Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat (thermal energy) to kill specific tissue within the body. RFA is used to destroy benign and malignant tumors, eliminate varicose veins, and alleviate chronic neck or back pain.
RFA as a Cancer Treatment
The main types of cancer that may be treated with radiofrequency ablation include:
At Florida Endovascular and Interventional in South Florida, our interventional radiologists specialize in same-day, minimally invasive procedures to help patients with cancer and many other medical conditions.
RFA may be recommended to treat your cancer if you are not a good candidate for surgery – whether that’s because there are multiple tumors, the tumor location makes it difficult to remove surgically, or if the risks associated with surgery are a problem for you based on your age, overall health, or the presence of another medical condition.
RFA may also be used to shrink a tumor prior to surgery or to relieve symptoms associated with the tumor. The procedure can be repeated as often as necessary to control the disease. Sometimes, radiofrequency ablation can be used to delay surgery.
RFA may also be used along with other interventional treatments. For example, after RFA for bone cancer, our doctor may recommend kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty to strengthen the bone and help prevent fractures.
How Radiofrequency Ablation Kills Cancer Cells
Radiofrequency ablation works by heating the tissue around cancer cells to a high temperature that destroys the cancer cells with minimal injury to nearby healthy tissue. RFA is considered a safe and effective method of destroying cancer cells. Studies have shown that this procedure is as effective as surgery for small tumors and can be a curative treatment when only one or a few lesions are present.
RFA: What to Expect
Like many of the interventional procedures we perform, radiofrequency ablation is performed in a Florida Endovascular and Interventional surgery suite. Patients may be given IV sedation and/or local anesthesia to alleviate any discomfort.
During the procedure, our doctor will insert a needle electrode through the skin and guide it to the target tumor with the help of real-time imaging. Once the needle is in position, high-frequency electrical currents are passed through the needle, focusing the generated heat on cancer cells around the tip of the needle, destroying those cells. At the same time, the heat closes small blood vessels in the area, reducing the risk of bleeding.
Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation in South Florida
Are you looking for a cancer treatment method that allows you to skip surgery – and still be able to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells? Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an image-guided procedure that does just that, and it’s performed in the Florida Endovascular and Interventional office.
Find out if you’re a good candidate for RFA cancer treatment by calling Florida Endovascular and Interventional at (786) 534-2555. You can also request an appointment now to visit us at one of our four convenient South Florida locations.
