Minimally Invasive OsteoCool Radio-frequency (Tumor) Ablation (RFA)

Spinal vertebral body tumors can now be destroyed using a minimally invasive outpatient surgical procedure. Vertebral body tumors often cause destruction of the bone and loss of structural integrity of the vertebral body. These type of processes as well as the pathological fractures that follow can be very painful.

Radio-frequency probes are inserted in a minimally invasive fashion into vertebral bodies under X-ray guidance. These probes are then used to destroy the tumor cells inside the vertebral bodies within 15 minutes using a computer controlled process to heat the tumor to a desired temperature while important structures are protected by an integrated cooling mechanism.

The compromised or fractured vertebral bodies can then be stabilized using the same outpatient type of procedure (Kyphoplasty) within another 10 minutes.

Studies show that a significant and rapid pain relief is obtained compared to the traditional treatment techniques which include radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Furthermore, this minimally invasive technique can prevent severe fractures of the vertebral bodies with secondary severe kyphosis and instability associated with excruciating pain that requires major spine surgery and instrumentation to correct. Moreover, such major surgery after radiation is associated with high risk of wound healing problems. Therefore, one can avoid major surgery and associated complications if the RFA procedure and Kyphoplasty are performed early after diagnosis.

Watch an animation of the OsteoCool RFA procedure.