EVLA treatments if required for the surgeon to achieve the desired results.

Mr Tahir Hussain discusses What Causes Varicose Veins and the effects of varicose veins being left untreated, new treatment options, and the best time to treat them.

Varicose Vein Treatment at The Private Clinic

At the Private Clinic, we have over 40 years of experience. We provide the best and latest vein removal treatments and have treated over 7,000 patients concerned about their veins. We work with highly qualified consultant vascular surgeons who have extensive experience in their field. At The Private Clinic, we provide:

• We can offer some of the least invasive methods for varicose veins and thread veins for your legs, body, and face.
• No lengthy downtime or recovery is required.
• Our Consultant vascular surgeons are pioneers in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and have treated thousands of patients.
• We focus on the underlying cause of your veins, and you will only see a Consultant Vascular surgeon for varicose veins.
• The NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Gold Standard for treatment of Varicose Veins findings shows that the success rate after five years for EVLA is 95.4%.
• A consultation with one of our Consultant Vascular Surgeons costs £200, including a free ultrasound scan of your legs (usually priced between £350 and £450 at most clinics and private hospitals).
• Treatment takes an average of 30-60 minutes; you can go home shortly after being treated.
• We have been featured in several TV shows and press including Harper’s Bazaar’s Cosmetic Tweakment Trends.
• We have been able to restore the confidence in many of our patients by avoiding health issues and achieving remarkable results.
• We work with our partnered finance provider ‘Chrysalis Finance’ to offer 0% finance* to our patients. Get in touch to find out more.

Helpful links

• View our extensive varicose vein FAQs
• See our previous varicose vein patient stories
• View varicose vein before and after photo results
• View our varicose veins blogs for more information
• Download our varicose vein treatment brochure

Consultant Vascular Surgeons at The Private Clinic

• Mr Constantinos Kyriakides, MD, FRCS (Gen), FRCS (Gen Surg). GMC Number: 3275436
• Mr Dynesh Rittoo, MBChB, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Gen Surg). GMC Number: 3556456
• Mr Rajiv Pathak, MBBS, MS, FRCS (Gen), FRCS. GMC Number: 4585309
• Mr Tahir Hussain, MBBS, FRCS (Gen, Surg.), MS Masters in Surgery. GMC Number: 3242669

Get in touch

The Private Clinic offers varicose vein removal consultations at our clinics in London, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Manchester, Northampton and Leeds.

To find out more about varicose vein treatments or to book a leg vein appointment, please call 0333 920 2471 or use our online varicose vein contact form.

Sources

• Science Research Publication – Comparison of 1470 nm Radial Fiber Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation in Endovascular Treatment of Venous Insufficiency