Radiofrequency Lesioning Through Deep Brain Stimulation Electrodes in Patients with Generalized Dystonia.

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for generalized dystonia. However, the DBS device is sometimes removed owing to hardware complications. We present 4 cases of generalized dystonia treated with radiofrequency lesioning through DBS electrodes. CASE DESCRIPTION: Four patients, 3 men and 1 woman (age range, 34-44 years), underwent DBS for generalized dystonia and subsequently developed complications, such as infection, necessitating removal of the devices. As stopping the stimulation caused recurrence of uncontrollable symptoms, radiofrequency lesioning was performed through the DBS electrodes under local anesthesia, and the DBS systems were removed under local or generalized anesthesia thereafter. The procedures performed were as follows: 2 patients had bilateral pallidotomy, 1 patient had unilateral pallidotomy, and 1 patient had pallidotomy and ipsilateral thalamotomy. As a result, in 4 patients, the dystonic symptoms did not worsen even after removal of the DBS systems during a follow-up period of 1-12 years. However, 1 patient had a small hemorrhage, and 2 patients showed recurrence of dystonia. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency lesioning with DBS electrodes is feasible in cases of generalized dystonia when the DBS leads have to be removed.

Radiofrecuencia pulsada: pasan los años y seguimos con las mismas incógnitas / Pulsed radiofrequency: the years go by and the questions remain the same

No disponible

Radiofrecuencia pulsada sobre el nervio dorsal del pene: tratamiento eficaz para la neuralgia refractaria del pudendo / On the dorsal penile nerve pulsed radiofrecuency: effective treatment for refractory pudendal neuralgia

La neuralgia del pudendo se define como un síndrome doloroso neuropático, que involucra al dermatomo y a la inervación motora del nervio pudendo. Cualquier punto de su trayecto, desde su origen hasta sus ramificaciones terminales, es susceptible de sufrir diferentes grados de afectación o lesión. La localización del dolor puede ser perineal, rectal o en el área del clítoris/pene, presentándose de forma unilateral o bilateral; se agrava al sentarse y disminuye o desaparece al estar de pie; habitualmente respeta el descanso nocturno y puede asociarse a disfunción urinaria, anal e incluso sexual. Son múltiples las causas que pueden provocar la afectación del nervio pudendo, como partos, caídas, golpes directos y cirugías pélvicas. Esta patología constituye una entidad relativamente frecuente en las unidades de dolor crónico. Son varias las terapias utilizadas, incluyendo fármacos, bloqueos nerviosos del pudendo, cirugía descompresiva y neuromodulación de cordones posteriores medulares. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que, tras ser sometido a prostatectomía radical, consultó por dolor crónico continuo de tipo quemante junto a crisis lancinantes en parte distal derecha del pene (territorio del pudendo) y en el que aplicamos radiofrecuencia pulsada sobre el nervio dorsal derecho del pene obteniendo un buen resultado. Son varios los autores que han publicado tratamientos exitosos con radiofrecuencia pulsada del pudendo para el tratamiento de la neuralgia de dicho nervio, pero hasta ahora no se ha publicado ningún artículo de radiofrecuencia pulsada sobre los nervios dorsales del pene (AU)

Pudendal neuralgia is defined as a neuropathic pain syndrome, involving the dermatome and motor innervation of the pudendal nerve. Any point in its journey, from its origin to its terminal branches, is susceptible to varying levels of damage or injury. The location may be perineal pain, rectal or clitoral/penis area, presenting unilateral or bilateral. It is aggravated by sitting and diminishes or disappears when standing; usually respects people’s sleep and may be associated with urinary or anal dysfunction, and even sex. There are multiple causes that can lead to involvement of the pudendal nerve, such as births, falls, direct hits and pelvic surgeries. This disease is a relatively common condition in chronic pain units. There are several therapies used, including drugs, pudendal nerve blocks, decompressive spinal surgery and neuromodulation posterior columns. We report the case of a patient who, after undergoing radical prostatectomy, chronic pain consulted by continuous burning pain with lancinating type crisis penis right (territory of the pudendal) distal part and in which we apply on the nerve pulsed radiofrequency right dorsal penile obtaining a good result. There are several authors who have published successful treatments with pulsed radiofrequency to treat pudendal neuralgia of the nerve, but so far has not published any articles of pulsed radiofrequency of the dorsal nerves of the penis (AU)

Radiofrecuencia pulsada en el tratamiento de la epicondilitis / Pulsed radiofrequency in the treatment of epicondylitis

No disponible

Asthma: pathogenesis and novel drugs for treatment.

Asthma affects almost 20 million people in the United States and more than 300 million people worldwide. Of these, 10-15% have severe asthma, which is refractory to commonly available drugs. New drugs are needed because those that are currently available cannot control symptoms and exacerbations in all patients and can cause adverse reactions. In the past 10 years, there have been substantial advances in the understanding of asthma genetics, airway biology, and immune cell signaling. These advances have led to the development of small molecule therapeutics and biologic agents that may improve asthma care in the future. Several new classes of asthma drugs--including ultra long acting ß agonists and modulators of the interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17 pathways--have been evaluated in randomized controlled trials. Other new drug classes--including dissociated corticosteroids, CXC chemokine receptor 2 antagonists, toll-like receptor 9 agonists, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors--remain in earlier phases of development. Despite some preliminary efficacy data, there is insufficient evidence to make strong recommendations about the use of these newer agents. Future research on the clinical efficacy of these biologic agents, the effect of newer agents on severe asthma in pediatric patients, and the biology of non-eosinophilic and corticosteroid resistant asthma is needed to reduce the morbidity of asthma worldwide.

Radiofrecuencia pulsada para el tratamiento del dolor crónico postherniorrafia inguinal. Reporte de caso / Pulsed radiofrequency for the treatment of chronic pain groin postherniorraphy. Case report

Introducción: El dolor crónico postherniorrafia inguinal es una condición clínica caracterizada por dolor frecuentemente neuropático, incapacitante, de difícil control farmacológico, lo cual ha derivado en la búsqueda de diferentes herramientas de tratamiento. Objetivo: Presentamos el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico de dolor crónico postherniorrafia inguinal, refractario al tratamiento farmacológico, a quien se le realizó una radiofrecuencia pulsada con la cual se logró control del dolor y su reintegro a la vida laboral. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos Pub- Med/Medline, entre los años 2000 y 2013. Resultados: Se revisaron 25 artículos para la descripción del caso. Conclusión: En pacientes con dolor crónico postherniorrafia inguinal, refractarios al tratamiento farmacológico, la radiofrecuencia pulsada aplicada sobre los nervios ilioinguinal, iliohipogástrico y genitofemoral, es una alternativa útil, disponible en nuestro medio y segura con una baja incidencia de efectos adversos o complicaciones (AU)

Introduction: Postherniorrhaphy groin chronic pain is a clinical condition characterized by neuropathic pain mainly, disabling, with difficult pharmacological control, which has resulted in the search for different treatment tools. Objective: To present the case of a patient diagnosed with postherniorrhaphy groin chronic pain, resistant to medical therapy, to whom was made a pulsed radiofrequency by means of which achieved pain control and their reintegration into working life. Methods: A search was conducted on PubMed/Medline database, between the years 2000-2013. Results: 25 papers were reviewed to describe the case. Conclusion: In patients with postherniorrhaphy groin chronic pain resistant to pharmacological treatment, pulsed radiofrequency applied to the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric and genitofemoral nerves is an effective alternative, available and safe with a low incidence of adverse effects or complications (AU)

Pulsed radiofrequency: a review of the basic science as applied to the pathophysiology of radicular pain: a call for clinical translation.

Radicular pain is an important health care problem, with only limited evidence-based treatments available. Treatment selection should ideally target documented pathophysiological pathways. In herniated discs, a sequence in the inflammatory cascade can be observed that initiates and maintains increased nociceptive signal input. Inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor α are released from the nucleus pulposus and the degenerating peripheral nerve, which, in turn, induces production of neurotrophins like nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Neurotrophins interfere not only with the generation of ectopic firing of nociceptive neurons in the dorsal root ganglion but also with the excitability and sensitization of neuronal transmission in the dorsal spinal horn. Radicular pain is further characterized by the electrophysiological spreading of the afferent nociceptive input over different spinal nerve roots. Both the complex pathophysiological pathways involved and the spreading of the nociceptive signal make radicular pain difficult to treat. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is considered an option in treatment of radicular pain. To understand and increase the efficiency of PRF interventional treatments in radicular pain, both in vitro and in vivo studies aiming at elucidating part of the mechanism of action of PRF are described. Potential factors that may improve the efficacy of PRF treatment in radicular pain are discussed.

A systematic review: current and future directions of dorsal root ganglion therapeutics to treat chronic pain.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to systematically review the historical therapeutics for chronic pain care directed at the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and to identify future trends and upcoming treatment strategies. METHODS: A literature search on bibliographic resources, including EMBASE, PubMed Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews from literature published from 1966 to December 1, 2012 to identify studies and treatments directed at the DRG to treat chronic pain, and was limited to the English language. Case series, case reports, and preclinical work were excluded. Information on emerging technologies and pharmacologics were captured separately, as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The literature review yielded three current clinical treatment strategies: ganglionectomy, conventional radiofrequency treatment of the dorsal root ganglion, and pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the DRG. Seven studies were identified utilizing ganglionectomy, 14 for conventional radiofrequency, and 16 for pulsed radiofrequency. Electrical stimulation and novel therapeutic delivery strategies have been proposed and are in development. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a robust understanding of the DRG and its importance in acute nociception, as well as the development and maintenance of chronic pain, relatively poor evidence exists regarding current therapeutic strategies. Novel therapies like electrical and pharmacologic strategies are on the horizon, and more prospective study is required to better qualify the role of the DRG in chronic pain care.

Lesiones del ganglio dorsal por radiofrecuencia pulsada a través del espacio epidural / No disponible

No disponible

Bloqueo y radiofrecuencia de la articulación sacroilíaca / No disponible

La articulación sacroilíaca (ASI) es una importante fuente de dolor axial, contribuyendo en hasta un 15% del dolor crónico axial. Existen numerosas pruebas diagnósticas, aunque el examen físico, las pruebas radiológicas son insuficientes para el adecuado diagnóstico. El criterio diagnóstico más aceptado es el alivio del dolor de la ASI tras uno o varios bloqueos diagnósticos intra-articulares con anestésicos locales, realizados de manera adecuada. El proceder ante la positividad del bloqueo es la radiofrecuencia de las ramas que inervan la ASI. En el siguiente artículo se repasará la anatomía, el diagnóstico y los distintos tratamientos intervencionistas del dolor de origen sacroilíaco (AU)

Sacroiliac joint (ASI) is an important source of pain, contributing to 15% of chronic back pain. There are numerous diagnostic tests, although historical and physical examination findings and radiological imaging are insufficient for a proper diagnosis. An analgesic response to a properly performed diagnostic block, is the most reliable method to diagnose sacroiliac joint pain. If there is a positive block, radiofrequency denervation of the ASI is performed for a longterm pain-free period. The following article will review the anatomy, diagnosis and interventional treatment of sacroiliac joint pain (AU)

Estudio e intervencionismo ecoguiado de la articulación del hombro / No disponible

El hombro doloroso es una entidad que encontramos en nuestra práctica diaria con relativa frecuencia. Con la introducción de la ultrasonografía, se abre un campo novedoso ya que podemos explorar, localizar e infiltrar exactamente la zona lesionada. La ecografía permite una exploración en la misma consulta, así como la capacidad de realizar una exploración dinámica. El hombro se compone de 5 articulaciones: 3 verdaderas (esternoclavicular, acromioclavicular y glenohumeral) y 2 denominadas falsas (subacromial y escapulotorácica). Siempre que sea posible, intentaremos realizar la punción en plano, intentando visualizar el trayecto completo de la aguja y la punta de la misma. En el intervencionismo del hombro esto es bastante fácil de conseguir puesto que se trata de estructuras muy superficiales. Es muy poco probable que se produzcan daños graves durante la infiltración del hombro. Tendremos especial cuidado de no puncionar estructuras vasculares (AU)

Painful shoulder is an entity that we find in our daily practice with relative frequency. With the introduction of ultrasound, opens a new field that we can explore, locate and exactly infiltrate the injured area. Ultrasound allows an exploration in the same act, as well as the ability to make a dynamic scanning. The shoulder is made up of 5 joint: true 3 (sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular and glenohumeral) and 2 known as false (subacromial and thoracic scapula). Wherever possible, we will try to puncture in plane, trying to display the full path of the needle and the tip of it. In the interventionism of the shoulder, this is quite easy to get since it’s very superficial structures. It is highly unlikely any serious damage during the infiltration of the shoulder. Take special care of non piercing vascular structures (AU)

Tratamiento ablativo de la fibrilación auricular / Atrial fibrillation ablation

La fibrilación auricular es la arritmia cardiaca más frecuente, con una morbilidad significativa asociada a los síntomas, insuficiencia cardiaca y tromboembolia, que tienen relación con exceso de mortalidad. Durante los últimos 10 años, muchos centros de todo el mundo han descrito unas tasas elevadas de éxitos y pocas complicaciones tras una única intervención de ablación en pacientes con fibrilación auricular paroxística. Estudios recientes indican superioridad a corto y a largo plazo de la ablación percutánea respecto al tratamiento convencional con medicación antiarrítmica, en cuanto a recurrencia de la arritmia, calidad de vida y progresión de la arritmia. En consecuencia, la ablación percutánea se está convirtiendo en un tratamiento de primera línea para muchos pacientes con fibrilación auricular. Sin embargo, en los pacientes con fibrilación auricular persistente de larga evolución, la ablación percutánea es más compleja y laboriosa, y con frecuencia requiere intervenciones repetidas para alcanzar unas tasas de éxito igual de altas que en la fibrilación auricular paroxística. Sin embargo, en un futuro próximo, con más experiencia y el perfeccionamiento de la tecnología, la ablación percutánea de la fibrilación auricular podrá extenderse también a los pacientes con una fibrilación auricular de larga evolución (AU)

Atrial fibrillation is the commonest cardiac arrhythmia, with significant morbidity related to symptoms, heart failure, and thromboembolism, which is associated with excess mortality. Over the past 10 years, many centers worldwide have reported high success rates and few complications after a single ablation procedure in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Recent studies indicate a short-term and long-term superiority of catheter ablation as compared with conventional antiarrhythmic drug therapy in terms of arrhythmia recurrence, quality of life, and arrhythmia progression. As a result, catheter ablation is evolving to a front-line therapy in many patients with atrial fibrillation. However, in patients with persistent long-standing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation strategy is more complex and time-consuming, frequently requiring repeat procedures to achieve success rates as high as in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. In the near future, however, with growing experience and evolving technology, catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation may be extended also to patients with long-standing atrial fibrillation (AU)

Generadores de radiofrecuencia disponibles en el mercado español / No disponible

En España se ha producido un incremento en la realización de Técnicas de Radiofrecuencia (RF), como muestra la reciente encuesta publicada en la Revista Española del Dolor. Desde el Grupo de Interés de la Sociedad Española hemos querido difundir la RF mediante la realización de cursos. Una pregunta repetida en los cursos era ¿Qué "aparatos de RF" existen? En el presente artículo no hemos querido valorar cuáles eran mejores o peores, sino describir sus características técnicas más relevantes. Objetivos: analizar los diferentes generadores de ondas de radiofrecuencia presentes en el mercado español (AU)

There has been an important increase in radiofrequency procedures in Spain during the past five years. The Spanish Society RF Interest Group has always wanted to spread the use of RF techniques among pain practitioners. In this paper we analyze the different RF generators available in the spanish market, with their most relevant technical features (AU)