Current status of radio-frequency technology in the treatment of head and neck disease

Richard L. Goode M.D.

doi:10.1117/12.444366

17 June 2002 Current status of radio-frequency technology in the treatment of head and neck disease

Richard L. Goode M.D.

Proceedings Volume 4609, Lasers in Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems XII; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.444366
Event: International Symposium on Biomedical Optics, 2002, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Radio-frequency energy has been used in surgery since the 1920’s, primarily to control bleeding by coagulating blood vessels. While still its major use, other applications have developed. The newer applications in the head and neck area are: 1) Tissue contraction: Creation of a controlled lesion by a needle electrode inserted into tissue, such as the soft palate or tongue, results in later contraction of the tissue. The size of the lesion is controlled by monitoring tissue temperature and impedance and the energy in joules. Contraction of the soft palate and tongue provides improvement in snoring and obstructive sleep apnea while contraction of the nasal turbinates produces improvement in nasal breathing. 2) Destruction of nerves: Radio-frequency ablation of sensory nerves has been used for years to control pain, particularly facial pain. The technique has recently been used on motor nerves to eliminate facial wrinkles. 3) Tightening of skin and soft tissue and surface ablation: RF energy delivered by a monopolar or bipolar electrode can tighten skin or destroy surface tissue on the skin and inside the mouth and nose.

Citation Download Citation

Richard L. Goode M.D. "Current status of radio-frequency technology in the treatment of head and neck disease", Proc. SPIE 4609, Lasers in Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems XII, (17 June 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.444366

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