Non-surgical removal of varicose veins using the EVRF method

What are varicose veins of the lower limbs?

Varicose veins of the lower limbs are irreversibly dilated, elongated, and twisted venous vessels. Varicose veins develop in the superficial veins (located just under the skin) and perforators, which are venous vessels connecting the superficial veins with the deep venous system.

Varicose veins of the lower limbs can appear in three forms:

• Telangiectasias (spider veins) – dilated small vessels located superficially in the skin, primarily a cosmetic defect,
• Reticular varicose veins, which form a network of twisted vessels located under the skin. They most often appear below the knees or on the lateral surfaces of the calves or thighs. Such varicose veins are not painful and rarely cause limb swelling.
• Varicose veins of the main venous trunks – the great saphenous and small saphenous veins. They are most commonly located on the medial surface of the limb (great saphenous vein varicosities) or on the posterior surface of the calf (small saphenous vein varicosities). These varicose veins cause very unpleasant symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.

Causes of varicose veins of the lower limbs

The main cause of varicose veins of the lower limbs is considered to be genetic predisposition. Valve abnormalities can cause retrograde blood flow into the superficial system, leading to its excessive stretching and overload. Consequently, this results in dilation and elongation of veins and the formation of varicose veins.

Other factors that may accelerate the development of varicose veins include:

• pregnancy, during which pressure on veins by the enlarged uterus and hormonal effects on the venous vessel walls may occur
• standing work
• age – the incidence of varicose veins increases with age
• heavy lifting
• overweight and obesity

Non-surgical removal of varicose veins using the EVRF method

Phlebologists use various methods to treat venous diseases. One of the most modern non-surgical methods is an endovenous technique using high-frequency radio waves, called the EVRT (Endovenous Radio Frequency)/ RFITT (radiofrequency induced thermotherapy) method.

The EVRF varicose vein removal procedure involves inserting a catheter into the affected vein, which, when activated, emits very high-frequency radio waves causing closure of the venous vessel. These procedures are primarily performed in cases of insufficiency of the great saphenous or small saphenous veins.

A very important element qualifying a patient for the procedure is a consultation with a specialist doctor combined with Doppler ultrasound of the lower limb veins.