LAKEWOOD, NJ --- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a new medical procedure where tumors can be minimized or destroyed, using microwave energy. This procedure is minimally invasive and is currently being performed in Kimball Medical Center’s Radiology Department.
“Radiofrequency ablations can be performed on patients with tumors in their liver, kidney, and in some cases, lung,” explains Lev Pukin, MD, interventional radiologist at Kimball. “Using a traditional CT Scanner, we pinpoint the exact location of the tumor, and then insert a needle electrode which sends high-frequency currents to heat and destroy it,” he says.
Radiofrequency ablation is most effective when treating tumors that are less than one and a half inches in diameter. In some cases, it can be used as an alternative to surgery, and may be used in addition to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
“The entire procedure takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to complete,” explains Dr. Pukin. “Although this is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, some patients will stay overnight for observation.”
Radiofrequency ablation is a viable and effective treatment option for individuals who:
- May have a tumor that is difficult to reach surgically
- May have other health or medical conditions which make surgery too risky
- May have tumors that have not responded to other types of therapy or treatments including chemotherapy
If you are interested in learning about RFA and whether or not it is a viable treatment option for you, talk to your doctor, or schedule an appointment with one of the interventional radiologists at Kimball Medical Center.
Kimball Medical Center’s Radiology Department is conveniently located on the Ground Floor of the hospital with easy access and plenty of parking. The radiologists at Kimball are highly experienced and perform over 90,000 imaging studies annually. All radiologists are board-certified by the American Board of Radiology, are fellowship-trained, and are highly specialized in areas including neuroimaging, musculoskeletal, body imaging, vascular and general radiology.
Radiology appointments can be made by simply calling the Radiology scheduling access line at 1-888-724-7123 and pressing option #2.
Date: September 8, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
[ top ] [ Back
to News Index ] |
