RF ablation, or radiofrequency ablation, is a medical procedure used to treat medical conditions of the heart, liver and other dysfunctional tissues, as described on MedlinePlus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health. To ablate means to destroy, and with radiofrequency ablation, small wires called electrodes are placed inside the affected organ. These electrodes deliver high-frequency alternating currents, which destroys the damaged area. This invasive procedure is performed in the hospital by a team of specialists. Complications can arise from using radiofrequency ablation.
Blood Clots
Blood clots, otherwise known as emboli or thrombi, which result from clumping and hardening of blood from liquid to solid, is one of the complications of radiofrequency ablation, explains MedlinePlus. RF ablation uses specialized long and thin instruments and electrodes that are placed inside the blood vessels, which can potentially cause damage or injury, leading to blood clot formation.
Bleeding
As mentioned by Cincinnati's Children's Hospital Medical Center, bleeding or blood pooling in the catheter insertion site is one of the known complications of radiofrequency ablation. Invasive placement of the catheter inside the blood vessels of the affected organ poses a high risk for injury and accidental puncture. This injury can cause moderate to severe bleeding.
Heart Attack
Cardiac arrest, commonly known as a heart attack, which happens when there is a blockage in the important blood vessels of the heart, is a common complication of radiofrequency ablation, states MedlinePlus. Blood clot formation is the major contributing factor to most heart attack incidences. Blood clots can dislodge from the formation site and travel to coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the heart.
Nerve Injury
According to MedlinePlus, possible injury to the vagus nerve is one of the known complications of radiofrequency ablation. The vagus nerve is one of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves in the body. This nerve regulates heartbeat, controls muscle movements and regulates breathing. The vagus nerve has several minute branches that spread throughout the entire body, and during RF ablation, these nerve branches might get accidentally damaged and injured by the catheter or electrodes, which affects the entire nerve.
Thrombophlebitis
The swelling and inflammation of a vein, known as thrombophlebitis, is a possible complication of radiofrequency ablation, according to MedlinePlus. Pain and redness, which are the main symptoms of thrombophlebitis, may appear on the site being treated as a result of blood clots and catheter placement.
