Patients | Procedures
Thermal Control Radio Frequency Ablation (TCRFA)
Temperature controlled radio frequency is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to reduce tissue volume in a precise, targeted manner. Nasal TCFRA is generally recommended for patients with nasal congestion due to a mildly deviated septum and enlarged nasal turbinates, patients who experience sleep apnea but have difficulty wearing a CPAP mask, or patients requiring sinus surgery who have enlarged nasal turbinates.
​You have chosen a procedure that is performed either in the office using a local anesthetic or in an operating room setting in conjunction with sleep endoscopy. If the procedure is performed in the office you may experience some mild discomfort during the procedure; however, this should be minimal. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and you will be in the office for approximately 30 minutes. This procedure is done under local anesthetic so you do not need to be accompanied by anyone to your appointment.
​You may experience some but not all of these side effects:
- Mild crusting
- Some bleeding
- Mild pain
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal drainage
​Symptoms generally resolve within 7-10 days after treatment. Non-narcotic analgesic medication is generally adequate to control any pain that may result from this procedure.
You may be asked to follow up with Dr. Hoff in our office within 1-14 days for a recheck. Final results may take 6-8 weeks.
​Use of saline nasal sprays may be helpful for congestion. Generally, there is no contradiction to gentle nose blowing and normal physical activity. Please follow specific post-operative instructions given to you by the doctor at the time of your visit.
​If you experience increased pain, fever or unspecified bleeding, please contact the office.