Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses electrical energy to destroy nerve tissue. This procedure is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using a needle that is inserted into the skin. This needle is usually in proximity to the nerve tissue generating your pain. The electrical current is then passed through the needle, which heats up the tissue and destroys the nerves responsible for your pain. Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

Chronic Neck and Back Pain:

The electrical current causes the sensory nerves to be destroyed, which prevents them from sending pain signals to the brain.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency:

Radiofrequency ablation can also be applied within blood vessels. This is different from nerve ablation. The heat from the electrical current damages the vein, which causes it to collapse. This prevents blood from flowing backward thereby improving symptoms associated with varicose veins.

Did You Know?

There are many benefits to radiofrequency ablation. These include:

• It is a minimally invasive procedure.
• It is an outpatient procedure.
• Improves function
• It is less expensive than other procedures.
• Decreased need for pain medications.
• There is a low risk of complications associated with the procedure.
• Return to regular activities within a few days of rest.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is a candidate for radiofrequency ablation?

You may be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation if you suffer from varicose veins, spider veins, or chronic neck and back pain. However, radiofrequency ablation is usually not recommended for patients with heart conditions, pregnant women, or children. To determine if radiofrequency ablation is right for you, schedule a consultation with our team at MVM Health: Pain, Vein, & Wellness today.

What can I expect when receiving radiofrequency ablation?

When receiving radiofrequency ablation, you can expect to feel a brief sensation of heat or cold as the electrical current is passed through the needle. You may also feel a slight tingling sensation. The procedure itself is usually quick, and you will be able to go home the same day. However, your exact expectations will depend upon why you are having the procedure.

For Varicose Veins

When having radiofrequency ablation performed to treat varicose veins, you can expect the procedure to take 30 minutes to an hour. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, and a tourniquet may be used to prevent blood flow. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, our team will make a small incision in your skin. A catheter will then be inserted through the incision and into the vein. The electrical current will be passed through the catheter, which will heat up and destroy the vein. Once the procedure is finished, a dressing will be applied to the incision site.

For Chronic Neck and Back Pain

When having radiofrequency ablation performed to treat chronic neck and back pain, you can expect the procedure to take 30-90 minutes. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, our team will make a small incision in your skin. A needle will then be inserted through the incision and into the medial or lateral branch nerves using x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy). The electrical current will be passed through the needle, which will heat up and destroy the nerve. Once the procedure is finished, a dressing will be applied to the incision site.

What should I expect after treatment?

After treatment, you may experience some soreness, redness, or bruising at the site of the needle insertion. You may also feel tired for a few days after the procedure. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for the treated area, and your instructions will vary depending on where the procedure was performed. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.

Some of the Radiofrequency Ablation Procedures Offered at MVM Health Pain Vein and Wellness includes: