Radiofrequency ablation treatments deliver radiofrequency energy to the vein wall achieve heat-induced venous spasm and collagen shrinkage causing the vein to collapse and seal shut. Ablation treatments require the use of catheters which cannot easily pass through veins that have twisted and bent to great extent.
This treatment is recommended to remedy superficial veins that have led to varicose veins, the great saphenous vein is a great example of a vein that may be treated with radiofrequency ablation.