LAKEWOOD, NJ --- Radiofrequency ablation
(RFA) is a new medical procedure where tumors can be ablated
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 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-SBHS-123 (1-888-724-7123)
and pressing option #2.
Date: May 8, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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