What is Radiofrequency Ablation Systems?
- Radiofrequency (RF) ablation systems are technologies in which electromagnetic radio waves in the range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz produce selective and controlled heat in tissues with alternating current.
- This system, which has been used in many areas in recent years, radiates energy to the tissues with an “active electrode” and a “passive-return electrode” where the current is recovered. (one)
- When administered through a catheter, it is called radiofrequency catheter ablation.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the intervention of heat produced by tumor or medium frequency alternating current in different tissues (2)
- RFA can usually be applied to outpatients with local hospital admissions using local anesthetics or mild sedation anesthesia.
- The advantage of radiofrequency current is that it does not cause significant tissue damage around the applied area.
- It is preferred as an effective treatment modality in liver, pancreas and similar cancers, hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal fissure, sinus pilonidalis, hypertrophic anal papillae applications.
- Ease of use and advantages have enabled RFA to be used widely, safely and effectively in the 21st century. (3,4,5,6,7)
References: 1. J. W. Hand, “Biophysics and Technology of Electromagnetic Hyperthermia” in Gautherie, Michel, Ed. (2012). Methods of External Hyperthermic Heating. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 4–8 2. Courtney M. Townsend (2012). Sabiston textbook of surgery: the biological basis of modern surgical practice (19th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders. p. 236. 3. Jain A. Resection and radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular cancer. J Surg Res. 2014 Oct; 191 (2): 309-10 4. Hadjicostas, P .; Malakounides, N .; Varianos, C .; Kitiris, E .; Lerni, F .; Symeonides, P. Phase 3 Study of ThermoDox With Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) (2006). “Radiofrequency ablation in pancreatic cancer”. HPB. 8 (1): 61–64. 5. Keogh KM, Smart NJ.The proposed use of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of fistula-in-ano. Med Hypotheses. 2016 Jan; 86: 39-42. 6. Eddama MMR, Everson M, Renshaw S, Taj T, Boulton R, Crosbie J, Cohen CR. Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease: a minimally invasive and effective treatment modality. Tech Coloproctol. 2019 Aug; 23 (8): 769-774. 7. Filingeri V, Gravante G, Cassisa D. Clinical applications of radiofrequency in proctology: a review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2006 Mar-Apr; 10 (2): 79-85. Massarweh NN, Cosgriff N, and Slakey DP. Electrosurgery: history, principles, and current and future uses. J Am Coll Surg. 2006; 202: 520-530. 9. Ho, Mae-Wan; Popp, Fritz Albert; Warnke, Ulrich (1994). Bioelectrodynamics and Biocommunication. World Scientific. pp. 10-11
