What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

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Radiofrequency ablation, also known as Rhizotomy, utilizes radio waves to generate heat through the transmission of electric current on to the damaged nerve for pain relief. Ablation means “to burn,”  so this procedure burns the pain-causing nerve, essentially stopping it from transmitting pain signals to the brain. It is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure that is safe and is generally finished within 15 to 20 minutes. Patients also have a choice of twilight sedation in this procedure.

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The Procedure at Dunes Pain Clinic

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During the therapy, an expert Dunes Pain physician administers a local anesthetic so that the procedure area becomes numb. If the patient still feels uneasy, then a mild sedative might be given through intravenous means to reduce the discomfort during the therapy. However, if sedatives are injected in patients then they have to be accompanied by someone who will drive them home – this is not the case otherwise.

 

After the local anesthesia procedure, a thin needle will be positioned into the target nerve area by the physician. The needle is placed in a precise spot with the help of fluoroscopic imaging. Once everything is in place, the stimulation procedure commences through an injected microelectrode.

 

The feedback of the patients, regarding their sensations, is taken by the physician during the RFA to calculate whether the electrode has been placed in the precise area or not. If the placement of the electrode is found to be correct, the radiofrequency ablation therapy commences, and the heated electrode incinerates the tissues and nerves in the affected area.

 

RFA treatment has next to no side-effects; the ones that exist are due to the anesthesia administered. Patients can go for conventional remedies like ice packs to relieve the pain caused by the procedure. The doctor is going to guide you properly with aftercare instructions.

 

To get the best RFA treatment, contact Dunes Pain Specialists for expert consultation.