Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation
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Joseph, Joshua S.
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Abstract
Epilepsy, affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide, presents diverse challenges in its management due to the complex nature of its treatment. While Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs) are commonly prescribed, a significant subset of patients experiences drug-resistant seizures, necessitating alternative therapeutic strategies. This thesis explores Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) as a promising minimally invasive technique that may offer a safer and faster alternative to conventional surgical interventions. The research focuses on the efficacy of RFA in treating epilepsy, particularly examining its safety, effectiveness, and the potential for widespread clinical application.
Employing a retrospective analysis of SEEG-guided RFA procedures from 2014 to 2021 at Emory University, the study evaluates the outcomes of RFA alone compared to combinations with other treatments like Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) and surgical resection. Through comprehensive patient modeling and advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D brain models and ITK-snap software, this thesis provides a detailed examination of the ablation process and its impacts on epileptogenic zones.
Results indicate that RFA can be highly effective, particularly when accurately targeted, offering significant improvements in seizure control with minimal side effects. The analysis underscores the potential of RFA to be tailored to individual patient anatomies and seizure profiles, advocating for its integration into broader epilepsy treatment protocols.
This study contributes to the field by highlighting the nuanced roles of RFA in epilepsy surgery, potentially shifting paradigms in how epileptogenic brain regions are treated. Further research is recommended to optimize RFA procedures and expand its applicability, ensuring it can be a viable first-line treatment or part of a multimodal approach in managing complex epilepsy cases.
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Undergraduate Research Option Thesis