Valleylab Offers You a Treatment Alternative for Inoperable Lesions

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a safe, effective treatment method for patients with inoperable primary or secondary lesions. Pulsed radiofrequency energy is used to quickly heat and ablate tissue, destroying it in minimal time. RF ablation procedures can be performed in open surgery, percutaneously, or laparoscopically. Together, you and your doctor can decide which is the right choice for you.

A Typical Procedure

A doctor will perform an RF ablation procedure in a clinical setting. General anesthesia or conscious sedation may be used to reduce any discomfort during the procedure. Using CT or ultrasound guidance, your doctor will accurately determine the location of the lesion, then insert a small needle electrode, which is connected to an RF generator, into the tissue.

Based on the type of RF ablation procedure you are having, your doctor will place the electrode in different ways. In an open procedure, a surgeon will make an incision and then insert the electrode directly into the lesion. During a percutaneous procedure, your physician will insert the electrode through your skin, then into the lesion. If performing a laparoscopic procedure, he or she will make small incisions in your abdomen to insert a camera and other surgical instruments through, then insert the electrode percutaneously.

Once electrode placement is verified, treatment is ready to begin. When the doctor activates the RF energy on the generator, current will flow through the electrode into the tissue, destroying the lesion. Chilled water circulates through the electrode, cooling the tissue and allowing the maximum amount of RF energy to be delivered. This results in a larger ablation volume. This process may need to be repeated multiple times, depending on the lesion size, number, and location. Each ablation cycle takes approximately 12 minutes.

After the Procedure

Your doctor will follow up with you 24 hours after the procedure to assess how you are feeling and to schedule an office check-up for the following week. He or she will also perform CT scans approximately 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure to check for lesion recurrence.

For More Information

Please consult your doctor for details about the potential risks of radiofrequency treatment, or for more information about the Valleylab Cool-tip™ radiofrequency ablation system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radiofrequency Ablation

Q. How long does the procedure take?

A. A typical RF ablation procedure takes approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on how the Cool-tip™ procedure is performed. Some patients will need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation and pain management.

Q. Is it going to be painful?

A. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort at the ablation site. Like other soft tissue wounds, the discomfort will subside over several days. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication, if needed.

Q. What are the risks of an RF ablation procedure?

A. While RF ablation is a safe and effective method of treating lesions, as with any procedure, there are certain risks involved. Your doctor will discuss any potential complications or side effects with you prior to the procedure.