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Radiofrequency Ablation

This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to heat tissue in a very small area (5 mm) to nullify the specific pain nerves feeding facet joints, a common cause of back pain. We target these nerves based on the results of previous diagnostic injections to the medial branch nerves. We use X-ray guidance to precisely place a small needle next to the targeted nerve and then radiofrequency waves are generated at the needle tip.

Over 80% of patients will receive long-term pain relief from radiofrequency ablation (RFA), lasting 6-18 months. The re-growing of nerves accounts for the return of symptoms.

Patients receiving pain management treatments who need language interpretation or prefer to communicate in a language other than English are encouraged to bring a family member or friend to their appointment to assist with translation. This ensures that patients fully understand the procedure and necessary instructions. If the patient is unable to comprehend the instructions, the appointment may need to be rescheduled. As Mayfair does not provide language interpreters, it is essential for patients to make these arrangements in advance.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY PROCEDURE?

  • If you are on anticoagulation drugs (Plavix, Coumadin, Warfarin etc.) you may need to have an international normalized ratio (INR) test and stop your medication prior to the procedure. Please inform our booking coordinators of any blood thinners you may be taking, so that they can discuss further instructions with you.
  • If you are currently taking antibiotics, you will need to wait two days after your last dose to be able to have your injection done.
  • Take all prescribed medications as directed.
  • You must have someone accompany you on the day of your test.
  • Have a light snack one hour before your arrival.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception.
  • Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY PROCEDURE?

  • A team member will review the consent form, explain procedure details, and answer any questions.
  • We will assess your leg strength and provide you with a comfortable clinic gown to change into.
  • We will then escort you to our treatment suite where you will meet the radiologist and be positioned on the table for your exam.
  • The radiologist will use X-ray guidance to correctly position a thin tube and administer a generous amount of local freezing.
  • The radiologist will confirm the correct location by viewing the needle from multiple angles and may test the probe location, if needed.
  • We will let you know when the nerve ablation has begun, a process which takes two minutes for each site. Band-Aids will be placed over the treatment areas.
  • A team member will enter with a stretcher and you will be asked to roll on to it.
  • You will be brought into a recovery room, an ice pack will be applied, and we will monitor you for an additional 15-30 minutes post-procedure.
  • You will be assessed by our team and, if there are no concerns, you will be free to leave with your driver.

POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS

  • First 24 hours:
    • Keep the treatment area clean and dry. Leave the Band-Aid on. Do not shower.
    • Avoid driving.
    • Avoid strenuous activities and lifting.
    • If possible, please avoid anti-inflammatory medication for 24 hours (i.e., ibuprofen/Advil).
  • First 48 hours: Avoid bathtubs, hot tubs, and pools.
  • After one week: You may resume physiotherapy. Be mindful of your pain and stop if it hurts too much. Notify your physiotherapist that you have had this injection so they can modify your exercises if necessary.
  • Sometimes pain could feel worse for one to two weeks. It could take up to one month for the nerve to completely lose function. Use Tylenol or previously prescribed pain medications (as per their original prescription directions), intermittent ice packs, or Voltaren gel to manage pain.
  • You may experience sunburn-like sensation or itchiness. This is transient and can be managed by applying Voltaren gel to the affected area.
  • If there is concern for significant bleeding or infection, such as worsening pain, skin redness at the area of injection, or a temperature greater than 38.5°C, please proceed to a walk-in clinic or urgent care centre.
  • If sudden intense lower back pain comes on quickly and travels down one or both legs, please go to an urgent care centre.
  • Anti-coagulant therapy: You will be directed when to resume any anti-coagulant (blood thinners) medication.
  • If you have questions or concerns, please call 403-568-3890 to speak with a nurse or radiologist. If you are unable to reach us, please call Health Link (811) or 911, and proceed to the nearest emergency room or medical centre.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?

  • Sometimes pain could feel worse for one to two weeks. It could take up to one month for the nerve to completely lose function.
  • Over 80% of patients will receive long-term pain relief from RFA, lasting 6-18 months. The re-growing of nerves accounts for the return of symptoms.
  • Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).

FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.

DURATION

60-90 minutes

LOCATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long will it take to notice results from this procedure?
Sometimes pain could feel worse for one to two weeks. It could take up to one month for the nerve to completely lose function. Use Tylenol or previously-prescribed pain medications (as per their original prescription directions), intermittent ice packs, or Voltaren gel to manage pain.
How long will my injection last?
Over 80% of patients will receive long-term pain relief from RFA, lasting 6-18 months. The re-growing of nerves accounts for the return of symptoms.
Can I have this procedure done again if found helpful?
RFA can be repeated if adequate long-term relief was previously obtained.
How soon after will I be able to stop taking my pain medication post RFA procedure?
Your previously prescribed pain medications can be stopped at the discretion of your physician.
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Our Culture

We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:

  • We recognize each other for our contributions – big and small.
  • We focus on teamwork and personal accountability to achieve our goals.
  • When we commit to deadlines, we complete the work as promised, by when we promised. If we realize we can’t keep our commitments, we collaborate to find new deadlines well in advance of the original ones.
  • We feel safe to speak up responsibly. That means we freely share what’s on our minds in a way that is respectful and supports the success of the organization.
  • We commit to our patients and their needs. We show up each day ready to live our vision, mission, and values.
  • We challenge each other to grow and develop our skills and we support each other to do so.
  • Above all, we go the extra mile to support our patients and colleagues. 

Our Values.

Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:

EXCELLENCE

We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.

CURIOSITY

We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.

PASSION

We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.

COLLABORATION

Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.

SERVICE

We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.

Start with us.

Start a career with Mayfair Diagnostics — one of Western Canada’s leading medical imaging teams.

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, we’ve been helping people f ind clarity for their health for over 100 years. At our clinics in Calgary and area, Regina, and Saskatoon, our team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff work in a truly integrated way to provide exceptional experiences for our patients. Joining our team is more than a job. It’s an investment in your future — a plan for success.

OUR PEOPLE

Our people share our quest to make a difference in our patient’s lives. We’re a team of professionals, disciplined in our skills and compassionate with our patients, providing the care and attention they need. At our core, we are a trusted partner in our patients’ health care journey. Our patients, physicians, and other health care providers rely on us for quality imaging to help manage their patient’s health care decisions with certainty. But our business is about more than just imaging. It’s about building lasting relationships and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we meet.

OUR VISION

A world in which every person has clarity about their health. We push the boundaries of what is possible and embrace change as an opportunity. We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking. We learn from our mistakes. We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.