Below is an educational, technical answer to a question many patients and clinicians ask. Common targets include the medial branch nerves supplying the facet joints of the spine, the sacroiliac region, and peripheral nerve branches such as the genicular nerves around the knee. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Chronic Pain Managed with Interventional Radiofrequency Techniques
Interventional pain management, sometimes called algology, addresses chronic back, neck, joint, and tumor-related pain that has not responded adequately to conservative measures. Thermal RF creates a heat lesion to interrupt pain transmission, while pulsed RF applies energy in bursts intended to modulate the nerve without the same degree of thermal lesioning. RF procedures are generally performed percutaneously under imaging guidance, and modern generators provide feedback on parameters such as temperature and impedance to support safe energy titration.
How does intraosseous RF ablation for spinal tumors work?
Intraosseous radiofrequency ablation delivers RF energy within the bone to treat certain painful spinal tumor lesions. It is intended to address tumor-related pain and local disease within the vertebral body as part of a broader plan. The INVAMED Fusion Intraosseous Radiofrequency Ablation System for Spinal Tumors is positioned for this within-bone application. Its use is decided by the treating oncology and pain team for the individual patient.
What This Means in Practice
Manufacturer descriptions reflect device design intent rather than a guaranteed outcome for any individual. Real-time feedback on temperature, impedance, and lesion size is intended to support safe energy titration during RF procedures. The literature commonly cites facet RF relief in the range of about 6 to 12 months, but individual duration varies and is not guaranteed.
Key Considerations
- Because sensory nerves can regenerate, repeat treatment may be considered over time, based on the return of symptoms.
- Real-time feedback on temperature, impedance, and lesion size is intended to support safe energy titration during RF procedures.
- The literature commonly cites facet RF relief in the range of about 6 to 12 months, but individual duration varies and is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does INVAMED make a system for knee nerve ablation?
Yes. The Peta Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Knee Pain is positioned specifically for genicular (knee) nerve applications.
Can RF ablation be repeated if pain returns?
Because treated sensory nerves can regenerate, a repeat procedure may be considered in appropriate cases; the timing is an individualized clinical decision.
Who decides if radiofrequency ablation is appropriate?
A qualified pain specialist decides based on individual assessment and diagnostic blocks; this article is educational and not a treatment recommendation.
About INVAMED
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Clinical and Technical Context
Common targets include the medial branch nerves supplying the facet joints of the spine, the sacroiliac region, and peripheral nerve branches such as the genicular nerves around the knee. The number and location of lesions are planned individually under imaging guidance. The INVAMED Peta Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Knee Pain is positioned specifically for this knee application. Generators such as the INVAMED Peta platform provide real-time feedback on temperature and impedance to support controlled energy delivery. INVAMED pain management devices are for use by trained pain specialists under imaging guidance and per the instructions for use. The decision to treat and the specific level targeted are determined by the pain specialist. The literature commonly cites facet RF relief in the range of about 6 to 12 months, but individual duration varies and is not guaranteed. The specific nerves treated and the extent of lesioning are clinical decisions made under imaging guidance.
Important Disclaimer
This content is educational and technical in nature and must not be interpreted as medical advice or as a promise of any clinical outcome. Individual results depend on many factors and can only be evaluated by a treating physician. Figures attributed to INVAMED reflect manufacturer or published data and are not a guarantee of results. All INVAMED devices are to be used by trained clinicians per the approved IFU, and availability is subject to local regulatory status.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.