Thermocoagulation of peripheral nerves
The treatment of chronic pain is a complex task for the pain therapist. From a large number of possible treatments he will work together with the patient on an individual basis in order to draw up the correct combination and sequence of treatment. Treatment with medication may be combined with physical measures and psychological care, for example.
If the attempts at conservative treatment fail, neurosurgical treatment may provide further assistance. One of the current methods consists of obliterating the pain transmitting nerve in order to prevent stimulus transmission.
Thermocoagulation using high frequency current is a proven method with a wide range of applications in different peripheral nerves. Chronic pain in the joints can also be treated with this method.
The sfm radiofrequency/thermolesion needle achieves safe and almost pain-free percutaneous access to the stimulus transmitting nerve. Once the needle is placed in the target area and the exact location is verified, coagulation of the nerve fibres is achieved using a thermal probe and high frequency current (radiofrequency). Stimulus transmission is prevented by the needle tip heating up to 60 to 70 °C, thus coagulating the transmitting nerve.
The method of thermocoagulation is used in facet joint denervation, for example. With so-called facet syndrome damage to the joints caused by wear and tear in the facet joints leads to chronic pain in the vertebral column. These joints arranged in pairs lie between the lateral sections of the vertebral arches. It is the facet joints of the lower lumbar spine that are most commonly affected.
Thermocoagulation is also used with trigeminal neuralgia. This disease is characterised by attacks of extremely severe, lightening-like shooting pain in the face, each lasting for only a few seconds. If treatment with medication is not effective, a further treatment option is thermocoagulation of the trigeminal nerve in the trigeminal ganglion.
Benefits of thermocoagulation of peripheral nerves using the sfm radiofrequency/thermolesion needle
- Minimally invasive procedure, can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia
- Low penetration force thanks to optimum bevel geometry and a smooth transition to the coated needle region
- Minimisation of pain sensation and posttraumatic stress due to the smooth transition to the coated needle
- Best possible navigation to targeted coagulation thanks to the hub design and its realization
- Optimum adjustment of the coagulation field thanks to the large number of design variations
- Long-term reduction of pain
- Reduction of the analgesic requirement
- Treatment can be repeated as required
