Improve the symptoms of varicose veins with this catheter-based procedure
This minimally invasive technique for the treatment of varicose veins uses heat to eliminate damaged veins. The goal is to improve circulation of the blood out of the legs and back to the heart. While it can improve your appearance, it also can eliminate symptoms such as pain, swelling, heaviness, fatigue, and itching in the legs.
Our vein program team are experts in using the latest minimally invasive techniques and will work with you to find the best treatment option to relieve pain and prevent complications.
What to expect during radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins
You may be given a sedative to help you relax, but you will remain awake throughout the procedure. A local anesthetic will be injected to numb the area in the leg where the doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube known as a catheter.
Your doctor will guide the catheter to the enlarged portion of the vein. The tip of the catheter will be heated, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut. The procedure will take about an hour, and you should be able to go home the same day.
Conditions
Varicose and spider veins occur when the veins near the surface of the skin become enlarged and twisted.
Tests
Arterial Duplex Ultrasound for Arms and Legs
Arterial duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Cameron M. Akbari, MD, MBA
Vascular Surgery
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Vanessa R. Banks-Gonzales, ACNP-BC
Vascular Surgery
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Kristin M Brindisi, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Yelena Game, PA-C
Vascular Surgery
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John Harvey, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Geetha Jeyabalan, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Marissa Mallari Magtanong, AGNP-C
Vascular Surgery
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Brittany C. Montgomery, AGACNP-BC
Vascular Surgery
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Kyle B. Reynolds, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Daniel Martin Schwegler, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Lauren Elizabeth Van Winkle, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Lisa Anne Yager, AGNP-C
Vascular Surgery
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Ahmad Abu-Ghaida, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Sarkis Garabet Aghazarian, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Jennifer Lynn Manjo, CRNP
Vascular Surgery
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Dustin Yung Yoon, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
201 E. University Pkwy. Baltimore, MD 21218
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7503 Surratts Rd. Clinton, MD 20735
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC, 20007
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St. NW Washington, DC 20010
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18101 Prince Philip Dr. Olney, MD 20832
MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
25500 Point Lookout Rd. Leonardtown, MD 20650
Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.