What is the primary function of radiofrequency (RF) ablation?

The primary function of radiofrequency (RF) ablation is to burn or heat tissue. RF ablation involves the use of high-frequency electrical currents that generate heat, which is applied to target tissues in order to cause cellular destruction. This process is commonly used in medical procedures to treat various conditions such as arrhythmias, tumors, and chronic pain, by effectively eliminating or modifying abnormal tissue.

The heating effect achieved during RF ablation leads to tissue coagulation and necrosis, helping to block abnormal electrical pathways or reduce the size of tumors. This targeted approach allows for specific areas to be treated while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

In contrast, other methods like freezing tissue use different techniques, such as cryoablation, which focuses on extreme cold rather than heat. Generating electrical signals is more associated with diagnostic procedures rather than ablation itself, and creating vibrations in tissue is not a function of RF ablation, as it specifically involves thermal effects to achieve its therapeutic goals.