What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment technique focused on providing pain management. An electrical current, sent via radio waves, is used to target a small area of tissue to eliminate any bad tissue located in the area and decrease the pain signals sent from your nerves.
Barrett’s esophagus is commonly treated with radiofrequency ablation. It is performed during an upper endoscopy with a balloon (like the Barrx™ system), or with a rectangular pad attached to the endoscope. The device’s electrodes deliver electrical currents to the tissue to destroy and remove it. For additional information on this treatment and how it works, request an appointment with one of our GI providers who will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have.
Who is a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is commonly used to treat Barrett’s esophagus and gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) – a condition of abnormal blood vessels in the stomach that causes anemia.
You’re a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation if you require treatment for Barrett’s esophagus and gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). This condition happens when abnormal blood vessels in the stomach cause anemia. Barrett’s esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition that results from chronic heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The abnormal cells in the esophagus can develop into cancer. When you ablate or remove these cells, it works as a protection from those developing cancer. Our GI providers in Illinois perform the treatment in conjunction with an upper endoscopy. No incisions or surgery are required. Once the scope is in the esophagus, the heat energy targets the diseased cells so that new and healthy cells can grow in their place. To schedule this treatment for yourself, request an appointment with our team at GI Alliance of Illinois.
