Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Coaxial cable terminated with gap type antenna
Steering lever
270
s
270
Locking lever
Mapping plug
Microwave plug
(c)
FIGURE 6.8
(
c
) Microwave ablation catheter.
in use as therapy for trigeminal neuralga provide immediate relief from pain
and enjoy a success rate of 82% about 2 years following the procedure.
Neuralgia has reoccurred in about 42% of patients, requiring a repeat
procedure.
Radio-frequency ablation for pain management in cancer patients has also
increased in popularity. A study has shown that 95% of patients with metas-
tases to the bone have experienced a reduction in pain after such therapy [79,
80]. On a scale of 1-10, the average level of pain dropped from 5.8 before treat-
ment to 1.8 at 12 weeks.
Another successful RF technique is the procedure to eliminate saphenous
varicose vein reflux, often the underlying anatomical cause of varicose veins.
The RF catheter-based endovascular occlusion of a refluxing saphenous vein
provides a minimally invasive technique for eliminating saphenous varicose
vein reflux. Vein occlusion is accomplished by means of RF heating of the vein
wall to 85°C. The RF power delivered to the target tissue causes collagen con-
traction and denaturation of the endothelium. The RF closure procedure is
performed under ultrasound guidance and replaces a surgical solution to this
problem. Conventional surgery for varicose veins is associated with significant
surgical morbidity and significant patient dissatisfaction [81].
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