Method and System for Improving Location Accuracy of a Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure Via Fiducial Marking

摘要

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for improving location accuracy of a radiofrequency ablation procedure performed on a patient is contemplated. The method includes identifying a target nerve to be ablated, wherein the nerve is suspected of being a source of pain; delivering a pharmacological agent to the nerve to temporarily block nerve signal transmission along the nerve; verifying the nerve is the source of pain if the temporary block reduces a level of pain experienced by the patient; placing a fiducial marker adjacent the nerve if it is verified that the temporary block reduces the level of pain experienced by the patient; locating the fiducial marker; and delivering radiofrequency energy to an area of tissue adjacent the fiducial marker via a probe. The area of tissue corresponds with the nerve, and the radiofrequency energy is applied at a level sufficient to ablate the nerve.