Technical aspects of conventional and water-cooled monopolar lumbar radiofrequency rhizotomy

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe and effective pain therapy with efficacy principally reliant upon induced thermal damage of neural sensory afferents. Most peripheral RFA involves induced axonal damage but cell bodies may be involved indirectly. Radiofrequency electrodes (RFE) are not simple high-temperature probes and better insight regarding RFE function from an electrical engineering viewpoint may improve clinical outcomes by reducing the risk of poor or inadequate heating of the target nerves.
Source: Techniques in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Source Type: research