FDA issues warning about radiofrequency ablation

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FDA alerted healthcare professionals of reports of patient deaths associated with the use of radio frequency (RF) ablation devices during lung tumor ablation. Patient selection, subsequent treatment, and technical use of the RF device, including placement and operation, may have contributed to the fatalities. While RF ablation devices have been cleared for general indications- ablation of soft tissue by thermal coagulation necrosis- the devices have not been cleared specifically for lung tumor ablation. Healthcare professionals should use caution when operating RF ablation devices, adhering strictly to information contained in the labeled operating instructions, Operators Manual, the Manufacturer's Instructions for Use and any training provided. Additionally, if healthcare professionals plan to use RF ablation devices to treat patients with lung tumors, they should consider enrolling patients in an approved clinical study, where training is available.

Read the complete MedWatch 2007 Safety Summary including a link to the FDA Public Health Notification regarding this issue at:

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007 ... .htm#Radio