radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

A technique for removing a tumor by heating it with a radiofrequency current passed through a needle electrode.

Mentioned in: Liver Cancer, Prenatal Surgery

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radiofrequency ablation,

unmodulated, high-frequency, alternating current flow that is applied to heart tissue to raise its temperature and injure cells for the purpose of destroying ectopic foci and accessory pathways. Radiofrequency ablation of accessory pathways is a cure for the arrhythmias associated with Wolfe-Parkinson-White syndrome and is successfully used in atrial flutter and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia. It has replaced surgical ablation.

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ablation [ab-la´shun]

1. separation or detachment; extirpation; eradication.

2. removal, especially by cutting with a laser or electrocautery.

catheter ablation radiofrequency ablation.

endometrial ablation removal of the endometrium; methods used include radiofrequency, electrical energy, lasers, and hot and cold liquids.

radiofrequency ablation (radiofrequency catheter ablation) destruction of an accessory conduction pathway or other troublesome area of dysrhythmia by means of unmodulated high frequency alternating current delivered by a bipolar or unipolar catheter. The current causes heat with tissue destruction and formation of scar tissue to block the pathway or dysrhythmic area. Transvenous radiofrequency ablation has been successful in treatment of supraventricular tachycardia and is an attractive option to surgery. Called also catheter ablation.