- Interventional Pain Institute > Procedures > Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation
1. Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency ablation
What it Treats
Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to provide long-term relief for chronic knee pain, often caused by osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint conditions. It is typically considered for patients who experienced significant pain relief from a diagnostic genicular nerve block.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is performed using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to accurately place radiofrequency electrodes near the genicular nerves surrounding the knee joint. Controlled radiofrequency energy is applied to the nerves to disrupt pain signals, providing longer-lasting relief compared to diagnostic injections.
2. Intracept (Basivertebral Nerve Ablation) – Relievant Embed
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What it Treats
The Intracept® procedure is used to relieve chronic low back pain caused by vertebrogenic pain, which originates from the vertebral endplates in the spine. It is typically recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is performed using imaging guidance to accurately place a small probe through the vertebral body to the basivertebral nerve. Controlled radiofrequency energy is applied to the nerve to disrupt pain signals, providing long-term relief from vertebrogenic back pain.
3. Radiofrequency Ablation of Medial Branch Nerves
A. Cervical Embed:
What it Treats
Cervical medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to provide long-term relief from chronic neck pain caused by arthritis
or degenerative changes in the cervical facet joints. It is typically considered for patients who experienced temporary relief from a diagnostic medial branch nerve block.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is performed using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to accurately place radiofrequency needles near the medial branch nerves of the cervical spine. Controlled radiofrequency energy is applied to these nerves to disrupt pain signals, providing longer-lasting relief compared to diagnostic injections.
B. Thoracic Embed:
What it Treats
Thoracic medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to provide long-term relief from chronic mid-back pain caused by arthritis or degenerative changes in the thoracic facet joints. It is typically recommended for patients who experienced temporary relief from a diagnostic medial branch nerve block.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is performed using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to accurately place radiofrequency needles near the medial branch nerves of the thoracic spine. Controlled radiofrequency energy is applied to the nerves to disrupt pain signals and provide extended pain relief.
C. Lumbar Embed:
What it Treats
Lumbar medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to provide long-term relief from chronic lower back pain caused by arthritis or degenerative changes in the lumbar facet joints. It is typically recommended for patients who experienced temporary relief from a diagnostic medial branch nerve block.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is performed using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to accurately place radiofrequency needles near the
medial branch nerves of the lumbar spine. Controlled radiofrequency energy is applied to the nerves to disrupt pain signals, providing longer-lasting relief compared to diagnostic injections.
4. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Radiofrequency Ablation
What it Treats
Sacroiliac joint radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to provide long-term relief from chronic lower back and buttock pain caused by dysfunction or arthritis of the sacroiliac joint. It is typically recommended for patients who experienced temporary pain relief from a diagnostic SI joint innervation block.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is performed using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to accurately place radiofrequency electrodes near the nerves that supply the sacroiliac joint. Controlled radiofrequency energy is applied to these nerves to disrupt pain signals, providing longer-lasting relief compared to diagnostic injections.
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Medical Pain Procedures & Treatment Services
by IPI in Baton Rouge, LA
All procedures are performed at Capital Surgery Center, a sterile, controlled outpatient medical facility designed to promote patient safety and reduce the risk of infection.
Capital Surgery Center specializes in same-day (outpatient) procedures, allowing patients to return home the same day following their procedure. Our surgical suites follow strict aseptic and infection-control protocols, including thorough room preparation, use of sterile instruments and supplies, and adherence to established clinical safety standards. Physicians and clinical staff wear appropriate sterile protective equipment and follow evidence-based guidelines throughout every procedure.
Prior to your procedure, our care team will review the process with you, answer any questions, and ensure all necessary safety measures are in place. After your procedure, you will receive detailed post-procedure instructions to support proper recovery at home.
If you have questions or concerns about the procedural process, outpatient care, or safety measures, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

















