Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical stripping used to treat varicose veins and its common underlying cause, venous reflux. A small radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the refluxing vein and catheter delivers radiofrequency pulses to the vein wall that cause it to constrict permanently. Once this abnormal vein is treated, the blood selectively travels through the more robust deep veins of the leg. Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure that takes about one hour to complete. You will be instructed to return to normal activities the following day.