High frequency

High Frequency

High frequency (HF) (/haɪ ˈfriːkwənsi/), in the context of medicine, refers to a range of radio wave frequencies that fall between 3 and 30 megahertz (MHz). High frequency waves are often used in medical treatments and procedures due to their unique properties.

Etymology

The term "high frequency" originates from the early 20th century, when radio technology was being developed. The term was used to describe radio waves that had a higher frequency than what was commonly used at the time.

Medical Applications

High frequency waves have a variety of applications in the medical field. They are used in procedures such as electrosurgery, radiofrequency ablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

In electrosurgery, high frequency electrical currents are used to cut, coagulate, desiccate, or fulgurate biological tissue.

Radiofrequency ablation is a medical procedure in which part of the electrical conduction system of the heart, tumor or other dysfunctional tissue is ablated using the heat generated from the high frequency alternating current to treat a variety of medical conditions.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a therapeutic technique used for the treatment of cancers and other conditions, where a high-intensity focused ultrasound beam is used to raise the temperature of a small point in the body to destroy diseased tissue.