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Varicose Vein Treatment: Is Radiofrequency Ablation Right for You?

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the five-year outcomes of monopolar vs. segmental radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins and make an informed choice about your treatment options."

Varicose veins, those twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin, are a common problem, affecting a significant portion of the adult population. While various treatments exist, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a popular minimally invasive option.

RFA works by using heat generated from radiofrequency energy to collapse and seal off the affected vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier vessels. Two primary types of RFA exist: monopolar and segmental. Monopolar RFA uses a single electrode to deliver energy, while segmental RFA delivers energy in controlled segments along the vein.

If you're considering RFA for varicose veins, understanding the long-term outcomes of these two approaches is crucial. This article will delve into a comparative analysis of five-year results from a study evaluating monopolar and segmental RFA, providing you with the information needed to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Monopolar vs. Segmental RFA: Understanding the Differences

The study, published in International Angiology in December 2018, compared the efficacy and safety of segmental RFA (using the Venefit system) and monopolar RFA (using the EVRF system) in treating lower extremity varicose veins. Researchers followed 193 patients who underwent either procedure between 2010 and 2012, tracking their progress for five years.

Before diving into the results, it's helpful to understand how each RFA method is performed:

Segmental RFA (Venefit): A catheter is inserted into the vein, and radiofrequency energy is delivered in short, controlled bursts to specific segments of the vein wall. This creates targeted heating, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut.
Monopolar RFA (EVRF): A single electrode is used to deliver radiofrequency energy along the entire length of the targeted vein. The heat generated causes the vein to close.

Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia and typically take less than an hour. Patients usually wear compression stockings after the procedure to aid healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Making an Informed Decision About Your Vein Health

The study suggests that both segmental (Venefit) and monopolar (EVRF) RFA are effective and safe options for treating varicose veins. The five-year occlusion rates and VCSS score improvements were comparable between the two groups.

If you're considering RFA, discuss the potential benefits and risks of each method with your doctor. Factors such as the size and location of your varicose veins, your overall health, and your personal preferences will help determine the best treatment approach for you.

Ultimately, the goal is to improve your vein health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance your quality of life. By understanding the available treatment options and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can make an informed decision and achieve the best possible outcome.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.23736/s0392-9590.18.03954-8, Alternate LINK

Title: Comparative Analysis Of Five-Year Outcomes Of Lower Extremity Varicose Vein Therapy Using Monopolar And Segmental Radiofrequency Ablation

Subject: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Journal: International Angiology

Publisher: Edizioni Minerva Medica

Authors: Witold Woźniak, Maciej Kielar, R. Krzysztof Mlosek, Piotr Ciostek

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and how does it treat varicose veins?

Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, addresses varicose veins by using heat from radiofrequency energy to close off the affected vein. This redirects blood flow to healthier veins. There are two main types: monopolar and segmental. Monopolar RFA uses one electrode to deliver energy. Segmental RFA, such as the Venefit system, delivers energy in controlled bursts to specific vein segments.

How does segmental RFA (Venefit) differ from monopolar RFA (EVRF) in treating varicose veins?

In segmental RFA, like the Venefit procedure, a catheter is inserted into the vein. Then, radiofrequency energy is delivered in short bursts to specific segments along the vein wall. This targeted heating causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. In contrast, monopolar RFA, such as the EVRF procedure, uses a single electrode to deliver radiofrequency energy along the entire length of the targeted vein, generating heat to close it.

What study compared segmental RFA (Venefit) and monopolar RFA (EVRF) and what did it investigate?

The *International Angiology* study compared segmental RFA, using the Venefit system, and monopolar RFA, using the EVRF system, for treating varicose veins. Researchers tracked 193 patients who underwent either procedure between 2010 and 2012, following their progress for five years. The study focused on the efficacy and safety of each method in treating lower extremity varicose veins.

Are segmental RFA (Venefit) and monopolar RFA (EVRF) equally effective for varicose veins?

Both segmental RFA, using the Venefit system, and monopolar RFA, using the EVRF system, are effective and safe options for treating varicose veins. The study showed that five-year occlusion rates and improvements in VCSS scores were comparable between the two groups. This suggests that both approaches provide similar long-term benefits for patients.

If both monopolar RFA (EVRF) and segmental RFA (Venefit) are viable, what considerations should guide treatment decisions?

When considering radiofrequency ablation, it's important to discuss the specifics of both monopolar RFA, using the EVRF system, and segmental RFA, using the Venefit system, with your doctor. While both methods have shown similar long-term results, individual factors may make one approach more suitable than the other. Your doctor can assess your specific condition and recommend the best treatment option for your venous health, taking into account the five-year outcomes and your personal preferences.