Cryoablation and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to Treat Cancer -- 718.780.5870

Surgery is usually the most frequently used treatment for malignant tumors; however, not every patient is a good candidate for surgery, dure to frailness, age and other factors.  For these people, New York Methodist offers non-surgical treatments called cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). These techniques are often combined with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

Cryoablation involves freezing a tumor by using a probe to create an iceball effect around the cancerous tumor.  Radiofrequency ablation uses electrodes to transmit radiofrequency energy (similar to a microwave in your kitchen) that heats the cancerous tumor. RFA works especially well for small to medium sized tumors.

Depending on the size of the tumor, these treatments can shrink or kill the tumor. Another benefit of the procedures is that they do not harm healthy tissue and can be repeated as often as needed (that is for tumors that grow back.)  In most cases, people who receive cryoablation and RFA can go home the same day as the procedure.

The procedures are performed by a medical doctor called an "interventional radiologist". For more information, call 718.780.5870.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to Treat Back Pain -- 718.246.8610

With Radiofrequency Ablation (or RFA) doctors use radio waves to generate heat around a cell or tissue to ablate (or disable) it. RFA has also shown great promise in managing severe or chronic pain. This includes lower back (or lumbar) pain, certain types of spinal arthritis and post-traumatic pain (or whiplash).

Simply, the heat that is produced by the RFA signal ends the nerve cells ability to transmit pain indicators to the brain. By turning off the cells capacity to deliver the message the cell is then considered to be ablated or disconnected from the bodys communication system and the patient is relieved of pain.

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure so there are few side effects and recovery time is rapid. Secondly, you will be given a local anesthetic and mild sedative through an intravenous (IV) line, but you will remain fully awake throughout the entire process

For more information, call 718.246.8610.