| Radiofrequency ablation |
| Intervention |
| ICD-9-CM |
01.32, 04.2, 37.33, 37.34, 60.97 |
| MeSH |
D017115 |
Radio frequency ablation (RFA) is a medical procedure in which part of the electrical conduction system of the heart, tumor or other dysfunctional tissue is ablated using the heat generated from high frequency alternating current (in the range of 350–500 kHz).[1] RFA is generally conducted in the outpatient setting, using either local anesthetics or conscious sedation anesthesia.
Two important advantages of RF current (over previously used low frequency AC or pulses of DC) are that it does not directly stimulate nerves or heart muscle and therefore can often be used without the need for general anesthetic, and that it is very specific for treating the desired tissue without significant collateral damage.
Documented benefits have led to RFA becoming widely used during the last 15 years.[2][3] RFA procedures are performed under image guidance (such as X-ray screening, CT scan or ultrasound) by an interventional pain specialist (such as an anesthesiologist), interventional radiologist, otolaryngologists, a gastrointestinal or surgical endoscopist, or a cardiac electrophysiologist, a subspecialty of cardiologists.
Contents
- 1 Tumors
- 2 Cardiology
- 3 Varicose veins
- 4 Obstructive sleep apnea
- 5 Pain management
- 6 Barrett's esophagus
- 7 Other uses
- 8 See also
- 9 References
- 10 External links
Tumors[edit]
CT scan showing radiofrequency ablation of a liver lesion
RFA may be performed to treat tumors in the lung,[4][5][6] liver,[7] kidney, and bone, as well as other body organs less commonly. Once the diagnosis of tumor is confirmed, a needle-like RFA probe is placed inside the tumor. The radiofrequency waves passing through the probe increase the temperature within tumor tissue and results in destruction of the tumor. RFA can be used with small tumors, whether these arose within the organ (primary tumors) or spread to the organ (metastases). The suitability of RFA for a particular tumor depends on multiple factors.
RFA can usually be administered as an out-patient procedure, that may at times require a brief hospital stay. RFA may be combined with locally-delivered chemotherapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer). The low-level heat (hyperthermia) created by the RFA probe causes heat-sensitive liposomes to release concentrated levels of chemotherapy in the margins around the ablated tissue, which is a method commonly used to treat Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).[8] Radiofrequency ablation is also used in pancreatic cancer and bile duct cancer.[9]
Cardiology[edit]
Schematic view of a pulmonary vein ablation. The catheter reaches (from below) through the inferior vena cava, the right atrium and the left atrium, to the orifice of the left upper pulmonary vein.
Radiofrequency energy is used in heart tissue or normal parts to destroy abnormal electrical pathways that are contributing to a cardiac arrhythmia. It is used in recurrent atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation (AF), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial tachycardia and some types of ventricular arrhythmia. The energy-emitting probe (electrode) is at the tip of a catheter which is placed into the heart, usually through a vein. This catheter is called the ablator. The practitioner first "maps" an area of the heart to locate the abnormal electrical activity (electrophysiology study) before the responsible tissue is eliminated. Ablation is now the standard treatment for SVT and typical atrial flutter and the technique can also be used in AF, either to block the atrioventricular node after implantation of a pacemaker or to block conduction within the left atrium, especially around the pulmonary veins. In some conditions, especially forms of intra-nodal re-entry (the most common type of SVT), also called atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia or AVNRT, ablation can also be accomplished by cryoablation (tissue freezing using a coolant which flows through the catheter) which avoids the risk of complete heart block - a potential complication of RF ablation in this condition. Recurrence rates with cryoablation are higher, though.[10] Microwave ablation, where tissue is ablated by the microwave energy "cooking" the adjacent tissue, and ultrasonic ablation, creating a heating effect by mechanical vibration, or laser ablation have also been developed but are not in widespread use.
In 2004, former British prime minister Tony Blair underwent RF catheter ablation for recurrent atrial flutter.[11][12]
In AF, the abnormal electrophysiology can also be corrected surgically. This procedure, referred to as the "Cox maze procedure", is mostly performed concomitantly with cardiac surgery.
A new and promising indication for the use of RF technology has made news in the last few years. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a very common condition, with about 1 billion people over the world, nearly 75 million in the US alone. Complications of inadequately controlled hypertension are many and have both individual and global impact. Treatment options include medications, diet, exercise, weight reduction and meditation. Inhibition of the neural impulses that are believed to cause or worsen hypertension has been tried for a few decades. Surgical sympathectomy has helped but not without significant side effects. Using RF-generated heat to ablate nerve endings in the renal arteries was found to help in cases of 'resistant hypertension' (defined as blood pressure readings over 150/90 despite three antihypertensive medications). The procedure is non-surgical and comparatively simpler to perform. The initial experience has been very encouraging. More clarification (in terms of long term success, side effects and complications) is needed. If the initial positive experience holds up, the procedure may have far reaching benefits in a few other conditions as well.
Varicose veins[edit]
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used in the treatment of varicose veins. It is an alternative to the traditional stripping operation. Under ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the abnormal vein and the vessel treated with radio-energy, resulting in closure of the involved vein. Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat the great saphenous vein, the small saphenous vein, and the perforator veins. The latter are connecting veins that transport blood from the superficial veins to the deep veins. Branch varicose veins are then usually treated with other minimally invasive procedures, such as ambulatory phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, or foam sclerotherapy. Currently, the VNUS ClosureRFS stylet is the only device specifically cleared by FDA for endovenous ablation of perforator veins.[13]
It should be pointed out that the possibility of skin burn during the procedure is very small, because the large volumes (500 cc) of dilute Lidocaine (0.1%) tumescent anesthesia injected along the entire vein prior to the application of radiofrequency provide a heat sink that absorbs the heat created by the device. Early studies have shown a high success rate with low rates of complications.
Obstructive sleep apnea[edit]
Main article: Obstructive sleep apnea#Radiofrequency ablation
RFA was first studied in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a pig model.[14] RFA has been recognized as a somnoplasty treatment option in selected situations by the American Academy of Otolaryngology[14] but was not endorsed for general use in the American College of Physicians guidelines.[15]
The clinical application of RFA in obstructive sleep apnea is reviewed in that main article, including controversies and potential advantages in selected medical situations. Unlike other electrosurgical devices,[16] RFA allows very specific treatment targeting of the desired tissue with a precise line of demarcation that avoids collateral damage, which is crucial in the head and neck region due to its high density of major nerves and blood vessels. RFA also does not require high temperatures. However, overheating from misapplication of RFA can cause harmful effects such as coagulation on the surface of the electrode, boiling within tissue that can leave "a gaping hole", tears, or even charring.[17]
Pain management[edit]
Main article: Radio frequency nerve lesioning
RFA, or rhizotomy, is sometimes used to treat severe chronic pain in the lower (lumbar) back, where radio frequency waves are used to produce heat on specifically identified nerves surrounding the facet joints on either side of the lumbar spine. By generating heat around the nerve, its ability to transmit pain signals to the brain is destroyed, thus ablating the nerve. The nerves to be ablated are identified through injections of local anesthesia (such as lidocaine) prior to the RFA procedure. If the local anesthesia injections provide temporary pain relief, then RFA is performed on the nerve(s) that responded well to the injections. RFA is a minimally invasive procedure which can usually be done in day-surgery clinics, going home shortly after completion of the procedure. The patient is awake during the procedure, so risks associated with general anesthesia are avoided. An intravenous line may be inserted so that mild sedatives can be administered. The major drawback for this procedure is that nerves regenerate over time, so the pain relief achieved lasts for only a short duration (6–24 months[18]) in most patients.
Barrett's esophagus[edit]
Radiofrequency ablation has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for Barrett's esophagus. The balloon-based radiofrequency procedure was invented by Robert A. Ganz, Roger Stern and Brian Zelickson in 1999 (System and Method for Treating Abnormal Tissue in the Human Esophagus). While the patient is sedated, a catheter is inserted into the esophagus and radiofrequency energy is delivered to the diseased tissue. This outpatient procedure typically lasts from fifteen to thirty minutes. Two months after the procedure, the physician performs an upper endoscopic examination to assess the esophagus for residual Barrett's esophagus. If any Barrett's esophagus is found, the disease can be treated with a focal RFA device. Between 80-90% or greater of patients in numerous clinical trials have shown complete eradication of Barrett's esophagus in approximately two to three treatments with a favorable safety profile. The treatment of Barrett's esophagus by RFA is durable for up to 5 years.[19][20][21][22][23]
Other uses[edit]
RFA is also used in radiofrequency lesioning, for vein closure in areas where intrusive surgery is contraindicated by trauma, and in liver resection to control bleeding (hemostasis) and facilitate the transection process.
This process has also been used with success to treat TRAP sequence in multiple gestation pregnancies. This is becoming the leading method of treatment with a higher success rate for saving the 'pump' twin in recent studies than previous methods including laser photocoagulation. Due to the rarity of this complication, its correct diagnosis statistics are not yet reliable.
RFA is being investigated to treat uterine fibroids. A system developed by Halt Medical Inc. uses the heat energy of radio frequency waves to ablate the fibroid tissue. The device obtained FDA approval in 2012.[24][25] The device is inserted via a laparoscopic probe and guided inside the fibroid tissue using an ultrasound probe (see video demonstration [4]).
RFA is also used in the treatment of Morton's neuroma[26] where the outcome appears to be more reliable than alcohol injections.[27]
See also[edit]
- Non-invasive RF cancer treatment
- Interventional radiology
- Radio frequency
References[edit]
- ^ Sabiston textbook of surgery : the biological basis of modern surgical practice. (19th ed. ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders. p. 236. ISBN 978-1-4377-1560-6.
- ^ http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4682
- ^ http://www.mayoclinic.org/radiofrequency-ablation
- ^ March 2008 - Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) gives lung cancer patients two more years
- ^ NHS, June 2008 - Radiofrequency ablation for lung cancer
- ^ Daily Telegraph - June 2008 - Lung cancer radiation treatment offers new hope
- ^ BBC News- 16 January 2009 - Liver tumours 'microwaved away'
- ^ Phase 3 Study of ThermoDox With Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
- ^ Hadjicostas, P.; Malakounides, N.; Varianos, C.; Kitiris, E.; Lerni, F.; Symeonides, P. (2006). "Radiofrequency ablation in pancreatic cancer". HPB: Official Journal of the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association 8 (1): 61–64. doi:10.1080/13651820500466673. PMC 2131369. PMID 18333241.
- ^ Deisenhofer I, Zrenner B, Yin YH, et al. Cryoablation Versus Radiofrequency Energy for the Ablation of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (the CYRANO Study) : Results From a Large Multicenter Prospective Randomized Trial. Circulation 2010, 122:2239-2245
- ^ http://www.theheart.org/article/214333.do
- ^ "Blair sails through surgery, but house deal faces probe". The Sun-Herald (Sydney). October 3, 2004.
- ^ Endovenous ablation of perforator veins
- ^ a b "Submucosal Ablation of the Tongue Base for OSAS". American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
- ^ Qaseem, A; Holty, JE; Owens, DK; Dallas, P; Starkey, M; Shekelle, P; for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of, Physicians (Sep 24, 2013). "Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians.". Annals of Internal Medicine. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-159-7-201310010-00704. PMID 24061345.
- ^ Bashetty, Kusum; Gururaj Nadig Sandhya Kapoor (19 November 2009). "Electrosurgery in aesthetic and restorative dentistry: A literature review and case reports". Journal of Conservative Dentistry 12 (4): 139–144. doi:10.4103/0972-0707.58332. PMC 2879725. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
- ^ Eick, Olaf J (1 July 2002). "Temperature Controlled Radiofrequency Ablation". Indian Pacing Electrophysiol. 3 2 (3): 66–73. PMC 1564057. PMID 17006561. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
- ^ RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION FOR BACK PAIN
- ^ Ganz R, Utley D, Stern R, et al. Complete Ablation of Esophageal Epithelium Using a Balloon-based Bipolar Electrode. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2004; 60:1002-10.
- ^ Fleischer DE, Overholt, BF, Sharma VK, et al. (2010). "Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus: 5-year outcomes from a prospective multicenter trial". Endoscopy 42 (10): 781-9.
- ^ Shaheen NJ, Sharma, P, Overholt, BF, et al. (2009). "Radiofrequency Ablation in Barrett's Esophagus with Dysplasia". New England Journal of Medicine 360 (22): 2277-88.
- ^ Shaheen NJ, Overholt, BF, Sampliner, RE et al. (2011). "Durability of Ablation in Barrett's Esophagus with Dysplasia". Gastroenterology 141 (2): 460-8.
- ^ van Vilsteren FG, Pouw RE, Seewald, S et al. "Stepwise radical endoscopic resection versus radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's oesophagus with high grade dysplasia or early cancer: a multicentre randomised trial". Gut 60: 765-73.
- ^ [Halt Medical Inc. http://haltmedical.com]
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
- ^ [3]
External links[edit]
- Article on RFA Lung Procedures (cancernews.com)
- Article on RFA Breast Procedures (cancernews.com)
- Article on RFA Kidney Procedures (cancernews.com)
- Radio Frequency Ablation Treatment Process and Procedure
- Orthopedic Pain Management
- RFA In Pain Management
- RFA for the treatment of Barrett's Oesophagus
- RFA in Varicose Vein Treatment
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Healthcare science – Medicine / Surgery / Cardiac procedures (ICD-9-CM V3 35–37+89.4+99.6, ICD-10-PCS 02)
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| Surgery and IC |
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Heart valves
and septa
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- Valve repair
- Valvulotomy
- Mitral valve repair
- Valvuloplasty
- Valve replacement
- Aortic valve replacement
- Ross procedure
- Percutaneous aortic valve replacement
- Mitral valve replacement
- production of septal defect in heart
- enlargement of existing septal defect
- Atrial septostomy
- Balloon septostomy
- creation of septal defect in heart
- Blalock–Hanlon procedure
- shunt from heart chamber to blood vessel
- atrium to pulmonary artery
- Fontan procedure
- left ventricle to aorta
- Rastelli procedure
- right ventricle to pulmonary artery
- Sano shunt
- compound procedures
- for transposition of great vessels
- Jatene procedure
- Mustard procedure
- for univentricular defect
- Norwood procedure
- Kawashima procedure
- shunt from blood vessel to blood vessel
- systemic circulation to pulmonary artery shunt
- Blalock–Taussig shunt
- SVC to the right PA
- Glenn procedure
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Cardiac vessels
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- CHD
- Angioplasty
- Bypass/Coronary artery bypass
- MIDCAB
- Off-pump CAB
- TECAB
- Coronary stent
- Bare-metal stent
- Drug-eluting stent
- Bentall procedure
- Valve-sparing aortic root replacement
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Other
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- Pericardium
- Pericardiocentesis
- Pericardial window
- Pericardiectomy
- Myocardium
- Cardiomyoplasty
- Dor procedure
- Septal myectomy
- Ventricular reduction
- Alcohol septal ablation
- Conduction system
- Maze procedure
- Cox maze and minimaze
- Catheter ablation
- Cryoablation
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Pacemaker insertion
- Left atrial appendage occlusion
- Cardiotomy
- Heart transplantation
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Diagnostic
tests and
procedures |
- Electrophysiology
- Electrocardiography
- Vectorcardiography
- Holter monitor
- Implantable loop recorder
- Cardiac stress test
- Bruce protocol
- Electrophysiology study
- Cardiac imaging
- Angiocardiography
- Echocardiography
- TTE
- TEE
- Myocardial perfusion imaging
- Cardiovascular MRI
- Ventriculography
- Radionuclide ventriculography
- Cardiac catheterization/Coronary catheterization
- Cardiac CT
- Cardiac PET
- sound
- Phonocardiogram
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| Function tests |
- Impedance cardiography
- Ballistocardiography
- Cardiotocography
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| Pacing |
- Cardioversion
- Transcutaneous pacing
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noco/cong/tumr, sysi/epon, injr
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proc, drug (C1A/1B/1C/1D), blte
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