Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Radiofrequency ablation alone

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat energy delivered through a catheter to destroy abnormal tissue or create lesions in target organs.

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat energy delivered through a catheter to destroy abnormal tissue or create lesions in target organs. Used for Cardiac arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia), Hepatocellular carcinoma, Other solid tumors amenable to thermal ablation.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that applies radiofrequency energy to generate localized heat (typically 50-100°C) at the tip of a catheter, causing coagulative necrosis of targeted tissue. This technique is used to eliminate arrhythmogenic foci, ablate tumors, or destroy other pathological tissue depending on the clinical indication. The procedure is guided by imaging and electrophysiological mapping to ensure precise targeting.

Approved indications

• Cardiac arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia)
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Other solid tumors amenable to thermal ablation

Common side effects

• Bleeding or hematoma at access site
• Infection
• Perforation of target organ
• Thromboembolism
• Recurrence of arrhythmia or tumor

Key clinical trials

• Conventional vs Pulsed RF in Coccydynia (NA)
• Immune Mechanisms After Radiofrequency Ablation of Pulmonary Metastases From Colorectal Cancer Origin (NA)
• The REBALANCE Study - a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Pivotal Study of the May Health System (NA)
• PENG Block & PENG PRF
• Cryoneurolysis Versus Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain (NA)
• Study-group on Palliative ERCP And RFA-ablation in Metastatic and Inoperable Pancreatic Tumors (NA)
• FISTULA-RFA Trial: Radiofrequency Ablation for Perianal Fistula (NA)
• The RESPLASH Study (NA)

Primary sources

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