What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a medical procedure used to treat chronic pain by using radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy nerve tissue responsible for transmitting pain signals. RFA is typically used to treat pain in the back, neck, and joints, and may be used to treat conditions such as arthritis, and chronic back pain.

During an RFA procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the affected area under imaging guidance. The needle is then used to deliver radiofrequency energy to the targeted nerve tissue, heating it and causing it to become inactive. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to perform and is done on an outpatient basis.

RFA is generally considered safe and effective for treating chronic pain, and most patients experience significant pain relief following the procedure.

What are the benefits of Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is often used to manage chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments. Some of the benefits of RFA include:

1. Effective pain relief: RFA has been shown to provide significant pain relief for many patients with chronic pain, including those with arthritis, and other conditions including chronic venous insufficiency.
2. Minimally invasive: RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that involves no incision and does not require general anesthesia as well. This means that patients can usually go home the same day and experience less pain and scarring than with other surgeries.
3. Long-lasting results: RFA can provide pain relief that lasts for several months or even years, depending on the individual patient and the underlying condition being treated.
4. Fewer side effects: Because RFA targets only the nerves that transmit pain signals, it can provide pain relief without the side effects associated with medication-based treatments.
5. Improved quality of life: Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities and enjoy hobbies and relationships. RFA can help to improve quality of life by reducing or eliminating chronic pain.
6. Outpatient procedure: RFA is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients can go home the same day as the procedure. This can reduce the need for hospitalization and help to lower healthcare costs.
7. Quick recovery: Recovery from RFA is generally quick, and patients can often return to normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure

Radiofrequency ablation can be an effective treatment option for certain conditions, and it may offer several advantages over traditional surgery or other treatments. However, the specific benefits of RFA will depend on the individual case and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Is Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) safe?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced healthcare provider. Like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with RFA, but these are typically rare and minor.

Some of the potential risks and complications of RFA include:

1. Bleeding: There is a small risk of bleeding at the site of the ablation, which can usually be controlled with pressure or other measures.
2. Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the site of the ablation, which can usually be treated with antibiotics.
3. Pain: Some patients may experience pain or discomfort during or after the procedure, which can usually be managed with medication.
4. Damage to nearby structures: There is a small risk of damaging nearby structures, such as blood vessels, nerves, or organs, during the ablation.
5. Skin burns: In rare cases, the heat generated by the ablation can cause burns to the skin or tissue.
6. Other complications: In rare cases, RFA can cause other complications, such as blood clots, heart or lung problems, or allergic reactions to medication.

Overall, the risks of RFA are generally low, and most patients experience few or no complications. However, as with any medical procedure, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of RFA with a qualified healthcare provider.

Common types of Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) Procedures offered at MVM health.

1. Trigeminal Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation: Trigeminal nerve radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic facial pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia, which is characterized by sudden, severe facial pain.
   
   During the procedure, a thin, insulated needle is inserted through the cheek and guided to the trigeminal nerve using imaging technology. Once in place, the needle delivers a low-voltage electrical current that heats and damages the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. This disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals and can provide long-lasting pain relief.
   
2. Genicular Nerve Ablation (RF Neurotomy): Genicular nerve ablation, also known as radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic knee pain caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis or post-surgical pain.
   
   During the procedure, a thin, insulated needle is inserted near the genicular nerves, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee joint to the brain. The needle delivers a low-voltage electrical current that heats and damages the nerve fibers, disrupting their ability to transmit pain signals. This can provide long-lasting pain relief.
   
3. Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Cervical Facets: Radiofrequency neurotomy of the cervical facets is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic neck pain caused by facet joint arthritis or other conditions affecting the cervical spine.
   
   During the procedure, a thin, insulated needle is inserted near the affected facet joint under the guidance of fluoroscopy or other imaging technology. The needle delivers a low-voltage electrical current that heats and damages the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joint to the brain. This disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals and can provide long-lasting pain relief.
   
4. Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Thoracic Facets: Radiofrequency neurotomy of the thoracic facets is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic thoracic spine pain caused by facet joint arthritis or other conditions affecting the thoracic spine.
   
   During the procedure, a thin, insulated needle is inserted near the affected thoracic facet joint under the guidance of fluoroscopy or other imaging technology. The needle delivers a low-voltage electrical current that heats and damages the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joint to the brain. This disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals and can provide long-lasting pain relief.
   
5. Radiofrequency Neurotomy (Endoscopic method): Radiofrequency neurotomy using an endoscopic method is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic pain caused by conditions such as severely arthritic joints.
   
   During the procedure, a small endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source) is inserted in the skin and guided to the affected area of the spine. Once in place, a radiofrequency probe is inserted through the endoscope and used to heat and damage the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. This disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals and can provide long-lasting pain relief.
   
6. Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Lumbar Facets: Radiofrequency neurotomy of the lumbar facets is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic low back pain caused by facet joint arthritis or other conditions affecting the lumbar spine.
   
   During the procedure, a thin, insulated needle is inserted near the affected lumbar facet joint under the guidance of fluoroscopy or other imaging technology. The needle delivers a low-voltage electrical current that heats and damages the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joint to the brain. This disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals and can provide long-lasting pain relief.

At MVM Health, we provide Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to patients after a comprehensive evaluation of their medical condition. We prioritize the selection of the most suitable treatment plan based on individual circumstances, taking into account factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, overall health status, and medical history. Our goal is to determine the best treatment option for each patient’s specific needs.

MVM Health provides personalized treatment plans aimed at improving your quality of life. Our focus is on providing pain care services to communities such as Lehigh Valley, East Stroudsburg, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, and surrounding areas. We are committed to ensuring your well-being, and we encourage you to book a consultation by calling 570-445-2200 or requesting an appointment by clicking the link below.