Flat-panel fluoroscopy O-arm-guided percutaneous radiofrequency cordotomy: A new technique for the treatment of unilateral cancer pain

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous radiofrequency cordotomy (PRFC) involves controlled ablation of the anterolateral quadrant of the spinal cord, thereby relieving pain. Evolving from a morbid open surgery, the procedure has been modernized through the application of physiological target confirmation, well-regulated thermal ablation, and improved intraoperative imaging. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility in PRFC of a new high-resolution, portable flat-panel fluoroscopic imaging technology, the O-arm Imaging System. The O-arm allows traditional 2-dimensional fluoroscopy in addition to axial and 3-dimensional reconstructed computed tomography imaging. METHODS: PRFC was performed using the O-arm Imaging System in 6 patients with unilateral cancer pain. RESULTS: Patients experienced 90% to 100% initial pain relief, with 50% to 100% sustained pain relief at the time of death at 2 to 12 months. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Portable flat-panel fluoroscopy allows high-resolution, readily updated computed tomography and fluoroscopic image guidance during PRFC. Use of this new technology may assist neurosurgeons in providing an important analgesic intervention at centers possessing the imaging technology.