What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
A minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or stop the transmission of pain. Radiofrequency waves ablate, or “burn,” the nerve that is causing the pain, essentially eliminating the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
How does it work?
After identifying which spinal nerves are causing a patient's back pain, the doctor performs radiofrequency ablation to deactivate the part of those nerves that are signaling pain. Guided with x-ray imagery, the doctor guides a tiny probe into the spinal area until it is positioned next to the targeted nerve. Electrical pulses are passed through the probe, heating it up and destroying the part of the nerve that was sending pain signals to the brain. The targeted nerves still function, they're just unable to transmit pain sensations. The procedure that usually takes less than an hour. Patients are able to go home the same day.
What is COOLIEF* Radiofrequency Ablation?
Like other radiofrequency ablation procedures, COOLIEF* disrupts pain signals. Unlike other radiofrequency ablation procedures, COOLIEF* uses water-cooled technology. Water is circulated through the probe at the same time the nerves are being heated. This creates a larger treatment area that leads to better, long-term pain relief and ensures that pain-transmitting nerves being targeted are not overheated, which protects surrounding muscle tissues from side effects like inflammation. COOLIEF* is simply a better version of a proven pain-relieving procedure.
Conditions Treated With Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is often used on patients with:
Possible Side Effects of COOLIEF*
The side effects of radiofrequency ablation are typically very minor and occur at the needle insertion site. This includes:
- Bruising or skin discoloration
- Minor bleeding
- Swelling
Some patients may experience leg numbness but typically subsides in a few hours after the procedure.
