Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive technique that shrinks the size of tumors, nodules or other growths in the body. RFA is used to treat a range of conditions, including benign and malignant tumors, chronic venous insufficiency in the legs, as well as chronic back and neck pain.
RFA may or may not be performed under mild sedation. If sedation is used, the patient is usually kept awake and conscious to an extent to be able to describe what they feel during the stimulation and lesioning of the nerve. RFA involves the following steps:
The patient lies on his/her stomach on a procedure table. If sedation is used, an intravenous (IV) line is started so that relaxation medicine (sedation) can be given.
The skin over the treatment area (neck, mid-back, or low back) is well cleaned to minimize the risk of infection.
The physician numbs a small area of skin by injecting a numbing medicine (anesthetic) in the region of the RFA injection site.
The physician uses x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to direct the RFA needle toward the medial or lateral branch nerves.
