Radiofrequency Ablation

What is 'radiofrequency ablation'?

Radiofrequency Ablation is a technique that involves application of Radiofrequency energy to tissue, to cause vibration and heat within the tissue, to kill cells.

What is radiofrequency ablation used for?

Radiofrequency ablation is used to kill tumors up to a certain size in various organs. It can be used in the liver, kidney, lung, or bone.

What can I expect during radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is usually preformed with intraveneous or general anesthesia. So you should be sleepy during the course of the procedure.The procedure can be preformed with either CT or ultrasound guidance. Local anesthestic is applied to the skin where the needles will be placed in the organ of interest.The procedure usually takes about an hour to two hours to preform. Afterwards you will have an extended recovery period.

How does radiofrequency ablation work?

Radiofrequency ablation works on the basis of radiofrequency waves being transmitted into the area of abnormality and causing friction. These devices are usually in the form of needles. And these special needles are emitting the radiofrquency waves directly to the tip where the tip is placed within the tumor.

How is radiofrequency ablation performed?

The procedure is performed by placement of needles into the area of abnormality. Usually we'll give you a local anaesthetic into the skin prior to placement of these needles. Once the needles are placed in an appropriate position, then the radiofrequency generator is turned on, which provides the radiofrequency energy. When the radiofrequency energy is applied, then we follow the mast and the temperature or the resistance within the mast in order to determine if the tumour is fully treated.

What does the equipment used for radiofrequency ablation look like?

The equipment used for radio frequency ablation consists of needles that are placed within the area of abnormality, and these are attached to a radio frequency generator which looks like a small box.

What are the benefits of radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation has the advantage of being able to treat small tumors without having to perform an open surgery. They only require that you be able to place the needle into the area of abnormality without having to make a large incision.

What are the risks of radiofrequency ablation?

The risks of Radiofrequency Ablation are similar to the risks of performing needle biopsies of the area of abnormality. If a needle can be safely placed within a mass, say in the liver or the kidney or in the lungs, then they frequently can be also treated with Radiofrequency Ablation.

What is 'post ablation syndrome'?

Post Ablation Syndrome refers to pain that can result from ablating the tumor. These are more common when the ablated tissue is close to the surface of some organ, such as the liver.

What are the limitations of radiofrequency ablation?

The limitations of radiofrequency ablation include possible injury to neighboring structures so that when a mass is very close to say bowl loops, that can present a problem, in addition if the mass is located next to some large blood vessels, they may not be treated adequately because the blood vessel will carry away any heat which is generated in its vicinity.