(RFA)
Definition
Definition
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to destroy abnormal tissue.
Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat:
- Cancerous tumors in the liver, bone, kidney, breast, lung, or adrenal gland; particularly those that have not responded, or are unlikely to respond to surgery and/or chemotherapy alone. It is often used to treat tumors that have spread.
- Cardiac arrhythmias —Irregular and/or rapid heart rhythms due to abnormal electrical conduction pathways.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—Condition in which enlarged areas of the prostate may be compressing the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
- Overgrown areas of the soft palate that may be responsible for severe snoring and/or sleep apnea.
- Pain from soft tissue tumors or disease that has spread.
- Severe nerve pain.
- Varicose veins.
Radiofrequency Ablation ResultsAblation procedure blocked impulses that had been causing atrial fibrillation.
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Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Discomfort
- Bruising or bleeding
- Infection
- Lung collapse upon insertion of the probe—when the procedure involves the lung, liver, or upper kidney
- Blood clots or damage to heart muscle or conduction pathways after procedures on the heart
- Liver abscess
- Damage to tissue surrounding the target area
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Bleeding problems
- Active infection
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
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Your doctor may order:
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)—a test that records the electrical currents passing through the heart muscle
- Imaging tests like x-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scan
- Ask your doctor if you need to avoid eating or drinking before the procedure.
Anesthesia
You will most likely be given a sedative to help you relax. Local anesthesia will be used to numb the area. If this is done as part of another surgery, you may have general or spinal anesthesia.
Description of the Procedure
The probe will be inserted into or directly up against the abnormal tissue. CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI scan images may be used to help guide the probe. In some cases, once the probe is inserted, a number of electrodes will be placed into the area. This will let the doctor treat a larger area of tissue.
A small amount of heat will be introduced through the probe. The heat will destroy the abnormal tissue. The probe may be repositioned to destroy other areas of tissue.
Immediately After Procedure
You will be monitored for 2-3 hours after the procedure.
How Long Will It Take?
About 10-60 minutes
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
Average Hospital Stay
It may be possible to leave the hospital on the same day of the procedure. You may need to stay overnight for your doctor to monitor you. Speak to your doctor to see if this is an option in your case.
Post-procedure Care
Do not drive within the first 24 hours after the procedure. You may be asked to avoid strenuous activities.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
- Pain that you cannot control with the medications you’ve been given
- Cough, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
Radiology Info—The Radiological Society of North America http://www.radiologyinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/PreventionTreatmentofHeartAttack/Cardiac-Procedures-and-Surgeries_UCM_303939_Article.jsp
Updated october 24, 2014. Accessed December 30, 2014.
Gazelle GS, Goldberg SN, et al. Tumor ablation with radio-frequency energy. Radiology. 2000;217(3):633.
Interventional radiology. The Radiological Society of North America Radiology Info website. Available at
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/sitemap/category.cfm?category=ir&bhcp=1
Accessed December 30, 2014.
Radiofrequency ablation background. National Institutes of Health website. Available at
http://www.cc.nih.gov/drd/rfa/background.html
Accessed December 30, 2014.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014