Cardiac Sciences

Prolonged Pain Relief through Radiofrequency Ablation

admin Aug 01, 2024

Long-term pain can be an overwhelming as well as debilitating condition, significantly impacting quality of life. For those who have struggled with persistent pain despite several treatments, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) may provide a promising solution. This less invasive method has gained popularity for relieving prolonged pain by targeting the nerves responsible for pain. In this blog, let us delve into how RFA works, potential risks, and what happens before, during, and after the procedure.

What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), referred to as radiofrequency neurotomy, utilizes radio waves to generate a current that heats a small portion of nerve tissue. The heat destroys the nerve, stopping it from sending pain signals to the brain. RFA can provide lasting relief for people suffering from long term pain, especially in the lower back, neck, as well as arthritic joints.

How does radiofrequency ablation work?

Radiofrequency ablation utilizes heat generated from radio waves to target unhealthy tissue. When radiofrequency is put on nerve tissue, it harms nerves, which prevents/stops the pain signal from reaching the brain as well as results in pain relief.

During a radiofrequency ablation method, a tiny hollow needle is put into the targeted nerve that is causing pain. An electrode is placed on top of the needle, which sends radio waves through the needle to the targeted nerve. The heat causes a lesion that inhibits the nerve from sending pain signals to a person’s brain. Surrounding healthy nerves are not damaged during the procedure.

What happens prior to a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure?

Patient's healthcare provider will review their health history and ask questions about their pain.

Healthcare provider will examine patient and order X-rays/other imaging tests that are generally ordered to visualize patient's anatomy, assess the level of arthritis/other spine injury, and eliminate any other causes.

Healthcare provider will perform a diagnostic block test to confirm the source and level of patient's pain, which can then estimate the potential level of their pain relief. The block comprises of an injection of a local anesthetic around the area of pain.

What happens during a radiofrequency ablation procedure?

First, patient will lie on their stomach on a special X-ray table. Healthcare provider will utilise monitors to monitor patient's condition during the procedure. Patient will remain aware so they can answer their provider’s questions. Medicines can be administered during the procedure to relax the individual, but this is optional.

Doctor will utilize a local anesthetic to numb the area of person's skin where a needle will be inserted. Then:

A fine needle is put into the area where they experience pain.
Needle placement is guided by a special real-time continuous X-ray called fluoroscopy.
Once the needle has reached the desired area, medical provider will conduct a test to confirm it’s in the proper position. The test comprises of inserting a microelectrode through the hollow needle.
A local anesthetic is administered through the needle to numb the target portion.
A radiofrequency current is passed via the needle to heat the identified nerve portion.
The current destroys that nerve area, stopping it from sending pain signals to your brain.
Multiple nerves can be treated during the method (if required).

What happens after a radiofrequency ablation procedure?

After patient's radiofrequency ablation procedure:

Patient will go home shortly post their procedure. Someone must drive them home.
Patient must rest when they get home. Patient must not drive or do anything strenuous for 24 hours post the procedure. After a day or two, person can return to normal activities, including bathing or showering.
Patient may still feel soreness, pain, or muscle spasms at the treatment area for a few days.

Side effects as well as risks of radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

During the RFA method, patient may experience some pain/burning sensation at the site, like what they have experienced before. The pain may last for a 7 days or 14 days post the procedure. Putting an ice pack at the site, 20 minutes off and on, may aid soothe the pain.

The risk of complications from RFA is shallow. On occasion, permanent nerve damage/pain can happen. In few people, their original pain may get worse. Other complications, comprising infection and bleeding at the needle insertion site, are uncommon.

In summary, Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) utilizes heat to destroy tissue. For pain management, radio waves are passed through an accurately kept needle to heat a portion of the nerve. This stops pain signals from being sent back to a person’s brain. RFA is regarded for long-term pain conditions, especially of the neck, lower back, as well as arthritic joints that haven’t been accomplished with alternative methods.