3 Surprising Ways RF Is Being Used In Medicine

By John Oncea, Editor

RF technology in medicine enables precise imaging, minimally invasive surgeries, and innovative treatments. From MRI to robotic-assisted procedures, RF enhances diagnostics, therapeutics, and medical devices across specialties.

RF technology has made its mark on many industries, from telecommunications to defense to automotive. And now – thanks to widespread applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and medical device operations – the medical field is experiencing RF’s power, too.

Most commonly, RF is used in medical imaging, particularly in MRI scanners. Here, it’s used to excite hydrogen atoms in the body, enabling the detection of RF signals emitted by these atoms to create detailed images.

A lesser-known application of RF is in surgical procedures where it can be used for cutting tissue and coagulation, allowing surgeons to operate with high precision and control. As a bonus, RF technology’s ability to penetrate tissues without causing surface heat makes it virtually painless and promotes quick recovery.

RF technology is used in treating various conditions, as well, including benign prostate hypertrophy, cardiac arrhythmias, cancer (liver, lung, breast, bone, pancreatic), varicose veins, Barrett’s esophagus, uterine fibroids, and chronic pain.

The RF Advantage

The versatility and precision of RF technology make it an invaluable tool in modern medicine, continually expanding its applications across various medical specialties. According to Medium, RF technology offers several advantages in medical applications beyond those listed earlier. This includes real-time monitoring in which some RF-based procedures, such as cardiac ablation, are improved by allowing adjustments of the treatment parameters, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Minimally invasive RF-based procedures often result in reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times, improving the overall patient experience. Providers are benefiting as well, as RF-based procedures can be more cost-effective compared to traditional surgical interventions, as they typically require fewer resources and shorter hospital stays.

Medium acknowledges there are challenges and concerns associated with the growing use of RF technology in medicine, starting with safety. “Careful monitoring and control of RF energy exposure are necessary to avoid potential harm to patients and medical personnel. Strict guidelines and regulations are in place to ensure the safe use of RF energy in medical applications.”

Other concerns include interference from other electronic devices or environmental factors, the need for “specialized training and expertise to effectively utilize and interpret RF-based diagnostic techniques and perform RF-based therapeutic procedures,” and the need for ongoing research to refine existing applications as well as develop new ones.

Surprising Uses Of RF In Medicine

RF technology has several surprising applications in medicine beyond its well-known use in imaging techniques, including radio frequency ablation (RFA) which has been increasingly adopted as an effective technique for treating a range of conditions.

According to Advanced Energy, “RFA is a medical procedure in which part of a tumor, the electrical conduction system of the heart, or other dysfunctional tissue is ablated using the heat generated from medium frequency alternating current (typically in the range of 350 – 500 kHz). RFA may be performed to treat tumors in the lung, liver, kidney, bone, and, less commonly, other organs.

“Once the diagnosis of a tumor is confirmed, a needle-like RFA probe is placed inside the tumor through which RF waves are passed. This increases the temperature within the tumor tissue, resulting in its destruction.”

Additionally, RFA is employed in rhizotomy, a technique used to alleviate chronic lower back pain. In this procedure, RF energy generates heat to ablate specific nerves surrounding the facet joints in the lumbar region, disrupting pain signal transmission to the brain. Before rhizotomy, diagnostic nerve blocks with local anesthetics are performed to confirm the target nerves.

Another medical application of RF technology is, according to Nature, its integration with surgical robots. Here, RF energy platforms are designed to integrate with robotic-assisted surgical systems, a combination expected to enhance precision and control in various surgical procedures, potentially improving outcomes and efficiency.

At the same time, robotic systems are being designed to accommodate various ablative technologies, including RF, microwave, cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation. This versatility allows surgeons to choose the most appropriate energy type for each patient’s specific needs.

All of this enables robotic systems to provide more precise control over RF energy delivery, thereby improving the accuracy of ablation procedures. This is particularly beneficial in delicate areas where precision is crucial, such as in cardiac or neurological procedures.

Additionally, advanced predictive modeling is being developed for RF ablation in robotic systems. Proprietary lesion models can accurately predict tissue response during RF energy application, helping to streamline development and again, improve product performance.

This integration of RF technology with surgical robots represents a significant step forward in minimally invasive procedures, potentially improving outcomes, reducing complications, and expanding the range of treatable conditions.

Finally, plastic surgeons are looking at combining RF ablation with pulsed field ablation (PFA) in a single system, according to Nature. These hybrid platforms would allow surgeons to toggle between RF and pulsed field energy, offering the benefits of both techniques. This development is particularly relevant for minimally invasive procedures, potentially improving therapeutic effects while minimizing thermal issues.

Plastic surgeons are still utilizing Renuvion, a device that combines helium plasma and RF energy for skin tightening and texture improvement. According to Signature Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, this minimally invasive procedure is being used for various areas of the body, including the face, neck, arms, abdomen, thighs, and back.

These applications highlight the versatility of RF energy in medicine, from treating respiratory conditions to addressing cosmetic concerns and managing foot pain. The ability of RF energy to penetrate tissues without causing surface heat makes it a valuable tool for various medical treatments, often providing less invasive alternatives to traditional surgical approaches.