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ENULTRASOUND-GUIDED THERMAL VEIN TREATMENT
Radiofrequency ablation, also called RFA, is a minimally invasive treatment for eligible refluxing superficial veins associated with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. Texas Vein Experts uses the ClosureFast™ catheter to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy inside the target vein, helping the vein shrink and close. Once the unhealthy refluxing vein closes, blood naturally redirects through nearby functioning veins.
The TVE Patient Commitment Guarantee means that if your leg symptoms don’t noticeably improve after completing your treatment plan, we’ll continue your care at no additional cost for eligible veins. Learn more.
ULTRASOUND-GUIDED THERMAL VEIN TREATMENT
Minimally invasive thermal, catheter-based vein treatment.
Eligible refluxing superficial veins associated with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
Controlled radiofrequency energy heats the vein wall so the target vein contracts and closes.
Approximately 20-40 minutes, depending on the number and length of veins treated.
Performed with ultrasound guidance and local tumescent anesthesia around the target vein.
Many patients return to light routine activities the same day or within a few days, according to their aftercare plan.
UNDERSTANDING THE TREATMENT
Radiofrequency ablation is an endovenous thermal treatment, meaning the procedure works from inside the vein. A physician introduces a thin ClosureFast catheter through a small needle-access site and guides it into the refluxing vein with ultrasound.
The catheter delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to the vein wall in short treatment segments. Tumescent local anesthesia is placed around the vein to numb the treatment area, protect nearby tissue from heat, and improve contact between the catheter and the vein wall.
As the catheter is withdrawn, the treated vein contracts and seals. The vein is no longer needed for effective circulation because it was allowing blood to flow backward. Blood naturally redirects through functioning veins, while the closed target vein is gradually absorbed or incorporated into surrounding tissue over time.
RFA may be considered for eligible refluxing superficial truncal veins, including certain segments of the great saphenous or small saphenous vein. The physician evaluates vein size, course, depth, reflux pattern, previous treatment, and nearby anatomy before recommending ClosureFast.
WHEN TO CONSIDER A VEIN EVALUATION
Radiofrequency ablation may be considered when symptoms or visible varicose veins are linked to superficial venous reflux. These symptoms can have other causes, so an examination and duplex ultrasound are necessary before treatment is recommended.
Swelling that becomes more noticeable after standing, sitting, or later in the day.
A dull, throbbing, burning, or pressure-like discomfort associated with venous reflux.
A tired or weighted feeling that may interfere with comfort, work, or activity.
Nighttime cramping or restlessness that may occur alongside other signs of vein disease.
Skin discomfort around areas affected by venous pressure or visible veins.
Discoloration, inflammation, thickening, or slow-healing skin changes that require clinical evaluation.
PERSONALIZED TREATMENT SELECTION
RFA is not selected from visible veins or symptoms alone. Texas Vein Experts evaluates four factors together before deciding whether ClosureFast is the appropriate treatment option.
RFA may not be appropriate when the target vein contains an active thrombus or when anatomy, mobility, pregnancy, clotting risk, infection, or another medical factor makes a different approach safer.
The team reviews aching, swelling, skin changes, previous vein treatment, blood-clot history, medications, mobility, pregnancy status, and other health considerations.
Your provider evaluates visible varicose veins, swelling, tenderness, skin condition, and how symptoms affect daily activities.
Onsite ultrasound maps venous reflux, identifies the affected superficial vein, and documents vein size, depth, course, and nearby anatomy.
The physician compares RFA with VenaSeal, Varithena, compounded sclerotherapy, or a combined treatment plan according to anatomy, goals, and coverage requirements.
THE CLOSUREFAST PROCEDURE
1
Duplex ultrasound confirms the target vein, reflux pattern, access point, and treatment length.
2
The skin is cleaned, a small access site is created, and tumescent local anesthesia is placed around the vein.
3
The physician advances the thin catheter inside the target vein under continuous ultrasound guidance.
4
Controlled heat is applied in short segments as the catheter is withdrawn, causing the vein wall to contract and close.
5
Ultrasound checks the treated segment. The access site is covered, compression is applied when recommended, and the patient walks before leaving.
ON TREATMENT DAY AND AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
Swelling that becomes more noticeable after standing, sitting, or later in the day.
A series of small injections places local anesthetic around the vein to numb the area and protect nearby tissue.
The ClosureFast catheter treats the refluxing vein in short segments while the physician monitors positioning with ultrasound.
A bandage and compression may be applied. Patients are generally encouraged to walk and leave the clinic the same day.
Temporary tenderness, tightness, bruising, mild swelling, or a pulling sensation can occur around the treated vein or access site.
Many patients return to light daily activities the same day or within a few days while avoiding prolonged standing or strenuous activity as directed.
Some patients begin noticing relief within about two days, with more noticeable improvement over the following one to two weeks. Individual response varies.
Follow-up imaging may be used to confirm closure and check the deep veins. Additional treatment may be recommended for other refluxing or visible veins.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT VEIN TREATMENT
The physician selects treatment based on symptoms, anatomy, ultrasound findings, medical history, patient preferences, and the type of veins involved. No single procedure is right for every patient or every vein.
| Comparison | RFA / ClosureFast™ | VenaSeal™ | Varithena® | Compounded Sclerotherapy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment type | Thermal, catheter-based ablation | Nonthermal, catheter-based adhesive closure | Nonthermal prescription microfoam treatment | Liquid or physician-compounded foam injection |
| How it works | Controlled radiofrequency energy closes the target vein wall | Medical adhesive seals an eligible refluxing target vein | Prescription microfoam fills and closes an eligible target vein | A sclerosant solution closes spider veins or selected small varicose veins |
| Possible role | Eligible refluxing superficial truncal veins | Eligible superficial truncal veins where adhesive closure is appropriate | Eligible refluxing veins and associated varicosities | Spider veins, reticular veins, selected small varicose veins, or residual surface veins |
| Anesthesia and access | Small catheter access plus tumescent anesthesia around the vein | Small catheter access; tumescent anesthesia is generally not required | Needle or catheter access; tumescent anesthesia is generally not required | One or more small injections according to the treatment area |
| Compression | Usually recommended according to the physician’s protocol | Often unnecessary, although recommendations vary | Recommendations are individualized | May be recommended according to the veins treated |
| Why it may be selected | A widely used heat-based option for suitable refluxing veins with long-term clinical data | A nonthermal option that avoids heat and multiple tumescent injections | A nonthermal option that can treat certain vein shapes without adhesive implantation | An injection-based option for smaller visible or superficial veins |
INSURANCE AND BENEFITS
Insurance coverage depends on the patient’s plan, diagnosis, documented symptoms, ultrasound findings, medical-necessity criteria, prior authorization requirements, and network status. Benefits verification does not guarantee payment, and patient responsibility may include deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.
Texas Vein Experts works with most major insurance plans and offers free benefits verification so patients can better understand available coverage before scheduling treatment.
The team reviews symptoms, health history, previous care, and treatment goals.
Onsite diagnostic imaging documents venous reflux and the affected vein when medically appropriate.
The verification team checks plan requirements, authorization needs, and estimated patient responsibility.
The clinic explains next steps and coordinates treatment at the preferred TVE location.
RFA CARE ACROSS TEXAS
Your symptoms, vein anatomy, and duplex ultrasound findings help determine whether ClosureFast may be appropriate.
Your evaluation and treatment plan are guided by physicians experienced in venous disease and minimally invasive care.
RFA is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that generally takes approximately 20-40 minutes.
You receive clear guidance about walking, activity, compression, follow-up imaging, and any additional vein treatment.
YOUR VEIN CARE TEAM
Board-Certified General Surgeon
Treating venous disorders since 2011
Locations served:
Denton
Alliance
Fort Worth
Richardson
McGovern Medical School
Minimally invasive vein care
Locations served:
Cypress
Humble
Katy
Pearland
Sugar Land
The Woodlands
Board-Certified Internal Medicine
Hospital and wound-care background
Locations served:
Frisco
Waxahachie
Grand Prairie
Burleson
Board-Certified Internal Medicine
Ultrasound-guided vein care
Locations served:
New Braunfels
San Antonio
Stone Oak
VEIN CARE YOU CAN TRUST
RFA TREATMENT NEAR YOU
COMMON RFA QUESTIONS
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