By-Line: AdventHealth
Cancer patients in Flagler County now have access to a new procedure that can relieve bone pain in just days, instead of weeks or months.
Dr. Ark Kheyfits, interventional radiologist and radiology leader at AdventHealth Palm Coast and Palm Coast Parkway is using the OptaBlate bone tumor ablation system to help patients with painful bone metastases feel better faster.
“For many patients, bone cancer pain can be unbearable, and traditional radiation therapy can take weeks or even months to provide relief,” said Kheyfits. “With this new procedure, we can ease their pain in just days, helping them move, sleep, and live more comfortably.”
The short, minimally invasive outpatient procedure takes about an hour and is available at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway.
During the procedure, Kheyfits and his team insert a small probe into the affected bone and use heat to destroy the tumor before filling the space with medical-grade cement to stabilize the bone. This two-step process provides immediate pain relief and helps prevent future fractures.
“Patients often come back to us within a day or two, saying they already feel significant relief,” said Kheyfits. “As a physician, seeing that kind of quick relief is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
This technology is especially helpful for patients who may not tolerate long radiation treatments. By addressing their pain quickly, they can continue other cancer treatments with less discomfort.
Beyond OptaBlate, Kheyfits is passionate about using cutting-edge interventional radiology techniques to improve lives.
“What excites me most about this specialty is the constant evolution of tools and techniques to treat patients less invasively and more effectively,” he said. “At the end of the day, it is about giving people hope and helping them feel whole again.”
