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Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist
in Knoxville, TN

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is type of medical procedure where radio waves are delivered via a catheter to affected areas of your body to remove diseased tissues while minimizing injury to the deeper tissue. Radiofrequency ablation heats the superficial layers of tissue until this layer is destroyed.

Radiofrequency is not new and has been used for many years to treat precancerous and cancerous conditions as well as bleeding problems within the gastrointestinal tract.

 

Conditions That May Require Radiofrequency Ablation:

Barrett's Esophagus
Polyps
Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Frequently Asked Questions

What is radiofrequency ablation used for?

Dr. Edmunds and his team often use radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus may develop from complications related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

If precancerous cells are found in the distal esophagus from chronic reflux, radiofrequency can be used for removal of this precancerous tissue by destroying the superficial layer of the Barrett’s epithelium. Removing the precancerous cells through radiofrequency energy may reduce your risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Radiofrequency can also be used to destroy large polyps and to coagulate areas of bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract.

How is radiofrequency ablation applied?

Treatment with radiofrequency ablation can be applied by using an endoscope-mounted catheter to disburse the ablated energy or with a balloon-mounted catheter to treat larger areas of Barrett’s esophagus.

How do I prepare for radiofrequency ablation?

Your preparation for radiofrequency ablation is very similar to that of a standard upper endoscopy. You should not eat within six hours of having the procedure done. If you’re taking blood thinners, you need to discuss how to modify your use of these medications with your primary care physician and gastroenterologist to reduce your bleeding risk.

After the procedure, you may develop some mild chest pain with periods of difficulty swallowing, and later the inflamed tissue may develop some scarring. You can expect new, healthy tissue to replace those areas of Barrett’s that were burned and eradicated within three to five weeks after your initial procedure.

For a consultation to see if radiofrequency ablation makes the best choice for you, call Edmunds Gastroenterology today or request an appointment online.

Our Team of Specialists

Meade Edmunds, M.D.

Meade Edmunds, MD, is a leading gastroenterologist and founder of Edmunds Gastroenterology in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Edmunds believes in delivering care of the highest possible quality and creating a safe and compassionate environment for every person he sees

Melissa Roberts, FNP-BC

Melissa is a Knoxville native who has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She is board certified through the AANP and has practiced in the specialty of gastroenterology since 2015.

Jennifer Hayles, FNP-C

Jennifer Hayles, FNP-C is a graduate of LMU Caylor School of Nursing and King University. She completed her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Chamberlain University in Chicago, Illinois in 2019.

Kim Dunaway, Nurse Practitioner

Kim Dunaway is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner. Kim is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Carson Newman. Kim worked in Family Practice for 10 years then moved to GI in 2012 seeing all GI-related conditions, specializing in Hepatology including participation in research.