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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Lasting relief from pain - without surgery or drugs

RFA is a well-established, drug-free pain management solution that is clinically proven to provide, effective relief from pain on suitable patients.1

The RFA procedure

RFA is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Your pain specialist targets pain-causing nerves and uses a radiofrequency current to interrupt the pain signals at their source.

Diagram of the spine showing how a probe is inserted to stimulate a target nerve.

Target the Nerve

X-ray or ultrasound imaging helps guide a special probe to the target nerve. Electrodes stimulate nerves near the area to help determine the optimal treatment locations.

Diagram of the spine showing a disabled nerve after being probed.

Disable the Nerve

The electrodes then send a small radiofrequency current into the surrounding tissue. This heats the tissue and disables the nerve so it stops sending pain signals.

Diagram of the spine showing multiple disabled nerves after the probe has been removed.

Repeat for Multiple Pain Areas

Generally, one to four nerves are targeted in one procedure to maximise pain relief.

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How does RFA fit my pain?

RFA can target pain in multiple parts of your body. If you have pain in more than one place, your doctor can address them all in a single treatment.

Real-world results

Studies show that RFA provides effective, lasting relief from pain on suitable patients

80 percent of patients reported a clinically significant reduction in pain with RFA

Pain Relief

80% of patients from an international multicentred study reported a clinically significant reduction in pain with RFA.1

85 percent of patients reported being satisfied with the improvement in their symptoms.

Patient Satisfaction

Over 85% of patients from a multicentred study reported being satisfied with the improvement in their symptoms.1​

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Lasting Relief

Patients reported continued pain relief at 12 months after their procedure.1 RFA procedures can be repeated to extend relief on suitable patients.2​

References:

  1. Atallah et al., Significant Pain Relief and Treatment Satisfaction Following Radiofrequency Ablation -Prospective, Multicenter study (RAPID), NANS 2023 (N= 269) 
  2. MacVicar J, Borowczyk JM, MacVicar AM, Loughnan BM, Bogduk N. Lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy in New Zealand. Pain Med. 2013;14(5):639-645. (N= 106)

Results from clinical studies are not predictive of results in other studies. Results in other studies may vary.

Disclaimer and endnotes: 

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.

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Content of videos are for Information Purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. BSC strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health or to address any questions.

Talk to your healthcare professional about whether this product may be suitable for you as part of your overall plan to manage chronic pain. The WaveWriter Alpha System is not a first-line treatment for chronic intractable pain.

Surgery is required in order to use the WaveWriter Alpha System and any surgical procedure carries risk. Outcomes may vary for each patient. Patients should consult their healthcare professional about factors that could impact their response.

CAUTION: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com.

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