Basics of Pulsed RFA

THE PHYSICS OF PULSED RADIOFREQUENCY - Original author unknown


Pulsed RF has been used to treat several pathologies, including cervical DRG1,2, facet joints3, and SIJC4, among others. The various published studies, including the original research paper by Sluijter et al 5, use the following parameter settings:

Pulse Duration: 20 ms
Pulse Rate: 2 Hz (2 pulses per second)
Voltage: 0 – 45 V (Variable)
Treatment Duration: 120 s
Maximum Allowable Tissue Temperature: 42°C

These parameters are described graphically as follows:


Effect of Modifying Parameters of Pulsed RF:

The objective of Pulsed RF treatments is to deliver the maximum voltage while maintaining temperatures below neurodestructive levels, (42°C)6.

To maintain temperatures below 42°C, theoretically any of the four parameters, Pulse Duration, Pulse Rate, Voltage, and Treatment Duration, can be modified. However in the standard, published case reports and neurobiological studies, only the Voltage has been modified1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8.

There are no studies or protocols established on the effects of modifying any of the other parameters, those being Pulse Duration, Pulse Rate, and Treatment Duration.


Without scientific studies and published literature indicating otherwise, modifying the Pulse Duration, Pulse Rate, or Treatment Duration may affect the efficacy of PRF procedures.






1. Sluijter ME, van Kleef M: Characteristics and Mode of Action of Radiofrequency Lesions. Current
Review of Pain. 2:143-150, 1998.
2. Slappendel R, Crul BJP, Brakk GJJ, Geurts JWM, Booij LHDJ, Voerman VF, de Boo T: The efficacy of
radiofrequency lesioning of the cervical spinal dorsal root ganglion in a double blind randomized study: no
difference between 40°C and 67°C treatments. Pain. 73:159-163, 1997.
3. Mikeladze G, Espinal R, Finnegan R, Routon J, Martin D: Pulsed Radiofrequency Application in
Treatment of Chronic Zygapophyseal Joint Pain. Spine J. 3(5):360-362, 2003.
4. Ahadian FM, Dawley J: Pulsed radiofrequency neurotomy (PRFM): initial data. Anesthesiology.
99:A966, 2003.
5. Sluijter ME, Cosman ER, Rittman WB, van Kleef M: The effects of pulsed radiofrequency fields applied
to the dorsal root ganglion – a preliminary report. The Pain Clinic. 11(2):109-117, 1998.
6. Sluijter ME: Radiofrequency. In Radiofrequency Part One: A Review of Radiofrequency Procedures
in the Lumbar Region. Edited by Meggen LU. Switzerland : Flivo Press SA; 49-72, 2001.
7. Van Zundert J, de Louw AJA, Joosten EAJ, Kessels AGH, Honig W, Dederen PJWC, Veening JG, Vles
JSH, van Kleef M: Pulsed and continuous radiofrequency current adjacent to the cervical dorsal root
ganglion of the rat induces late cellular activity in the dorsal horn. Anesthesiology. 102:125-131, 2005.
8. Higuchi Y, Nashold Jr. BS, Sluijter M, Cosman E, Pearlstein RD : Exposure of the Dorsal Root Ganglion in
Rats to Pulsed Radiofrequency Currents Activates Dorsal Horn Lamina I and II Neurons. Neurosurgery.
50(4): 850-856, 2002.