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Radiofrequency Ablation

How RFA works

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a proven means of interrupting pain signals, such as those coming from irritated facet joints in the spine, genicular nerves in the knee, and femoral and obturator nerves in the hip.

RFA is designed to provide long-lasting pain relief 1,2,3

This is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, outpatient procedure that targets the nerve or nerves causing the pain. Radiofrequency current is used to heat up a small volume of nerve tissue to interrupt the pain signals at their source.

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Minimally invasive

RFA is an outpatient procedure carried out under local anesthetic. Most people can return to their normal activities within 24 hours.

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Proven outcomes

More than 70% of patients treated with RFA experience relief lasting anywhere from six to twelve months – and in some cases, years.

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Versatile

RFA can be used to treat a wide variety of pain indications from arthritic joint pain in the hip and knee to neuropathic pain in the back and neck.

How does RFA work?

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Target the nerve

X-ray ultrasound imaging helps guide a special probe to the target area to help determine the optimal treatment locations.

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Disable the nerve

The electrodes then send a small radiofrequency current into the surrounding tissue. This heats the tissue and disable the nerve so it stops sending pain signals.

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Repeat for multiple pain areas

Generally, one to four nerves are targeted in one procedure to maximize pain relief.

Learn about SideKick™ 2 Cannula for Radiofrequency Ablation

Palisade™ technique to treat Sacroilliac Joint RF procedure

RFA products

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RF Expert Centre

Discover a variety of education programmes designed by Boston Scientific in partnership with our expert physician faculty

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RFA health tool

Use this tool to understand if your patients can benefit from this minimally invasive procedure.

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1. Chaiban G, Paradis T, Atallah J. Use of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance in percutaneous radiofrequency lesioning of the sensory branches of the femoral and obturator nerves. Pain Pract. 2013 [Epub ahead of print].
2. Gupta G, Radhakrishna M, Etheridge P, Besemann M, Finlayson RJ. Radiofrequency denervation of the hip joint for pain management: case report and literature review. US Army Med Dep J. 2014 Apr-Jun:41-51.
3. Gauci CA. Radiofrequency treatment of the lumbar medial branch. Cosman Procedure Technique Series. USA; 2009.
4. Dreyfuss P, et al. Efficacy and Validity of Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Chronic Lumbar Zygapophysial Joint Pain. Spine 2000.
5. Gofeld M, et al. Radiofrequency Denervation of the Lumbar Zygapophysial Joints – Targeting the Best Practice Authors. Pain Physician 2007; 10:291-299.
6. Govind J, et al. Radiofrequency neurotomy for the treatment of third occipital headache. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry 2003; 88-93

CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material is not intended for use in France. 2024 Copyright © Boston Scientific Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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