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
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. 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. A central technique is radiofrequency (RF) treatment, in which controlled energy is delivered through an electrode to thermally ablate or modulate nerves that transmit pain signals.
Is radiofrequency ablation the same as rhizotomy?
Rhizotomy refers to the interruption of specific sensory nerves to reduce pain, and radiofrequency ablation is one method of achieving this. In RF rhizotomy, a heat lesion is created on the targeted nerve to reduce the pain signals it carries. The INVAMED Peta RFA System, Nerve supports nerve-targeted thermal lesioning across several spinal regions. The specific nerves and extent of treatment are determined by the clinician under imaging guidance.
What This Means in Practice
INVAMED pain management devices are for use by trained pain specialists under imaging guidance and per the instructions for use. Manufacturer descriptions reflect device design intent rather than a guaranteed outcome for any individual. Diagnostic nerve blocks are commonly used before radiofrequency ablation to help confirm the pain source, as judged by the clinician.
Key Considerations
- INVAMED pain management devices are for use by trained pain specialists under imaging guidance and per the instructions for use.
- 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
What is the regulatory status of these RF devices?
Regulatory status such as European market authorization and manufacturing standards are stated in the product documentation and depend on local registration by market.
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.
How long does RF ablation relief last?
The literature commonly cites facet-related relief of about 6 to 12 months, but duration varies by patient and target and is discussed with the treating specialist.
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
Diagnostic nerve blocks are commonly used before radiofrequency ablation to help confirm the pain source, as judged by the clinician. The INVAMED Peta Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Knee Pain is positioned specifically for this knee application. The INVAMED Peta RFA System, Nerve is positioned for nerve-targeted thermal lesioning across cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac applications. 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 INVAMED Peta platform provides this feedback, and the ThermoEdge RFA Platform sits within the same RF portfolio. 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. Real-time feedback on temperature, impedance, and lesion size is intended to support safe energy titration during RF procedures. The specific nerves treated and the extent of lesioning are clinical decisions made under imaging guidance.
Related on INVAMED
- Pain Management, Spine & Algology — product category
- What happens when nerves grow back after RFA?
- Genicular Nerve Ablation (Knee RFA): How It Works and Why It Matters
- Thermal RF vs Pulsed RF: What Is the Difference?
Important Disclaimer
The information here is provided for educational purposes and to describe device technology; it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine whether a given procedure or device is appropriate for a specific patient. INVAMED products are restricted to use by qualified professionals following the official IFU. Regulatory clearance and labeling differ between regions, and not all products or indications are available in every market.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.