What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Varicose veins are a common condition that affect millions of people worldwide. While there are many treatment options available, radio frequency ablation (RFA) is a safe and effective procedure that can be used to treat varicose veins.
RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to destroy the problematic veins. The heat is delivered through a small needle that is inserted into the vein. RFA is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and takes less than an hour to complete.
How does RF Ablation treat Varicose Veins?
RF ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. Veins carry blood from different parts of the body back to the heart. The veins that are near the surface of the skin, called superficial veins, are the ones that usually become varicose.
Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction in the valves inside the veins. This allows blood to flow in the wrong direction and causes the veins to swell and become twisted. RF ablation uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy the vein. The heat is delivered through a tiny probe that is inserted into the vein.
Will Insurance Cover RF Ablation?
Many insurance companies cover the costs of radiofrequency ablation, either in part or in full. This coverage is offered by major health insurers. RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat various conditions, and it has been covered by major health insurers.
How To Prepare For Your Treatment:
RFA is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home on the same day (unless there are unforeseen complications or emergencies). The actual procedure could take place at a facility connected to the hospital, a surgical center, or even your doctor’s office, depending on your individual circumstances.
- You should expect to be at the chosen location for a few hours or more, taking into account time for preparation and recovery. You’ll also need to undress and wear a hospital gown for your RFA procedure, so the medical team can easily monitor your vital signs and access the injection site.
- You may want to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off and put on again in case you’re groggy or experience some discomfort after the procedure. Remember to remove any jewelry or body piercings before your RFA, as metal on the body can interfere with the procedure’s electric currents.
- Patients are typically advised not to eat within six hours of an RFA procedure, but it’s usually OK to have clear liquids up until two hours before the procedure. Your healthcare provider will provide detailed instructions on what time you can stop and resume eating and drinking normally, as this will depend on what time you’re having the RFA procedure.
- You should provide your healthcare provider with a list of all medications you are currently taking before your RFA procedure. This way, they can advise you on what is safe to take and when. For example, necessary medications are usually allowed if taken with a small sip of clear liquids and at least two hours before the appointment. As for other medications that are not daily or essential, you may be advised to wait until after the procedure is over to continue taking them.
- You’ll need to bring a photo ID, health insurance card (if applicable) and any other necessary paperwork to your RFA appointment. In addition, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as sedative medications given during the procedure will likely make you feel drowsy. It’s not recommended to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after having RFA.
What to Expect During Your Treatment:
Before The Procedure
Your RFA procedure will take place in a doctor’s office or outpatient setting. You may receive medicine to help you relax, in addition to numbing the area. Be prepared to stay home and rest for the remainder of the day after the procedure is over. That may involve finding someone who is available to help you out with child care or other duties that day if needed.
During The Procedure
The area around the vein will be numbed and you will be given a sedative, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Tingling or other similar sensations are possible.
You can expect the following steps:
Your skin will be cleaned before an IV line is placed in your arm.
Medication will be delivered to your body via the IV line.
Local anesthetics will be injected into your skin to numb the area where the cannula will be inserted.
Once the medications have been administered, the healthcare provider will insert a small needle (or tube called a cannula) into the vein being treated.
A comprehensive ultrasound will be performed, assessing superficial veins and mapping out legs to demonstrate which veins are functioning properly and which require treatment.
Once the procedure is done, the cannula will be removed and a small bandage may be placed on the skin, depending on the treated area.
After The Procedure
After the RFA procedure, you will be transferred to a recovery room where you will be monitored for the next 15 minutes to an hour. This will involve a nurse checking your blood pressure and vital signs until the doctor clears you to leave.
The medical team will also want to make sure that there are no allergic reactions or other medical episodes. Please note that the procedure site may still feel sore or numb, and you may also feel some pain.
Depending on your condition when you arrive at the hospital, you may be offered a clear beverage or saltine crackers to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Once you are stabilized, a nurse will provide you with discharge instructions that outline when you may eat and resume normal activities and medications.
What is our White Glove Service for Medical Procedures?
When you receive medical care, you expect a certain level of service. But what happens when you need special assistance? That’s where white glove service comes in. It is designed to provide extra care and attention to patients with specific needs.
We are here to assist patients with prescriptions or just find the comforts of home. This contributes to a healthcare experience that reduces the difficulties, inconveniences, and insecurity that come with going to have a medical procedure performed. This integration of logistics and medical care yields an unparalleled patient experience.
Step-by-step White Glove Service for Medical Procedures
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes in advance. This will provide you with the opportunity to check-in and prepare for the procedure.
- Ensure you have the required documentation with you. This includes your insurance information and any required waivers.
- Ask your doctor any questions you may have about the procedure. This will help you understand what to anticipate, therefore easing any anxiety.
Request a Consultation
- Edison Location: 72 Rte 27, Edison, NJ 08820
-
Monroe Location: 311 Spotswood Englishtown Road,
Monroe Township, NJ 08831