Is radiofrequency Thermocoagulation the same as radiofrequency ablation?

Is radiofrequency Thermocoagulation the same as radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RTFC) is a treatment utilizing radiowaves and heat to destroy tissue, in our case a nerve, for pain relief.

What frequency is used for radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation employs electric current in the radiofrequency range (450 – 500 kHz) to heat, and destroy cancer tissue.

What is radio frequency Neurotomy?

Radiofrequency neurotomy uses heat generated by radio waves to target specific nerves and temporarily turn off their ability to send pain signals. The procedure is also known as radiofrequency ablation. Needles inserted through your skin near the painful area deliver the radio waves to the targeted nerves.

How often should radiofrequency ablation be done?

If the nerve regrows, it is usually 6-12 months after the procedure. Radiofrequency ablation is 70-80% effective in people who have successful nerve blocks. The procedure can be repeated if needed.

What is cold RF?

Cooled RF is an advancement of traditional radiofrequency ablation – a recognized treatment for spine pain, except with Cooled RF physicians have a larger treatment area to work with which increases accuracy, reduces the risk of damaging adjacent tissues, and expands the treatment option for hip and knee pain, as well …

What is rhizotomy surgery?

Rhizotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove sensation from a painful nerve by killing nerve fibers responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. The nerve fibers can be destroyed by severing them with a surgical instrument or burning them with a chemical or electrical current.

Does cooled radiofrequency ablation relieve osteoarthritis pain?

Patients treated for osteoarthritis-related knee pain with cooled radiofrequency ablation saw greater improvements in pain relief and knee function compared with patients treated with a single injection of hyaluronic acid, according to a recent study.

What are the side effects of Coolief?

Most studies found few or no side effects associated with the Coolief procedure. Even so, the manufacturer warns of potential risks that include infection, nerve damage, increased pain — even paralysis and death. In part, this may be based on reports of cooled radiofrequency ablation in other areas of the body.

When do you do rhizotomy?

There is little or no recovery time. A rhizotomy is something your doctor may suggest if you’ve experienced chronic back pain, especially in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine) after other more conservative measures have failed.

What happens to the nerves during RF rhizotomy?

By destroying these nerves, the communication link that signals pain from the spine to the brain can be broken. Before an RF rhizotomy exam can be scheduled, it is important for our physicians to verify the areas where the pain originates.

Which is the correct name for radiofrequency thermocoagulation?

The procedure goes by lots of names: radiofrequency thermocoagulation = RF = RFTC = radiofrequency ablation = burning of the nerves = neurotomy = facet rhizotomy = denervation Works by applying heat to the nerve to “break” the nerve so it no longer sends pain signals Who needs a radiofrequency ablation?

How is radiofrequency neurotomy done in the hospital?

Radiofrequency neurotomy is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home later that same day. You’ll wear a hospital gown and lie on your stomach on an X-ray table. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your arm or hand to deliver medication that will keep you comfortable during the procedure.

What kind of exam is required for RF rhizotomy?

Exams required to determine these areas might include MRI of the spine, facet nerve injections with local anesthetic (numbing) and steroid (anti-inflammatory) medication, and possibly discography. When it is determined that you are a candidate for this procedure, you will schedule an appointment with our staff at a local hospital or surgery center.