Radiofrequency Ablation

The latest literature comparing the newest laser technology with Radiofrequency ablation (Dr James Lawson from The Netherlands 2018) confirms the two have identical post op recovery and laser has a higher success rate than Radiofrequency ablation. My personal belief is that surgeons often prefer Rf over laser not because of patient care concerns but for the following reasons.

1. Easy to learn - Use of the Rf system requires far less technical skill than laser. The RF catheter is very forgiving and if the tumescent needle hits the catheter it will not damage it. Surgeons generally do not have high levels of experience with ultrasound and ultrasound guided procedure so this technology is generally "safe" in their hands. In contrast Laser fibres may break and serious consequences can occur if inexperienced users attempt to do EVLA.
2. Speed - The ablation after tumescent anaesthesia with Rf can be more than three times faster than laser i.e. 2 minutes vs 7 minutes. This difference is of little concern for most phlebologists but for some busy Surgeons every seconds counts and this could mean being able to treat one extra patient per day.
3. Financial – Rf companies often supply Rf generators “free” only charging for consumables. This means the surgeon that “dabbles” in endovenous ablation can avoid the high capital outlay that the dedicated phlebologist has when purchasing a laser.
4. Room set up – Special laser safety precautions and safety eyewear are not required for Rf meaning it is easier and cheaper to set up a treatment room that uses Rf compared to one that uses laser.
   
   
   

The success rate of  RF treatment is reportedly slightly lower than that of endovenous laser ablation but in experienced hands there really little difference in success between the two systems. There is a slightly higher reported rate of phlebitis, hyperpigmentation and paraesthesia following Rf compared to laser. For all of the reasons above The Vein Clinic uses laser as the primary thermal endovenous ablation technique and no longer offers RF treatment.