Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Comprehensive Pain Management of the Fox Valley, S.C. • NEENAH OFFICE 100 Theda Clark Medical Plaza Suite 252 Neenah, WI 54956 920-733-7230 920-729-0347 (fax) • APPLETON OFFICE 820 East Grant Street Suite 335 Appleton, WI 54911 920-733-7230 or 877-733-7230 920-733-7231 (fax) OUR MEDICAL STAFF A.E. Yakovlev M.D. B. Resch APNP L. M. Fields, APNP A. Parmentier, APNP Email This Page		WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION? Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe method of interrupting pain signals. RF current is used to heat up a small volume of nerve tissue, which interrupts pain signals from that particular area. HOW DOES A RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION ALLEVIATE MY PAIN? During this procedure, you will be positioned on your stomach. A local anesthesia or a mild sedative will be administered in order to reduce discomfort. The doctor will insert a small needle into the general area where you are experiencing pain. Using x-ray guidance, the doctor will guide the needle to the exact target area. A microelectrode is inserted through the needle to begin the stimulation process. The doctor will ask you about any tingling or other sensations. This process will help the doctor determine if the electrode is in the best possible position to provide maximum pain relief. Once the needle and electrode are placed, the treatment will begin. A small RFA current travels through the electrode into the surrounding tissue, causing the tissue to heat and eliminate the pain pathways. Alert the doctor at any time during the procedure if you experience discomfort. POST PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS ACTIVITY: - Do not drive or operate machinery on the day of your procedure. - Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the rest of the day. - Normal activity can be resumed on the following day, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. - No heavy lifting for several days after the injection. DIET: - Resume your regular diet PATIENT COMFORT: - Keep the injection site clean and dry. - If you have a dressing, it can be removed the following day. You can then shower. - Take medication as prescribed by your doctor. - An ice pack can be applied to the injection site once the effect of the local. anesthetic wears off. The ice pack should be applied for no more than 20 minutes at a time. SYMPTOMS TO REPORT: - Rash or itching - Stomach pain - Numbness that lasts longer than 24 hours - Note any side effects such as headache, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, or loss of bladder control. Such side effects are rare, and typically subside within 24 hours. - (Patients with Diabetes) You may experience a worsening of diabetic symptoms (excessive thirst, excessive urination, elevated blood sugars). Check your blood sugar twice a day for 2 weeks following the injections. Call your physician who is managing your diabetes if you experience any increase in symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns related to your treatment, please contact Comprehensive Pain Management of the Fox Valley S.C.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Comprehensive
Pain Management
of the Fox Valley, S.C.

• NEENAH OFFICE
100 Theda Clark
Medical Plaza
Suite 252
Neenah, WI 54956
920-733-7230
920-729-0347 (fax)

• APPLETON OFFICE
820 East Grant Street
Suite 335
Appleton, WI 54911
920-733-7230 or
877-733-7230
920-733-7231 (fax)

OUR MEDICAL STAFF
A.E. Yakovlev M.D.
B. Resch APNP
L. M. Fields, APNP
A. Parmentier, APNP

Email This Page

WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe method of interrupting pain signals. RF current is used to heat up a small volume of nerve tissue, which interrupts pain signals from that particular area.

HOW DOES A RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION ALLEVIATE MY PAIN?

During this procedure, you will be positioned on your stomach. A local anesthesia or a mild sedative will be administered in order to reduce discomfort. The doctor will insert a small needle into the general area where you are experiencing pain. Using x-ray guidance, the doctor will guide the needle to the exact target area. A microelectrode is inserted through the needle to begin the stimulation process. The doctor will ask you about any tingling or other sensations. This process will help the doctor determine if the electrode is in the best possible position to provide maximum pain relief.

Once the needle and electrode are placed, the treatment will begin. A small RFA current travels through the electrode into the surrounding tissue, causing the tissue to heat and eliminate the pain pathways. Alert the doctor at any time during the procedure if you experience discomfort.

POST PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS

ACTIVITY:

     - Do not drive or operate machinery on the day of your procedure.
     - Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the rest of the day.
     - Normal activity can be resumed on the following day, unless otherwise instructed by
        your doctor.
     - No heavy lifting for several days after the injection.

DIET:

- Resume your regular diet

PATIENT COMFORT:

     - Keep the injection site clean and dry.
     - If you have a dressing, it can be removed the following day. You can then shower.
   - Take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
     - An ice pack can be applied to the injection site once the effect of the local.
        anesthetic wears off. The ice pack should be applied for no more than 20 minutes
        at a time.

SYMPTOMS TO REPORT:

     - Rash or itching
     - Stomach pain
     - Numbness that lasts longer than 24 hours

     - Note any side effects such as headache, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs,
        or loss of bladder control. Such side effects are rare, and typically subside within
        24 hours.

     - (Patients with Diabetes) You may experience a worsening of diabetic symptoms
        (excessive thirst, excessive urination, elevated blood sugars). Check your blood
        sugar twice a day for 2 weeks following the injections. Call your physician who is
        managing your diabetes if you experience any increase in symptoms.

If you have any questions or concerns related to your treatment, please contact Comprehensive Pain Management of the Fox Valley S.C.