Radiofrequency Ablation: Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to destroy a tumor. The radio waves cause friction, which heats and kills the surrounding tissue.
Source: www.diagnosticimaging.com
Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to heat a tumor. The radio waves cause friction, which heats and kills the surrounding tissue.
Source: www.dimag.com
What is Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation?
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that has rendered vein stripping all but obsolete. The procedure consists of placing a catheter into the diseased vein through a needle puncture with virtually no scarring. Radiofrequency energy (heat) is then applied that destroys the vein wall from the inside. There is minimal discomfort and patients typically resume their active lifestyles immediately.
Source: westcoastveins.com
What are the risks of a radiofrequency ablation?
As with any invasive procedure, there are some risks involved in having an RF ablation. A small amount of bleeding or a localized infection at the catheter insertion sites is possible. Very serious side effects such as damage to the heart muscle wall or blood vessels, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack are rare. Death is very rare. The vast majority of patients undergoing an RF ablation do very well and do not experience any complications. ...
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
Is the Radiofrequency Ablation device FDA approved?
The Radiofrequency ablation device used by the Liver Tumor Ablation Program has FDA 510K marketing authorization. The FDA typically does not approve devices but authorizes them for marketing. Surgical are not approved in the same manner as medications.
Source: www.clevelandclinic.org
The Radiofrequency ablation device used by the Liver Tumor Ablation Program has FDA 510K marketing authorization. The FDA typically does not approve devices but authorizes them for marketing. Surgical devices are not approved in the same manner as medications.
Source: rfa.ucsf.edu
What is radiofrequency ablation and why is it done?
Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) is a procedure used to destroy (ablate) electrical tissue in the heart. The tissue which is ablated is usually involved in some form of an arrhythmia. Ablation of this tissue usually results in the disappearance of the arrhythmia.
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
Who will perform my radiofrequency ablation?
The radiofrequency ablation is performed by a board certified physician trained in all aspects of arrhythmia recognition and management (electrophysiologist). This physician has performed hundreds of these tests on patients just like you.
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
When will I know the results of the radiofrequency ablation ?
The results of the procedure will be known immediately and will be discussed with you and your family soon after the procedure is finished.
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
What is Radiofrequency Denervation/Ablation?
This procedure deactivates minor sensory nerves around the spine. This is done using radiofrequency energy to heat the surrounding tissue and deactivate the nerve fibers that register pain. The doctor will access the affected nerve using fluoroscopy for guidance. Once properly positioned, a special probe then allows for the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the targeted area. The results of this procedure can last from months to years. ...
Source: www.advancedspineandsports.com
What are the benefits of the new tonsillar ablation with radiofrequency (Coblation) procedures?
It is easy Done in the office Generally there is no bleeding Minimal post operative pain
Source: www.thesnoredoc.com
What tumor locations can be treated with radiofrequency ablation?
The most common locations are lung and liver. In addition certain cancers in the bone, adrenal, breast and kidney can also be treated. We do not treat tumors in the brain or pancreas.
Source: cancerablation.com
What is coblation or radiofrequency ablation and how is it used for OSAS?
Coblation of the soft palate, tongue or turbinates is a new, minimally invasive surgical procedure used primarily to relieve snoring. It may have a beneficial effect for some patients with mild OSAS. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Coblation is a process that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to stiffen tissue in the soft palate, tongue, or inferior turbinates (nasal passages) that vibrates and causes snoring or obstructs the airway to cause OSAS. ...
Is there anything I need to do prior to the radiofrequency ablation?
You will be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before the procedure. Follow your physicians’ instructions for taking your medications the morning of the procedure. You will also be required to have certain blood tests drawn at least a few days prior to the procedure. If you are of childbearing age a pregnancy test will also be performed to ensure that you are not pregnant.
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
Is there any chance that the arrhythmia will recur after the radiofrequency ablation?
There is no such thing as 100% but, depending on the type of arrhythmia you have, the chances of a successful procedure are very high. Certain arrhythmias are curable in over 95% of the cases (i.e. AV nodal reentry tachycardia and AV reentry tachycardia utilizing an accessory pathway). There are other arrhythmias which have only a 70-80% success rate. ...
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
Is there anything I should be aware of after the radiofrequency ablation?
A small bruise (black and blue mark) or small lump can sometimes appear at the catheter insertion sites, which typically resolves over 2-3 weeks. A large lump or worsening pain at the catheter insertion site, swelling in the legs or fever should be reported to your doctor at once. Rarely you could have a sore throat or hoarse voice for a few days. This should resolve over 3-4 days. It is not unusual to experience a slightly faster heart rate than you might normally be used to. This will resolve over the next few weeks. ...
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
Is there anything I should avoid doing after the radiofrequency ablation?
You shouldn’t perform any heavy lifting or heavy physical exertion (including sexual intercourse, jogging, weight lifting) for at least 2-3 weeks after the RFA. Your physician can recommend which specific forms of exercise you will be allowed to perform.
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
What will happen once I arrive for the radiofrequency ablation?
After arriving at the electrophysiology laboratory, one of the nurses will assist you in changing into a hospital gown and will place an intravenous to assist us in administering sedation and medications during the procedure. Electrocardiogram electrodes and pads will be placed on your chest and back to monitor your heart rhythm throughout the study. You will be placed onto the procedure table lying flat on your back. You will notice a large camera and video monitors nearby. ...
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
Should I be aware of anything during the radiofrequency ablation?
If you feel palpitations, chest discomfort, or dizzy at any point during the procedure you should tell the staff immediately. There is a very good chance that an arrhythmia will be induced during the procedure. If this should occur and the arrhythmia does not stop on its own, the electrophysiologist can stop the arrhythmia and restore a normal rhythm with either rapid pacing via the catheters that are in your heart or with a shock to the heart.
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
How do I determine if I am a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
It is very important to have someone who is experienced in radiofrequency ablation of cancer evaluate your case. Many patients are turned away from centers before having a proper evaluation. Initially you will need to fill out one of our patient questionnaires. In addition we will want to see copies of reports from recent (less than 1-2 months old) radiological studies. This particularly includes any CT or PET/CT scans. Any notes from visits with your oncologist and pathology reports are also helpful. ...
Source: cancerablation.com
What is the difference between the laser procedure and radiofrequency ablation (CLOSURE procedure)?
Both procedures are FDA-approved, non-surgical methods of treating varicose veins. They are very similar in terms of how you are treated and what you will experience. The results for both procedures are excellent and this becomes a physician preference. The main difference is in the type of energy delivered by the catheter. One procedure is not proven better than the other
Source: www.advancedvein.net
Is there a difference between radiofrequency ablation and laser treatments for varicose veins?
Both methods work very well and have excellent results. The only difference is that radiofrequency ablation causes less bruising and pain
Source: www.avtherapies.com
What can I expect after radiofrequency (RF) ablation?
After the electrophysiology study and RF procedure are completed, the catheters and sheaths will be removed. Firm pressure will be applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. Once the bleeding has stopped, you will be returned to your room to recover. Patients can expect to feel some minor discomfort and bruising at the site of the catheter insertion. Your heart rhythms will be monitored for several hours. Typically, this procedure is done on an outpatient basis. ...
Source: www.fluttertreatment.com
Will I need an electrophysiology study prior to the radiofrequency ablation?
A radiofrequency ablation is typically performed in conjunction with an EP study. There are rare situations when an electrophysiology study is initially performed and the RF ablation is performed as a separate procedure.
Source: www.heartbeatmd.com
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RISKS OF RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION?
Procedure-related complications tend to be unusual after RFA and tend to be dependent on the part of the body being treated. The risks of treating patients with liver disease include bleeding around the liver (subcapsular hematoma), fluid collection around the lung (pleural effusion), fluid collection around the liver (ascites), obstruction of the bile ducts within the liver, inflammation of the gallbladder, shoulder pain due to inflammation of the diaphragm, and infection with possible abscess formation. ...
Source: www.communitycare.com
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION?
After the procedure, you may receive additional medication to prevent pain and nausea as the sedation wears off. Almost all of our patients are admitted overnight after the procedure to make sure that any pain is addressed with medication and to be certain that there are no post-procedure complications. You will need someone to take you home on the morning after the procedure. Once you arrive home, you can expect to have some mild post-procedure side effects. ...
Source: www.communitycare.com
HOW DO WE FOLLOW PATIENTS AFTER RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION?
After RFA, all patients require follow-up imaging on a regular basis to determine if the treated lesions have grown or if new lesions have developed. We typically perform a CT scan in 1 month, which then serves as our new “baseline” for future imaging. CT scans are then performed at 3 month intervals for 1 year. If the disease is stable at that point, this changes to performing CT scans at 6 month intervals. Initially, tumors after RFA may appear larger than they did before the procedure. ...
Source: www.communitycare.com
