Is radiofrequency ablation a serious procedure?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is minimally invasive and usually considered a safe and low-risk procedure. However, as with any injection procedure, there is always a chance of developing side effects or other complications.
How painful is a rhizotomy?
Most patients feel pressure but do not experience pain during a rhizotomy. The surgical site will be numbed using local anesthesia. A 1/4-inch incision will be made near the facet joint of the vertebrae.
What is the success rate of a rhizotomy?
Endoscopic rhizotomy patients report a 90% success rate with up to 5 years of pain relief.
What should you not do after a rhizotomy?
After a rhizotomy, patients can usually return to work and normal activities the next day, but should avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a day or two. Taking a shower is permitted but bathing, swimming, or soaking in a hot tub should be avoided for the next 24 hours.
What can go wrong with a rhizotomy?
The risks associated with rhizotomy depend on the type of the procedure and which nerves it’s performed on. Glycerin/glycerol rhizotomy risks include bleeding, infection, nausea, vomiting, a small chance of sensory change (feeling of numbness) and anesthesia complications.
What is the difference between an ablation and a rhizotomy?
Radiofrequency rhizotomy (also known as radiofrequency ablation) is similar to the glycerin rhizotomy, but instead of using a chemical to destroy the nerve fibers, a radiofrequency current is used to burn the fibers.
What is the frequency range of a radio?
Radio waves range from 300 gigahertz (GHz), or a wavelength of 1 millimeter, to 3 kilohertz (kHz), which corresponds to a wavelength of 100 kilometers. Radio waves are the lowest frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum. The wavelength is the distance from the peak of one wave to the next.
Does the radio frequency ablation really work?
Radiofrequency ablation may be right for you if you have chronic pain that does not respond to other treatment, such as pain medication and physical therapy. Talk to your physician about it. To schedule an evaluation at Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Pain Management call 216.444.PAIN (7246) or 800.392.3353.
Which radio frequency to use?
Microwave ovens. Microwave ovens work by using very high levels of a certain frequency of RF radiation (in the microwave spectrum) to heat foods.
What is a RF radio frequency?
Radio frequency ( RF) is the oscillation rate of an alternating electric current or voltage or of a magnetic, electric or electromagnetic field or mechanical system in the frequency range from around 20 kHz to around 300 GHz. This is roughly between the upper limit of audio frequencies and the lower limit of infrared frequencies; these are the