Frequently Asked Questions

RFA (radiofrequency ablation) is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Using ultrasound guidance, a thin catheter is placed into the abnormal vein and gentle radiofrequency energy is applied to heat and close the vein. Blood is then naturally redirected to healthier veins, helping relieve symptoms like heaviness, swelling, pain, and visible varicose veins.

A chemical is injected into the vein to destroy its lining, causing the vein to gradually be absorbed by the body. This method works particularly well for smaller veins.

Varicose veins often run in families. When one parent is affected, the likelihood of developing them is about 50%, and if both parents have them, the risk can climb to nearly 89%. Age is another key factor -the older we get, the more frequently varicose veins appear, and they tend to become more troublesome over time. Women are particularly vulnerable, facing about five times the risk compared to men. Pregnancy and weight gain place additional strain on the veins, further raising the chances. Jobs or lifestyles that involve standing for long periods also contribute to the problem. In fact, as many as three in ten people will experience varicose veins at some point. Fortunately, effective treatments are widely available, making them manageable despite their prevalence. 

The venous system is made up of two main networks: the superficial veins and the deep veins. Superficial veins sit just beneath the skin within the fatty tissue. They have thin, less supported walls, which makes them more vulnerable to damage when they are exposed to excess pressure. In contrast, deep veins lie beneath the muscles. The surrounding muscle tissue provides strong structural support, allowing these veins to tolerate much higher pressures without difficulty. Problems arise when the valves-tiny flaps that normally keep blood moving upward toward the heart-stop functioning properly. When these valves fail, the higher pressure from the deep veins is transmitted to the weaker superficial veins. This causes blood to flow backward down the leg, away from the heart, a process known as venous reflux. The resulting increase in venous pressure damages the superficial veins, leading to varicose veins, and also affects the skin, causing inflammation, brown discoloration, and eventually ulceration (breaks in the skin). The good news is that most cases of chronic venous insufficiency stem from problems in the superficial veins, which are usually straightforward to treat. 

Ultrasound uses sound waves that pass through your tissues and are reflected back to a computer, which maps the anatomy and the direction of blood flow. The procedure is painless and highly accurate.

Your doctor will review your medical history, examine your veins, and perform a duplex ultrasound. 

GAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. By targeting abnormal blood flow that contributes to inflammation inside the knee, GAE can reduce pain and improve function without surgery or joint replacement.

GAE may be an option for patients with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis who have not found sufficient relief with medications, physical therapy, or injections, and who want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery. A consultation and imaging review are required to determine if GAE is appropriate.

 Most patients go home the same day and return to normal daily activities within a few days. Mild soreness or fatigue can occur temporarily, but there is typically no long rehabilitation period like with surgery. Pain improvement often develops gradually over weeks as inflammation decreases.

Our vein and vascular treatments are covered by nearly all major insurance plans, including Medicare. Coverage depends on medical necessity and individual plan details. Our team works directly with your insurance provider to verify benefits, obtain any required authorizations, and help ensure coverage before treatment whenever possible.