These are most commonly performed to alleviate pain in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease. By ablating the lumbar sympathetic plexus, the blood flow to the limbs is increased and this helps in relieving pain.

The effect lasts for 1 week to 2 years, but the period is unpredictable from patient to patient.

The procedure is performed under CT guidance and two needles are simultaneously placed on either side of the upper margin of the L3 vertebral body (Figs. 1, 2). For temporary relief, bupivicaine is injected, but for permanent ablation, absolute alcohol is used.

Fig. 1	Fig. 2

Radiology Second Opinion Pain Management  Radio Frequency Ablation

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