AVANOS CRKA-17-75-5.5 Cooled Radiofrequency Probe Kit

The Avanos CRKA-17-75-5.5 Cooled Radiofrequency Probe Kit is a premium, sterile, disposable solution engineered for advanced chronic pain management. Utilizing proprietary Cooled RF (Radiofrequency) technology, this kit allows clinicians to treat complex neural pathways that are often unreachable with conventional RF methods. By circulating water through the probe during the ablation process, the system creates larger, spherical lesions that offer significantly broader diagnostic and therapeutic coverage for patients suffering from debilitating joint and spinal pain.

Core Technology: Cooled Radiofrequency

The fundamental challenge with conventional RF is that high temperatures at the electrode tip can cause tissue charring, which increases electrical resistance and limits the size of the lesion.

Cooled RF solves this by internally circulating sterile water to dissipate heat at the probe-tissue interface. This cooling allows for:

• Higher Energy Delivery: The system delivers up to 3.7x more energy than standard RF without overheating the immediate tissue.

• Large Spherical Lesions: Instead of the typical “elliptical” or small linear lesions, the CRKA-17-75-5.5 creates a 12 mm spherical lesion, maximizing the probability of capturing the target nerve.

Mechanism of Action

The ablation process with the Avanos Cooled RF probe follows a specialized thermal protocol:

1. Placement: Using fluoroscopic guidance, the 17-gauge probe is positioned near the target sensory nerves.

2. Internal Cooling: Water circulates within the probe, maintaining the tip temperature at a safe level (typically below 45°C).

3. Ionic Agitation: The RF generator sends high-frequency current through the 5.5 mm active tip. The cooling allows this energy to project further into the surrounding tissue.

4. Sustained Denervation: The resulting 12 mm lesion creates a definitive thermal block, interrupting pain signals for an extended duration.

Clinical Applications

The CRKA-17-75-5.5 kit is specifically optimized for treating chronic pain in high-mobility joints and complex anatomical structures:

• Knee (Genicular Nerves): Management of osteoarthritis pain and failed total knee arthroplasty.

• Hip (Obturator and Femoral Nerves): Long-term relief for chronic hip joint pain.

• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint: Targeted denervation of the S1-S3 lateral branches.

• Spinal Pain: Treatment of thoracic and lumbar facet joint syndrome.

Key Advantages

• Extended Pain Relief: Clinical studies demonstrate that Cooled RF can provide patients with significant relief lasting up to 24 months.

• Angle-Independent Targeting: The spherical nature of the lesion means the probe does not need to be parallel to the nerve, simplifying the approach for the clinician.

• Enhanced Safety: Lower tip temperatures reduce the risk of localized tissue charring or “skin-burn” complications.

• Procedural Clarity: Radiopaque markers on the probe provide clear visibility under C-arm fluoroscopy with minimal interference.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cooled RF compare to conventional RF in terms of lesion size?

Conventional RF typically creates a small, elliptical lesion. Because the Avanos CRKA-17-75-5.5 uses internal water cooling, it can project more energy safely into the tissue, creating a large, 12 mm spherical lesion. This significantly increases the likelihood of successfully denervating the target nerve in anatomically variable regions.

How long does a patient typically experience pain relief after a Cooled RF procedure?

While results vary by patient and condition, clinical data shows that Cooled RF provides significantly longer-lasting relief compared to standard ablation. Many patients experience a reduction in chronic pain for up to 24 months, whereas conventional RF relief often fades between 6 and 12 months.

What is included in the CRKA-17-75-5.5 Probe Kit?

The kit is a comprehensive, sterile, disposable package. It includes the 17-gauge cooled radiofrequency probe, specialized introducers for placement, necessary tubing for water circulation, and burettes. It is designed for seamless integration with Avanos RF generators and cooling pump systems.

Is the procedure safer than standard radiofrequency ablation?

Yes. Conventional RF reaches high tip temperatures that can cause tissue charring and “hot spots.” The internal cooling in the CRKA-17-75-5.5 keeps the probe tip below 45°C. This allows for a more controlled, “volumetric” heating of the target tissue while protecting the area immediately adjacent to the probe.

Does this probe require a specific orientation to the nerve?

One of the major benefits of the 12 mm spherical lesion is angle-independent targeting. In conventional RF, the probe must often be placed parallel to the nerve. With the Avanos Cooled RF probe, the large spherical treatment zone allows for successful ablation regardless of the approach angle.

Why is Cooled RF preferred for knee and hip osteoarthritis?

Nerves in the knee and hip joints often follow unpredictable paths. A standard, small RF lesion can easily miss these targets. The larger treatment area provided by the 5.5 mm active tip and 12 mm spherical lesion ensures better coverage of the genicular or obturator nerves, leading to superior clinical outcomes.