Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Los Angeles & Walnut
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is one of the most precise and effective minimally invasive treatments available for varicose veins and the venous insufficiency that causes them. At Vein Care Medical Center in Los Angeles & Walnut, Dr. Michael D. Landau uses VenClose™ endovenous radiofrequency ablation to deliver targeted, uniform heat directly to the diseased vein wall. This controlled thermal energy causes collagen within the vein to contract, permanently sealing the vessel shut and rerouting blood through healthy veins back toward the heart.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
RFA is a catheter-based, non-surgical procedure that uses radiofrequency energy — rather than a laser or chemical — to generate controlled heat inside a diseased vein. The targeted heat causes the vein wall to collapse and fuse shut. Once sealed, the body gradually absorbs the treated vessel through its natural healing processes. Because RFA closes the incompetent saphenous vein at the source of the problem, the surface bulging veins it was feeding begin to shrink and resolve. It is an ideal alternative to vein stripping surgery, offering the same definitive results with a fraction of the recovery burden.
VenClose™ Radiofrequency Ablation at Vein Care Medical Center
Vein Care Medical Center specifically utilizes VenClose™, a next-generation RFA system that offers key advantages over earlier radiofrequency platforms:
- VenClose™ eliminates the need for constant catheter pullback associated with older systems, allowing for more controlled and consistent energy delivery to the targeted vein segment.
- Treatment is applied to precise 10 cm or 2.5 cm segments of the vein at a time, ensuring thorough and uniform ablation along the entire length of the treated vessel.
- A single small incision just below the knee is all that is required for catheter insertion.
- No general anesthesia is needed — only local anesthesia at the entry point and tumescent anesthesia along the vein.
- The sealed vein is absorbed through the body’s natural processes, leaving no scar tissue on the skin’s surface.
VenClose™ is one of the most precise, thorough, and safe minimally invasive treatments for venous insufficiency available today.
Why Choose Vein Care Medical Center for RFA Treatment?
Personalized Treatment Plans: Dr. Landau evaluates each patient’s venous anatomy individually and designs a customized treatment plan that may incorporate RFA alongside other procedures such as sclerotherapy, Varithena®, or VenaSeal™ to address all contributing vein problems comprehensively.
Advanced Technology: Dr. Landau stays current with the latest innovations in vein care, ensuring patients at Vein Care Medical Center have access to the most effective and comfortable treatment options.
Experienced Specialist: With extensive experience in endovenous procedures, Dr. Landau brings precision and expertise to every procedure, minimizing risk and maximizing results.
Comprehensive Follow-Up: From your initial consultation through post-treatment ultrasound imaging and follow-up visits, our team provides continuous, attentive care to ensure your results are lasting.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After RFA
Before your procedure, Dr. Landau will perform a duplex ultrasound to map the diseased vein and confirm that RFA is the appropriate treatment. On the day of your procedure, the area is numbed with local anesthesia. The VenClose™ catheter is threaded through a small entry point and guided to the target under ultrasound visualization. The radiofrequency energy is applied in segments as the catheter is withdrawn. The entire procedure typically takes under an hour.
Afterward, you will be asked to walk immediately to promote circulation. Compression stockings are worn for a prescribed period. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Leg swelling, heaviness, and aching typically improve noticeably within the first few weeks following treatment.
Schedule Your RFA Consultation at Vein Care Medical Center
If you are suffering from varicose veins, leg pain, or swelling in Los Angeles & Walnut or the surrounding area, contact Vein Care Medical Center at (323) 934-9191 to learn whether Radiofrequency Ablation is right for you. Dr. Landau will guide you through your options and develop a plan to help you achieve healthier, pain-free legs.
Radiofrequency Ablation — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RFA and laser ablation (EVLA) for varicose veins?
Both RFA and EVLA close diseased veins using thermal energy delivered through a catheter inside the vein. The key difference lies in the energy source: RFA uses radiofrequency energy to generate consistent, controlled heat, while EVLA uses laser light. Both are highly effective. RFA with VenClose™ is often preferred for its segmental energy delivery, which provides thorough, uniform ablation across the entire length of the vein. Dr. Landau will recommend the most appropriate option based on your anatomy.
Is Radiofrequency Ablation painful?
RFA is performed under local and tumescent anesthesia, so the procedure itself is generally not painful. Patients may feel pressure or mild warmth during treatment. Post-procedurally, some soreness or bruising along the treated vein is common but typically resolves within a few days to a week.
How long does an RFA procedure take?
The VenClose™ RFA procedure at Vein Care Medical Center typically takes under one hour. There is no need for general anesthesia, sedation, or a hospital stay. Patients walk immediately after treatment and can return to light activities the same day.
How effective is Radiofrequency Ablation?
RFA is one of the most well-studied and effective treatments for venous insufficiency, with long-term closure rates exceeding 90% in published clinical data. Dr. Landau confirms results with follow-up ultrasound and provides any additional treatment needed to ensure complete and lasting vein closure.
Will my varicose veins completely disappear after RFA?
RFA closes the underlying incompetent saphenous vein that is feeding your varicose veins. Once blood flow is rerouted, the surface varicosities typically shrink significantly over the following weeks and months. Remaining surface veins can be addressed with sclerotherapy in a follow-up session for optimal cosmetic results.
Does insurance cover Radiofrequency Ablation?
RFA for medically necessary venous insufficiency is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare. Vein Care Medical Center participates in Medicare and works with numerous insurance carriers. Coverage depends on the severity of your symptoms and documented medical necessity. Our team can assist you in verifying your benefits prior to treatment.
What is recovery like after RFA?
Recovery from RFA is minimal. You will walk immediately after the procedure and can resume light activities the same day. Compression stockings are worn as directed by Dr. Landau to support healing. Heavy exercise and strenuous activity should be avoided for a short period. Most patients feel noticeably better within days as symptoms of venous insufficiency begin to resolve.