Radio Frequency Ablation
(Redirected from RFA)
Other names[edit | edit source]
Radiofrequency ablation is also called rhizotomy
Definition[edit | edit source]
It is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or stop the transmission of pain.
How does it work?[edit | edit source]
- 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?[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
- 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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Radiofrequency ablation is used in many other situations including lumbar or neck pain, thyroid disorders, back problems, varicose vein treatments etc.
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