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Radiofrequency ablation complicated by skin burn
Seminars in Interventional Radiology
|June 2, 2012
Summary
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for tumors. High-current radiofrequency ablation increases the risk of severe skin burns at the grounding pad site, affecting 0.1-3.2% of patients.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used for treating various tumors, including liver, kidney, bone, and adrenal gland cancers.
- Advancements in RF ablation technology, particularly high-current applications, have raised concerns regarding patient safety.
- Thermal skin injuries at the grounding pad site are a known complication of RF ablation procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and severity of skin burns associated with radiofrequency ablation.
- To highlight the risks of thermal injury in patients undergoing RF ablation.
- To inform clinicians about the potential for skin complications at the grounding pad site.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies reporting skin burn incidence.
- Analysis of burn severity (first-, second-, and third-degree).
- Assessment of complications related to high-current RF ablation.
Main Results:
- The incidence of severe skin burns (second-/third-degree) ranges from 0.1% to 3.2%.
- First-degree skin burns occur in 5% to 33% of patients.
- High-current RF ablation is associated with an increased risk of these thermal injuries.
Conclusions:
- Radiofrequency ablation, while beneficial, carries a risk of thermal skin injury.
- The incidence of severe burns necessitates careful monitoring and potentially improved safety measures.
- Awareness of these risks is crucial for patient safety during RF ablation procedures.
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