Clinical Research Directory

Patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis refractory to conservative treatment will initially undergo an ultrasound-guided diagnostic genicular nerve block to assess treatment responsiveness. The superior medial, superior lateral, and inferior medial genicular nerves will be identified using anatomical landmarks and Doppler-confirmed genicular arteries with the Alpinion® E-Cube 8 Diamond ultrasound system equipped with a 3-12 MHz linear transducer. Following negative aspiration, a mixture of local anesthetics will be injected around each target nerve. Patients achieving at least 50% pain reduction for a minimum of 3 hours after the diagnostic block will subsequently undergo bipolar radiofrequency ablation (Bi-RFA). Bi-RFA procedures will be performed under sterile ultrasound guidance using the COOLIEF™ Cooled RF Advanced Generator. Two parallel 21-gauge radiofrequency cannulas with 10-mm active tips will be positioned adjacent to each target nerve to create larger bipolar lesions. App

Cooled radiofrequency ablation (C-RFA) will be performed under ultrasound guidance with linear transducer. Procedures will be carried out using the COOLIEF™ Cooled RF Advanced Generator (Avanos Medical®, USA). Continuous cooling of the probe tip with a saline circulation system enables the creation of larger lesions while maintaining tissue temperature at approximately 60°C. Patients achieving at least 50% pain relief following the diagnostic genicular nerve block will undergo C-RFA targeting the superior medial, superior lateral, and inferior medial genicular nerves. Following sterile preparation and local anesthesia with 2% lidocaine, a cooled radiofrequency probe will be advanced to the target site under ultrasound guidance. Sensory and motor stimulation will be performed to confirm accurate needle placement before cooled thermal ablation is applied at 60°C for 150 seconds. Patients will be monitored for possible complications after the procedure.