Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Treatment
Dr. Victor Katz, M.D F.A.A.O.S
Description
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat various medical conditions by delivering heat to targeted tissues. It is most commonly employed in the treatment of chronic pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and certain types of tumors. The procedure involves using radiofrequency energy to generate heat, which ablates or destroys specific tissues, such as nerves causing pain, thereby alleviating symptoms or controlling disease progression.
Indications for RFA
- RFA is effective in managing chronic pain conditions such as:
- Facet joint pain from arthritis or injury
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Peripheral nerve pain
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Pre-Procedure Evaluation and Diagnosis
- Clinical Assessment: A detailed history and physical examination to assess the patient’s condition and identify the affected areas.
- Imaging Studies:
- MRI or CT scans for precise localization of tumors or pain sources.
- Electrocardiograms (ECG) for patients with arrhythmias to confirm the diagnosis and identify the target area for ablation.
- Diagnostic Injections: For pain management, diagnostic nerve blocks may be performed to ensure the affected nerves are the appropriate targets for RFA.
Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure
RFA is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or in some cases, general anesthesia depending on the area being treated.
- Patient Positioning: The patient is positioned on the procedure table, and the target area is cleansed and sterilized.
- Image-Guided Needle Placement: Under fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or CT guidance, the physician inserts a thin, specialized needle (electrode) into the targeted tissue.
- Delivery of Radiofrequency Energy: Once the needle is positioned, radiofrequency energy is delivered through the electrode. This energy generates heat, typically around 60-90°C, which causes thermal damage to the targeted nerve fibers or tumor cells, leading to tissue necrosis or disruption of nerve conduction.
- Monitoring: During the procedure, vital signs are monitored, and in cases of arrhythmia, an electrophysiological study (EPS) is used to ensure the correct areas of the heart are being treated.
- Post-Ablation Care: After the ablation, the patient may be observed for a short period to monitor for complications.
Efficacy and Prognosis
The success of RFA varies depending on the condition treated:
- For chronic pain, relief can last from several months to over a year, and the procedure can be repeated if necessary.
FAQ
- How long does the RFA procedure take?
The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the area being treated and the condition being addressed.
- What is the recovery time after RFA?
Most patients recover quickly from RFA. You may experience mild soreness at the treatment site for a few days. Many people return to their normal activities within 24-48 hours, though this can vary depending on the specific condition treated.
- Is Radiofrequency Ablation covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover RFA for medically necessary conditions such as chronic pain, cardiac arrhythmias, or tumor treatment. Coverage may vary depending on your specific insurance provider, so it’s best to verify beforehand.
Personal Care
You will receive individualized care and understand all the stages of your treatment.
Experience & Technology
A less invasive approach, with extensive use of technology, for those who have seen thousands of patients in over 30 years of experience.
Personal Care
You will receive individualized care and an understanding of all the stages of your treatment.
Expertise & Technology
A less invasive approach, with extensive use of technology, for those who have seen thousands of patients in over 30 years of experience.
With OrthoSpine NY, you understand the best path to a pain-free life
You understand the step-by-step journey with us to a pain-free life. After a careful diagnostic analysis, Dr. Victor Katz studies the best course of treatment, always with your best interests in mind. Our mission is to provide you with a pain-free life so that you can do what you love best with the ones you love.
Best reviews
Make your tomorrow better
Reach us and see how you can take back your life with the freedom to live painlessly.