What Symptoms Does This RF Probe Treat? The AVANOS PMP-16-100C-SU is specifically designed for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions that have not responded to conservative treatments. Clinical indications include:
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Chronic Low Back Pain: Targeting the medial branch nerves for facet joint syndrome.
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Neck Pain & Cervicogenic Headaches: Precise ablation of cervical spine nerves.
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Sciatica & SI Joint Dysfunction: Relieving pain originating from the sacroiliac joint.
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Trigeminal Neuralgia: Managed through highly controlled thermal lesioning.
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Knee & Hip Osteoarthritis: Using cooled or standard RF to denervate painful joints.
The AVANOS PMP-16-100C-SU is a premium, sterile-packed radiofrequency (RF) probe engineered for high-precision thermal and pulsed RF applications. Developed by Avanos Medical—a global leader in pain management solutions—this single-use probe is designed to deliver consistent energy to targeted nerve tissues.
By utilizing a disposable format, the PMP-16-100C-SU eliminates the logistical burdens of sterilization while ensuring maximum patient safety through guaranteed sterility. This probe is a critical component for practitioners seeking reliable outcomes in minimally invasive neurotomy and chronic pain interventions.
Core Technology
The PMP-16-100C-SU utilizes advanced thermocouple technology to provide real-time temperature monitoring during RF ablation. The probe’s internal wiring is optimized for low impedance, ensuring that the energy delivered from the RF generator is accurately reflected at the active tip of the cannula. Its lightweight, color-coded connector allows for seamless integration with Avanos RF generators, reducing setup time and clinical errors.
Mechanism of Action
Unlike temporary injections, the radiofrequency energy delivered via the AVANOS PMP-16-100C-SU creates a precise “disruption” in the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain. This results in long-term pain relief (often lasting 6 to 18 months) without the need for invasive open surgery. It is a gold-standard choice for minimally invasive neurotomy.
When inserted through a compatible cannula, the AVANOS PMP-16-100C-SU transmits high-frequency electrical current to the target site. This process creates a controlled electromagnetic field:
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Thermal Ablation: The probe generates localized heat to create a lesion on the target nerve, interrupting pain signals.
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Precision Monitoring: The built-in sensor communicates directly with the generator to maintain the target temperature (typically between 60°C and 80°C), preventing charring or excessive tissue damage.
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Pulsed RF: The probe can also deliver short bursts of energy for neuromodulation, where heat is dissipated to avoid permanent nerve destruction.
Clinical Applications and Uses
The PMP-16-100C-SU is primarily utilized in interventional pain management for the following procedures:
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Medial Branch Blocks: Treating chronic facet joint pain in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine.
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Sacroiliac Joint Denervation: Addressing SI joint dysfunction through multi-point RF ablation.
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Trigeminal Neuralgia: Precision ablation for facial pain management.
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Peripheral Nerve Lesioning: Targeted relief for various neuropathic pain conditions.
Key Advantages
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Elimination of Cross-Contamination: As a single-use device, it removes the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the degradation associated with repeated autoclave cycles.
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Plug-and-Play Compatibility: Specifically calibrated for use with Avanos RF Cannulas (16-gauge, 100mm), ensuring a flush fit and optimal active tip exposure.
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Enhanced Precision: High-fidelity feedback allows the clinician to perform sensory and motor stimulation with confidence before lesioning.
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Operational Efficiency: Reduces downtime in the OR or procedure suite by removing the need for instrument reprocessing.
Treatment Process
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Preparation: The patient is positioned, and the target site is identified via fluoroscopy or ultrasound.
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Cannula Placement: A compatible 16g 100mm cannula is inserted and positioned adjacent to the target nerve.
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Probe Insertion: The sterile PMP-16-100C-SU probe is inserted through the cannula hub until fully seated.
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Testing: The clinician performs stimulation to confirm the probe is not too close to motor nerves.
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Ablation: RF energy is applied for a set duration (e.g., 60–90 seconds) while the probe monitors real-time temperature.
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Disposal: After the procedure, the probe is discarded according to biohazardous waste protocols.
Technical Specifications
| Detail | Specification |
| Model Number | PMP-16-100C-SU |
| Compatible Cannula Gauge | 16 Gauge |
| Compatible Cannula Length | 100mm |
| Sterility | Sterile, Single-Use (Disposable) |
| Connection Type | Standard Avanos RF Generator Connector |
| Technology | Thermocouple Temperature Sensing |
| Manufacturer | AVANOS Medical |
| Warranty | 30 Days |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary benefits of using a single-use RF probe over a reusable one?
Single-use probes like the AVANOS PMP-16-100C-SU offer guaranteed sterility for every procedure, significantly reducing the risk of infection. They also provide consistent electrical performance, as they are not subject to the wear and tear or insulation breakdown that can occur with repeated sterilization cycles in an autoclave.
Is the AVANOS PMP-16-100C-SU compatible with other brands of cannulas?
While many cannulas follow standard sizing, the PMP-16-100C-SU is specifically engineered for optimal fit and energy delivery with AVANOS Radiofrequency Cannulas of the corresponding 16g 100mm size. Using matched components ensures the thermocouple is positioned correctly within the active tip for accurate temperature readings.
Does this probe support both thermal and pulsed radiofrequency modes?
Yes, the PMP-16-100C-SU is designed to deliver both continuous thermal RF for permanent lesioning and pulsed RF for neuromodulation. The probe’s high-quality internal components allow the generator to modulate energy delivery based on the specific clinical requirements of the pain management procedure being performed.
How does the PMP-16-100C-SU ensure patient safety during nerve ablation?
Safety is maintained through integrated thermocouple technology, which provides the RF generator with instantaneous temperature feedback. This allows the system to automatically adjust power output to maintain the desired temperature, preventing unintentional tissue damage or overheating while ensuring the targeted nerve is effectively treated.
What is the significance of the 16-gauge, 100mm specification?
The 16-gauge diameter and 100mm length indicate the specific cannula dimensions this probe is designed to inhabit. The 16g size is typically used for procedures requiring a larger lesion or specific structural access, while the 100mm length is ideal for reaching deeper nerve structures in the lumbar region.
How should the AVANOS PMP-16-100C-SU be disposed of after use?
Because the probe comes into contact with the cannula (which is a blood-contacting device) and is used in a clinical environment, it must be treated as biohazardous medical waste. After the procedure is complete, the probe should be placed in a designated sharps container or biohazard bin.
Can radiofrequency ablation help with chronic nerve pain if injections failed?
Yes. Many patients who only receive temporary relief from steroid injections find that RF ablation using the AVANOS PMP-16-100C-SU provides a much more durable solution. It transitions the treatment from “temporary block” to “semi-permanent relief” by safely cauterizing the overactive pain fibers.
Is the procedure painful, and how long is the recovery?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or light sedation. Because the PMP-16-100C-SU probe is ultra-thin (16 Gauge), tissue trauma is minimized. Most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours, experiencing a significant reduction in their primary symptoms.
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