Perhaps the most valuable section of the manual is the guide to stimulation. Before burning the nerve, you must confirm you are in the right place.
Dr. Gauci’s Note: Always perform sensory and motor stimulation at 50 Hz and 2 Hz respectively, before lesioning. A motor response under 0.5V indicates the electrode is dangerously close to a mixed nerve.
The manual excels in breaking down treatment areas:
A major hurdle for many pain physicians is the physics. Dr. Gauci breaks down complex concepts into digestible parts:
A word of caution: Due to its popularity, counterfeit PDFs and outdated editions circulate online. The authentic Manual of RF Techniques by Dr. Charles A. Gauci MD "Hot" version is typically spiral-bound with color thermal imaging inserts. manual of rf techniques by dr charles a gauci md hot
Where to find it:
ISBN Alert: Look for the 2023-2025 revised edition. The cover features a red thermal gradient, which the industry has nicknamed the "Hot Cover."
Dr. Gauci categorizes RF energy into five thermal levels:
The "Hot" edition focuses heavily on Levels 3 and 4, providing detailed algorithms for achieving these temperatures safely. Perhaps the most valuable section of the manual
Recently, "cooled" RF and "pulsed" RF (which does not destroy tissue) have gained popularity. However, Dr. Gauci argued in his manual that conventional "hot" RF remains the gold standard for neurotomy. Why?
9.1 Indications
9.2 Landmarks & Positioning
9.3 Targeting
9.4 Stimulation Protocol
9.5 Lesion Parameters
9.6 Post-Procedure