Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about cooled radiofrequency ablation:

Cooled radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to destroy tissue or nerves. A cool-tipped probe delivers radiofrequency waves to a targeted area of your body. The radiofrequency waves create heat to destroy the tissue or nerves causing problems. The probe is cooled with water to protect surrounding tissues. Cooled radiofrequency therapy can treat chronic pain, heart arrhythmias, or tumors.

How to prepare for cooled radiofrequency ablation:

Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for the procedure. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. He or she will tell you the medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure. Tell your healthcare provider if you think or know you are pregnant. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

What will happen during cooled radiofrequency ablation:

• You may be given medicine to help you relax during the procedure. You may be given local anesthesia to numb the procedure area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain.
• Your healthcare provider may use x-ray imaging to help him or her see where to put the probe. A needle or catheter will be put into your skin or blood vessel until it reaches the correct area. The probe will be threaded into the needle or catheter. When the probe reaches the correct area, it will deliver radiofrequency waves. The heat from the radiofrequency waves should destroy or scar the targeted tissue or nerves.
• Your healthcare provider will remove the probe, needle, or catheter. He or she will cover the procedure area with a bandage or dressing.

What to expect after cooled radiofrequency ablation:

You will be taken to a recovery room after your procedure. You will be monitored by healthcare providers until is it safe for you to go home. If your heart was treated, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Risks of cooled radiofrequency ablation:

Risks depend on the area being treated. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of your procedure. You may experience bruising, bleeding, or soreness at your procedure area. You may get an infection at your procedure site. You may develop a blood clot. You may have nerve damage or pain. You may get burned during the procedure.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:

• You feel lightheaded, dizzy, or weak.
• You have sudden trouble breathing or have chest pain.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your heart starts beating fast, or you have palpitations at rest.
• Your arm or leg becomes red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
• Blood soaks through your bandage.

Call your doctor if:

• Your procedure area becomes red and painful.
• You have a fever.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Rest as directed. Avoid heavy exercise or activity for a few days after your procedure. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is okay to do your normal activities.
• Care for your procedure area as directed. Carefully wash the area with soap and water. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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