Treatment of postherpetic neuralgia in the chest under CT

  Pulsed radiofrequency is an intermittent radiofrequency current, which is transmitted intermittently from the radiofrequency instrument to the nerve vertically in front of the needle tip. This energy transfer is not likely to disrupt the anatomical basis of nociceptive impulse transmission through protein coagulation, nor does it disrupt motor nerve function. When the puncture needle reaches the target nerve, the impedance monitoring and electrical stimulation test of the radiofrequency instrument are used to accurately adjust the position of the puncture needle and the temperature difference electrode. Then, a temperature of 38-42°C, a frequency of 2-8Hz and a parametric RF of 10-30 msec/dose are applied to achieve analgesia without damaging the nerve structure. For this reason, pulsed radiofrequency is also known as non-destructive radiofrequency. The literature has reported significant results in patients with neuropathic pain for whom thermal coagulation is contraindicated, without neurothermal dissociation effects and without postoperative hyperalgesia, soreness, burning pain or motor nerve injury.  The advantages of pulsed radiofrequency therapy are: 1) less risky, percutaneous puncture operation, even for outpatients; 2) nerve localization under electrical stimulation and resistance monitoring, and treatment operation under intravenous anesthesia and sedation; 3) no nerve destruction, no skin numbness, foreign sensation and other complications; 4) repeat radiofrequency treatment in case of pain recurrence, which is equally effective. In view of the safety and effectiveness of PRF, it is gaining more and more attention in the field of chronic pain treatment.