Thermal ablation devices, such as radiofrequency and laser treatment, work by applying short bursts of focused heat to the inside of the vein that cause the vein to collapse. Over time, the treated vein is replaced by connective tissue as it heals from the thermal treatment. Many medically beneficial procedures are destructive in nature, so individuals considering treatment shouldn’t find this type of approach alarming. However, thermal treatment does requires certain safeguards to protect patients from the adverse effects of extreme heat – one of which is the use of tumescent anesthesia. Tumescent anesthesia is a liquid that numbs the treatment area while providing a heat conducting medium for the safe delivery of thermal energy.
Covering the entire length of a vein with anesthesia can require several uncomfortable needlesticks. On the other hand, VenaSeal treatment is entirely non-thermal and, therefore, does not require tumescent anesthesia. In other words: fewer needlesticks and a more comfortable procedure.