Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation
Tissue ablation using radiofrequency.
SpecialtyInterventional radiology
ICD-9-CM01.32, 04.2, 37.33, 37.34, 60.97
MeSHD017115

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also called fulguration,[1] is a medical procedure in which part of the electrical conduction system of the heart, tumor, sensory nerves or a dysfunctional tissue is ablated using the heat generated from medium frequency alternating current (in the range of 350–500 kHz).[2][3] RFA is generally conducted in the outpatient setting, using either a local anesthetic[3] or twilight anesthesia. When it is delivered via catheter, it is called radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Two advantages of radio frequency current (over previously used low frequency AC or pulses of DC) are that it does not directly stimulate nerves or heart muscle, and therefore can often be used without the need for general anesthesia, and that it is specific for treating the desired tissue without significant collateral damage.[3][4] Due to this, RFA is an alternative for eligible patients who have comorbities or do not want to undergo surgery.[3][5][6]

Documented benefits have led to RFA becoming widely used during the 21st century.[3][5][7][8][9] RFA procedures are performed under image guidance (such as X-ray screening, CT scan or ultrasound) by an interventional pain specialist (such as an anesthesiologist), interventional radiologist, otolaryngologists, a gastrointestinal or surgical endoscopist, or a cardiac electrophysiologist, a subspecialty of cardiologists.

  1. ^ "Fulguration: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms". National Cancer Institute. February 2, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  2. ^ Courtney M. Townsend (2012). Sabiston textbook of surgery : the biological basis of modern surgical practice (19th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders. p. 236. ISBN 978-1-4377-1560-6.
  3. ^ a b c d e Kidd VD, Strum SR, Strum DS, et al. (March 2019). "Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Painful Knee Arthritis: The Why and the How". JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques. 9 (1): e10. doi:10.2106/JBJS.ST.18.00016. PMC 6635137. PMID 31333900.
  4. ^ "Radiofrequency neurotomy". Mayo Clinic. April 6, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Radiofrequency Ablation for Pain Management". Cleveland Clinic. March 14, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  6. ^ Hussain I, Zulfiqar F, Li X, et al. (August 1, 2021). "Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules-Expanding Treatment Options in the United States". Journal of the Endocrine Society. 5 (8): bvab110. doi:10.1210/jendso/bvab110. ISSN 2472-1972. PMC 8271212. PMID 34258495.
  7. ^ "Ablation for Arrhythmias". American Heart Association. 2017.
  8. ^ "Radiofrequency ablation for cancer". Mayo Clinic. 2017.
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference nbc was invoked but never defined (see the help page).