Radio Frequency Ablation

Other names

Radiofrequency ablation is also called rhizotomy

Definition

It is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or stop the transmission of pain.

How does it work?

• Radiofrequency waves produce heat when focused and they ablate, or "burn," the nerve that is causing the pain.
• It stops the transmission of pain signals to the brain by focused burning or ablation of the affected nerve.

How the procedure is performed?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses a specialized needle to apply electromagnetic energy, which produces heat, to destroy primary or metastatic tumors no larger than 3 centimeters (cm) (about an inch).

Use of RFA in Hepatocellular carcinoma

• RFA can be used intra-operatively by a surgeon under ultrasound (US) guidance or in radiology by an interventional radiologist using US or CT guidance.
• The needle is guided through a percutaneous route using US or CT, and placed in very close proximity to the tumor.
• RFA done by a surgeon in an OR (intraoperative RFA or IORFA) setting allows for the additional option of creating a larger incision, inserting both the ultrasound and needle in very close proximity to the targeted tumor.
• Some patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are not recommended for surgery but may undergo percutaneous RFA, a less invasive approach to tumor destruction.
• Percutaneous RFAs are performed by an IR.28 The goal of RFA in treating HCC tumors, whether performed surgically or percutaneously, is to destroy the tumor.
• Physicians determine effectiveness of RFA through MRI, which is performed approximately two months after ablation.
• If the MRI reveals that some of the targeted tumor remains, this is called a residual.
• A tumor that regrows in the same area as a removed tumor is called a recurrence

Use of RFA in Cardiology

Radiofrequency ablation procedure is also used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by uncoordinated atrial activation with resulting deterioration of atrial mechanical function.

Other uses

Radiofrequency ablation is used in many other situations including lumbar or neck pain, thyroid disorders, back problems, varicose vein treatments etc.