Patient information. Radio Frequency Ablation. Division of Surgery Vascular Directorate PIF 1403/V2

Transcription

1 Patient information Radio Frequency Ablation Division of Surgery Vascular Directorate PIF 1403/V2

2 Your doctor has advised you to have Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) for your varicose veins. What is RFA? Radio Frequency Ablation treatment is suitable for some varicose veins, which run down the leg. You will have an ultrasound scan to ensure your veins are suitable. It is not suitable for very minor purple or blue thread veins. It is a minimally invasive procedure usually done as a day case under local anaesthesia. After an anaesthetic agent is injected a catheter is placed into the vein, radio frequency energy in the form of heat is applied in short bursts to close off the vein. It is not suitable for very tortuous (twisted) veins. What are the benefits of having RFA? It is a quick procedure, which takes approximately minutes (plus a short period of recovery time). Avoids a general anaesthetic and hospital stay. Success rate of %. It is done under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy. Lower risks of complications than the traditional surgery. Faster return to normal lifestyle. What are the risks of having RFA? Slight bruising which settles in a few days. There may be a delayed tightness or pulling over the region of the vein; this is normal and settles on its own.

3 The catheter can cause some redness or soreness within the vein. This can last for two weeks or more but will settle. It is usually eased with the use of simple painkillers. Rarely there maybe some faint skin staining along part or full length of the line of the vein this usually fades but occasionally persists. The evidence so far is there are good short and medium term results but as it is a newer procedure there is a lack of evidence as to long-term results. However we expect these also to be good. It is rare but possible to have some loss of sensation in the area of the vein, skin burning or perforation of the deep veins. This usually resolves but occasionally persists. No numbers easily available as this is a newer procedure however it is less likely to happen than with some other procedures Are there any alternative treatments/procedures available? Compression stockings worn daily. Injection sclerotherapy. Surgery to tie off and strip the veins. These should be discussed with your doctor to see if these treatments are the right ones for you. What will happen if I decide not to have treatment? Most varicose veins do not cause long term problems but there is a small chance of them causing leg ulceration if left untreated. Getting ready for your surgery You do not need to stop taking the contraceptive pill.

4 You should organise a lift home as you will not be able to drive for a few days. You will be given instructions on eating and drinking before your operation Please leave all cash and valuables at home. If you need to bring valuables into hospital, these can be sent to General Office for safekeeping. General Office is open between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Therefore, if you are discharged outside these times we will not be able to return your property until General Office is open.the Trust does not accept responsibility for items not handed in for safekeeping. What sort of anaesthetic will be given to me? You will be given a local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is druginduced numbness: it may be provided by an anaesthetist, surgeon or other healthcare professional, depending on the technique used. Like all medicines, local anaesthetics may sometimes cause side effects, as well as the effects which are needed. You may experience dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness and occasionally loss of consciousness. Serious side effects are rare, and include fits, low blood pressure, slowed breathing and changes in heartbeat, which may be life-threatening. The risks of anaesthetic and surgery are lower for those who are undergoing minor surgery, and who are young, fit, active and well. You will be given an opportunity to discuss anaesthetic options and risks before your surgery.

5 For more information, please ask for a copy of the leaflet You and Your Anaesthetic (PIF 344). If you are worried about any of these risks, please speak to your Consultant or a member of their team. The day of your operation You will come into the hospital to the day case theatre or treatment room specified in your appointment letter. The staff will ask routine questions about your health, the medicine you take at the moment and any allergies you may have. You will be able to discuss the operation with a doctor. You will be asked to sign a consent form to say you understand the procedure, and what the operation involves. After this a technician using an ultrasound machine identifies the veins to be treated. You will be asked to lie down and the local anaesthetic will be given to you. The catheter will be inserted into the vein and then when everything is in place the RFA is turned on and withdrawn slowly. Afterwards you may need some foam sclerotherapy injections if there are small areas, which could not be treated. We often do this on this visit but it can be done later. After the treatment and/or injections your leg will be wrapped in a firm bandage, which should be kept on for a week.

6 What should I expect after my operation? After your operation you will be kept in a waiting room for a short time to recover then can go home from there. During this time a nurse will check your pulse, blood pressure, and breathing rate. It is important if you feel any pain you must tell the nursing staff, who can give you painkillers to help. Discharge Information Pain relief and medication The nursing staff will advise you about painkillers before you leave the hospital. Please tell the nurses what painkilling tablets you have at home. Your wound After a week the bandage can be removed by yourself, your district nurse, family doctor (GP), practice nurse or nursing staff at your local treatment room. Getting back to normal You may mobilise (keep moving) as normal. We advise you elevate your leg when at rest for the next week or so. Depending on your recovery you may be recommended to wear compression stockings or tights. The nurse will discuss this with you. Driving You should not drive for a few days until you are safe to do an emergency stop, therefore you should arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital.

7 Returning to work You can return to normal duties within a week. Further Appointments You will receive a follow up appointment for the Outpatients Department. A repeat scan may be done at this time. Further Information Babs Gwynne Vascular Specialist Nurse RLBUHT Tel bleep 4212 Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins Understanding NICE guidance information for people considering the procedure, and for the public National Institute for Clinical Excellence MidCity Place 71 High Holborn London WC1V 6NA Author: Babs Gwynne Review date: August 2013

8 All Trust approved information is available on request in alternative formats, including other languages, easy read, large print, audio, Braille, moon and electronically. A5/White