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Use of radiofrequency lesioning in neurosurgery

https://doi.org/10.64265/sibneuro-2025-1-1-16-25

Abstract

Radiofrequency (RF) lesioning is a precise and established destructive technique in functional neurosurgery for treating chronic pain, movement disorders, and other conditions. This paper reviews its history, technical evolution, and key applications such as trigeminal gangliolysis, cordotomy, and deep brain lesioning. Despite being irreversible and less commonly practiced today due to the rise of neuromodulation, RF lesioning offers significant advantages like predictability, minimal invasiveness, and cost-effectiveness, making it a valuable option for specific patients, particularly in oncology pain care.

About the Author

K. V. Slavin
University of Illinois Chicago
United States

Konstantin V. Slavin – Professor, Head of the Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery 

West Harrison str., 1200, Chicago, Illinois 



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Review

For citations:


Slavin K.V. Use of radiofrequency lesioning in neurosurgery. Sibneuro. 2025;1(1):16-25. https://doi.org/10.64265/sibneuro-2025-1-1-16-25

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ISSN 3033-649X (Print)
ISSN 3033-6805 (Online)