The Applying of Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation with a Curved Needle for Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglion Block

Abstract

Sympathetic ganglion block with alcohol is very useful nerve block, but the technique of this block without complication is not so easy even for expert hands, because of difficulty of steering of needle and penetration of alcohol into undesirable part of body.
However if we apply radiofrequency thermocoagulation with a curved needle for this block instead of alcohol, we might be able to place a needle tip on the proper surface of vertebra easily and to avoid any complications. We think that radiofrequency thermocoagulation with a curved needle is a new alternative method for lumbar sympathetic ganglion block.