LT-113-Radiofrequency-Patient-Education-Brochure-Rev.-0

How Radiofrequency Ablation Pain ManagementWorks to Relieve Facet Pain Radiofrequency Ablation 1. Inflamed nervous tissue.2. Needle is inserted to the treatment area.3. An RF probe is inserted through the needle and the radiofrequency current heats surrounding nerve tissue to create lesions.4. Nervous tissue is treated. www.epimedpain.com www.epimedrf.com LT-113 Rev. 0

Radiofrequency Ablation After the Procedure Connecting each vertebrae are two small, stabilizing joints called facet joints located on each side of theRadiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure where After the procedure, patients are discharged within 1-3 vertebral body (see illustration below). Overtime,heat lesioning is performed on specific nerves with the hours. Initial discomfort may occur, but most patients invertebral discs can thin due to daily forces exertedintention of interrupting pain signals. resume normal daily functions within 1-2 days. After a upon the spine. As space between each vertebra few days, there should be noticeable decrease in pain shrink, cartilage between the facet joints degradeTo perform this procedure, a specialized thermocouple with expected continued improvement over the next and painful friction can cause degenerative arthritis.(probe) is placed into a needle near the nerve. When several weeks. Degenerative arthritis can cause neck and back pain,activated, a high frequency current causes a lesion. The though upper back and shoulder pain can occur.pathway between the nerve and spine is interrupted and The procedure can relieve pain for up to 2 years.signal transmission is no longer available, resulting in However as nerves repair themselves, pain may return Symptomspain relief. and the procedure can be re-performed. • Pain or discomfort in the lumbar areaBefore the Procedure Causes of Pain • Increased pain with twisting of the hip or bendingPrior to eligibility, a physician will confirm a diagnosis Your spine is made of 24 bones called vertebrae, each backward and extending the lower backwith a Medial Branch Block. A doctor will then inform the consisting of a hollow circular piece of bone protecting • Dull pain that radiates to the buttocks, patient about the procedure and answer any questions. the spinal cord which runs through the spinal canal. Invertebral discs are located between each vertebra, hips, or back of thighsYou’re doctor may also ask for information regarding: providing protection from vertebrae friction and • Difficulty in rotating the head• Current medications, including herbal allowing flexibility of the spine. • Neck pain • Headaches supplements and their dosages Vertebrae • Shoulder pain• Drug, iodine, or latex allergies• Current health conditions DiagnosisDay of the Procedure To determine whether the facet joint is the source of pain, a physician will perform a Medial Branch Block,• Eating anything 6 hours before the procedure is injecting an anesthetic near the nerves that access the strictly prohibited. Clear liquids are accepted until facet joint. two hours before the procedure. If the patient experiences significant pain relief, it• Patients with diabetes must adjust their insulin confirms that the joint is the source of pain. dosage. Your physician will direct you on this.• Arrange for someone to assist you with transportation after the procedure.• Discontinue pain medications 4 hours before the time of your appointment.An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in a vein in yourarm before the procedure.During the ProcedureDuring an RFAprocedure, a patient lays on their stomach,conscious but sedated. With x-ray guidance, a doctor willinsert an RF needle followed by an electrode into thelocation. Once placement is confirmed, a high-frequencyelectrical current is passed through the electrode causingheat and lesioning of the sensory nerve. Facet Joints