There are three basic types of systems used for RF ablation procedures. The specific RFA system and guidance method are chosen based on location and size of the tumor to be treated, proximity of large vessels, bleeding risk, the pathway that the needle-electrode has to take to enter the tumor, and the importance of minimizing collateral damage. The systems differ based on the length and configuration of the active tip of the needle-electrode. See similar questions...

Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to destroy a tumor. The radio waves cause friction, which heats and kills the surrounding tissue. See similar questions...

No, ablation does not relate in any way to a coronary artery. Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary is the defining point to PTCA. Is the PTCA/Athr Intvl field tracking time between the last prior PTCA and CABG? So if a patient had a PTCA in 1984 and a CABG in 2000, would it be marked >6 hours? Or does this field pertain to PTCA/Ather Intvl during the admission of the CABG. Yes. Primary or direct stenting is done without angioplasty. All stent placement does not require angioplasty. See similar questions...

Patients must first qualify for coverage by satisfying the criteria outlined in the following Local Coverage Decisions and documented in the patients' medical record. For services prior to 01.01.05, the unlisted CPT code 37799 should be used. Providers may also bill CPT code 76986* for intraoperative ultrasound. See similar questions...

Probably the most important use for RF energy is in providing telecommunications services. Radio and television broadcasting, cellular telephones, personal communications services (PCS), pagers, cordless telephones, business radio, radio communications for police and fire departments, amateur radio, microwave point-to-point links and satellite communications are just a few of the many telecommunications applications of RF energy. See similar questions...

RFA has been used with success to treat primary liver cancer (otherwise known as hepatocellular carcinoma) and cancers that have spread to the liver from other places, such as colon cancer. Surgical resection of these tumors in carefully selected patients can lead to significant long-term survival but only a small percentage of these patients are candidates for surgery. See similar questions...

Before the procedure, you will be asked to have nothing to eat or drink starting at midnight the evening before treatment. Your list of medications will be reviewed with our staff at the time of your consultation and you will be told which medications you may take in the morning of the procedure. If you are taking Coumadin, Plavix, or another blood thinner, you may need to stop taking that medication several days before the procedure. See similar questions...

Based on available data, outcomes appear to be excellent for patients with unresectable primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Reports show that well over 3,000 primary and metastatic liver tumors have been treated with RFA. These studies suggest that complete local response can be seen in 70-75% of patients with tumors ranging in diameter between 3 and 5 cm. See similar questions...

After the procedure, you may receive additional medication to prevent pain and nausea as the sedation wears off. Almost all of our patients are admitted overnight after the procedure to make sure that any pain is addressed with medication and to be certain that there are no post-procedure complications. You will need someone to take you home on the morning after the procedure. Once you arrive home, you can expect to have some mild post-procedure side effects. See similar questions...

Procedure-related complications tend to be unusual after RFA and tend to be dependent on the part of the body being treated. See similar questions...

After RFA, all patients require follow-up imaging on a regular basis to determine if the treated lesions have grown or if new lesions have developed. We typically perform a CT scan in 1 month, which then serves as our new “baseline” for future imaging. CT scans are then performed at 3 month intervals for 1 year. If the disease is stable at that point, this changes to performing CT scans at 6 month intervals. See similar questions...

Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that has rendered vein stripping all but obsolete. The procedure consists of placing a catheter into the diseased vein through a needle puncture with virtually no scarring.   Radiofrequency energy (heat) is then applied that destroys the vein wall from the inside. There is minimal discomfort and patients typically resume their active lifestyles immediately. See similar questions...

The Radiofrequency ablation device used by the Liver Tumor Ablation Program has FDA 510K marketing authorization. The FDA typically does not approve devices but authorizes them for marketing. Surgical are not approved in the same manner as medications. See similar questions...

This is a procedure done at the surgery center to help control or stop abnormal bleeding or heavy periods. It is a painless and quick procedure done while you are asleep for 15 minutes. You can go home in 1 - 2 hours after the procedure and resume normal activity the next day. You cannot attempt pregnancy after this procedure is done. This is a simple option to alleviate abnormal bleeding and/or heavy periods without needing a hysterectomy! See similar questions...

Used equipment is available and can sometimes be a great deal, but the rapid advance in technology over the past 10 years or so means that there is a lot of obsolete (and sometimes dangerous) equipment out there, even though it may be in "good" condition. Unscrupulous or unknowing sellers offer this "almost new" stuff to unsuspecting buyers. All used gear should be checked by a instructor or other experienced pilot before purchasing! See above for comments on used gear. See similar questions...

No. We only sell new, unused equipment, so that we can ensure that we are offering you the highest quality product that will serve your craft for years to come. We keep any used equipment to offer as "loaner" equipment, to be used by our customers while they're having a unit repaired or upgraded. See similar questions...

A laser fiber inserted into the vein heats and damages the wall of the vein. This causes the vein to permanently close. See similar questions...

Endovenous Laser Ablation Treatment is a treatment alternative to surgical stripping of the greater saphenous vein. A small laser fiber is inserted, usually through a needle stick in the skin, into the damaged vein. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. The procedure is done in-office under local anesthesia. Following the procedure a bandage or compression hose is placed on the treated leg. See similar questions...