RF ELECTRODES

Yes, to answer everyone who has asked, RF cannula and RF needles are the same thing. Both terms are correct. RF electrodes and RF probes are different from RF cannula or RF needles. RF Cannula or RF needles (whichever term you prefer) are placed on/over an RF probe – RF electrode. RF electrodes and RF probes are the same thing. They are what is plugged into an RF Generator. I hope that was clear. If you are still confused or if I just did not explain it well enough, please text or call me at 858-336-1377. I am also available by email. Just click here.

I am often asked about the different spellings of cannula that people see out there. If you are on the web it won’t be long before you see website editors using cannula, cannulae, and cannulas interchangeably and often incorrectly.  Cannula is the correct spelling for a single RF needle. Cannulae and Cannulas are the two plural forms of cannula. If anyone has seen another spelling out there let us know and we will add it to the list.

I get this question a lot. The answer is yes RF probes can be repaired can sometimes. to answer many of you who have asked the question Yes, RF probes and RF electrodes are the same things. whether the radiofrequency ablation probe can be repaired depends on the brand and what is broken. Neurotherm electrodes are the easiest to repair, but Stryker, Halyard, Cosman Baylis, and others can be repaired as well. I recommend saving all of your broken electrodes and “>call us when you need a new RF probe. Our experts will work with you to get an electrode to you asap at a great price.

How to Sterilize reusable Neurotherm RF probes (RF electrodes).

When Neurotherm reusable electrodes, Test Leads, and Stimulation Test Blocks are used they must be sterilized by autoclaving to the instructions provided by the autoclave manufacturer’s recommended sterilization procedure.

If in doubt, the sterilizer or autoclave manufacturer should be consulted for a recommendation of loading instructions and drying times.

Steam (Moist Heat). Quality of steam should be in accordance with the requirements of HTM2031 “Steam for Sterilization”. Wrapped (Porous Load) fractionated and pulse cycles.

Autoclave temperatures should be:- Pre-vacuum 1340 to 1370C (2740 – 2790F) for a minimum of 3 minutes. Do not use a gravity system processing for wrapped instruments.

When sterilizing unwrapped RF electrodes. The temperature range in each case should be:- 1340 – 1370C for a minimum of 3.5 minutes. Gravity displacement should also be 1340 – 1370C for a minimum of 3.5 minutes.

Ensure that any RFA probe cable does not contact the metal housing of the autoclave or other metal instruments during the sterilization cycle, as this may reduce the effective life of the radiofrequency electrode.

RF needles (RF cannula) and disposable RF probes are supplied sterilized, double wrapped and for single patient use only. It goes without saying, the disposable one-time radiofrequency probes and RF cannula can not be autoclaved or reused.

It is recommended that disposable Neurotherm radiofrequency electrodes (radiofrequency probes) should be used when possible, for added safety of the patient and members of the hospital staff. The downside to this is the cost of the disposable RF electrode.

Note: It is advised that autoclaves and other sterilization equipment should have validation certification and performance qualification tests undertaken of their process cycles for efficient processing.