Radiofrequency of Spinal Metastases/Vertebroplasty
The spine is one of the most common sites of metastasis. Vertebral bodies involved by the tumor may become painful and may eventually fracture. Surgical intervention with reconstruction of the spinal column is indicated only if the tumor causes compression of the spinal cord or instability of the spine. Other treatment options are radiation therapy and sometimes chemotherapy. RF Coablation is used to shrink the spinal metaseses, then Vertebroplasty is performed. Coblation uses radiofrequency energy to excite the electrolytes in a conductive medium such as saline solution, creating a precisely focused plasma. The energized particles in the plasma have sufficient energy to break down molecular bonds, excising or dissolving soft tissue at relatively low temperatures (typically 40° C to 55° C), thereby preserving the integrity of surrounding healthy tissue. An interventional radiologist inserts a needle through a small incision in the back, directing it under fluoroscopy (continuous, moving X-ray imaging) into the fractured vertebra. After shrinking the tumor, the physician then injects a medical-grade bone cement into the vertebra. The cement hardens within about 15 minutes and stabilizes the fracture. This treatment improves pain, prevents further collapse of the vertebra, and restores mobility. This can improve back pain within hours of the procedure, provides long-term pain relief and has a low complication rate.

Procedures
