Thermal Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
and Pulsed RFA
Thermal Radiofrequency ablation:
Radiofrequency neuroablation demands very precise needle placement and a rigorous protocol to maximize efficacy and assure that motor or sensory nerves are not damaged. In RFA, thermal energy is used to selectively destroy specific sensory nerves that are involved in the transmission of pain. Because the procedure physically damages the targeted nerves, the physician must take great care in properly placing the needles. Prior to the radiofrequency procedure, it is important that a separate injection procedure be performed with local anesthetic, thereby establishing the diagnosis that will predict the effectiveness of the neuroablation. When performed properly and selectively, this can be a very safe and effective pain relief technique.
Pulsed-Radiofrequency Ablation (Pulsed-RFA):
Pulsed RF is a technique that is used to essentially stun the nerve tissue from transmitting pain signals. This technique is different than standard RFA in that standard RFA uses thermal energy to physically alter the nerve. Pulsed RF allows the opportunity to affect pain transmission without physically altering the nerve. This theory is supported by evidence showing that pulsed RF induces changes in synaptic transmission and electro-propagation. Pulsed RF is utilized most frequently for patients that have a short term response to spinal nerve blocks and is used to inhibit pain signals transmitted from the dorsal root ganglion (DRG).
