Radiofrequency ablation

This chapter reviews one of the most common therapeutic ablative technologies: radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The chapter describes the fundamental physical principles underlying this procedure, including a brief historical perspective. The chapter continues with a detailed review on the design of necessary instruments and systems involved in RFA, such as electrodes, generators, and other accessories. The chapter continues with a review of the different techniques used for the preclinical and clinical evaluation of RFA techniques, such as bench tests, in vivo models, and clinical trials. It also includes a section dedicated to reviewing some of the most important clinical applications of RFA, mainly the destruction of tumors and the elimination of cardiac arrhythmias. Finally, some lines of technical and scientific development about RFA for the future are suggested.