OsteoCoolTM
The OsteocoolTM radiofrequency ablation system by Medtronic is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for treating painful bone tumors.
As a tumor grows, it can press against bone, nerves, or organs, causing pain. The OsteocoolTM system uses radiofrequency (RF) waves to generate heat. Specialized tools apply this heat directly to the tumor, which dries out and kills cancerous cells.
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What is Osteocool?
The OsteoCool™ radiofrequency ablation platform uses specialized probes to deliver heat energy directly to the tumor site. This heat breaks down the tumor, which reduces pressure on the nerves or bone and relieves pain.
The “Cool” in OsteoCool™ refers to a flow of circulating water that internally cools the tip of the probe. This allows the system to automatically moderate power, which keeps heat within the desired treatment range and reduces the risk of potential damage to adjacent tissue.
While OsteoCool™ is not a treatment for cancer itself, it can reduce the size of tumors and relieve pain.
What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
During an OsteoCool™ procedure, your doctor will take an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to identify the exact location of your pain. Your doctor will decide if local, moderate, or general sedation is the right option for you.
Your doctor will make one or two small incisions in your skin, about 1cm long, near the location of the tumor. Sizing tools are used to create small pathways in the bone for the RF ablation probes. The RF ablation probes are inserted and the OsteoCool™ system is turned on. Energy is emitted for 6.5 to 15 minutes per affected area to dry out and kill cancerous cells.
The entire procedure generally takes an hour or less to complete.
Oftentimes, bone tumors within the vertebrae compromise the structural integrity of the vertebrae, resulting in a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). The unique properties of the OsteoCool™ system allow the physician to immediately follow up the ablation with a balloon kyphoplasty procedure to repair the VCF.
The same pathways that were used to guide the probes to the tumor are used to guide small surgical balloons to the site of the fracture. The balloons are inflated to raise the collapsed vertebra and return it to its original position. The balloons are deflated and removed, leaving an empty cavity in the vertebrae. Bone cement is then poured into the cavity. When the cement hardens, it provides increased support for the repaired vertebrae and prevents further fracture and collapse.
What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
You will be moved into the recovery area and monitored by a nurse for about 60 minutes. Since the procedure includes sedation, you will need a driver to take you home upon discharge.
In most cases, you will be able to resume regular activities the day after your procedure. Your physician will discuss any additional limitations if necessary.
You may experience tenderness or aggravated symptoms at the incision site(s) for several days after the procedure. Apply ice packs to help with this pain.
The nurse will give you care instructions for the incision site(s) and you will be scheduled for a follow-up visit.
Schedule an appointment with Twin Cities Pain Clinic to discuss if OsteoCool can help with your pain.
RELIEVE YOUR PAIN, RENEW YOUR LIFE!
