Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
What is Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation?
Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat thyroid nodules. This technique uses ultrasound-guided imaging to precisely locate the nodule, enabling targeted treatment.
A radiofrequency generator then delivers a carefully controlled amount of energy through an electrode into the tissue, effectively ablating the nodule.
The sustained thermal energy from RFA causes the nodule to degenerate, allowing the degenerated tissue to be naturally eliminated from the body over the course of several months.
The Thyroid Gland:
Why is it Important?
The proper functioning of our brains, hearts, and digestive and metabolic systems relies significantly on a small but vital gland: the thyroid gland.
This butterfly-shaped gland is situated at the front of the neck, encircling the windpipe near the base of the throat. As a key component of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland secretes hormones that regulate essential bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and metabolism.
Thyroid Nodules and Common Treatment
The majority of nodules are benign and pose no immediate threat to life. However, they can lead to various complications, including discomfort, difficulty or pain while swallowing, excessive production of thyroid hormones, and swelling or enlargement in the neck.
While surgical intervention can be effective, it may result in noticeable scarring, and the long-term consequences of thyroid removal can be significant for patients. For instance, individuals may develop hypothyroidism following partial thyroid surgery, necessitating lifelong medication to maintain adequate thyroid hormone levels. This risk is particularly pronounced if the entire thyroid gland is removed.
Why Choose Thyroid RFA?
Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment designed for the management of undesirable thyroid nodules. This procedure offers a swift and safe alternative, allowing patients to return to their normal daily activities with minimal recovery time.
The term "radiofrequency" (RF) refers to an alternating electric current that oscillates between 200 kHz and 1200 kHz. When applied, radiofrequency energy agitates tissue ions as they attempt to align with the changing direction of the alternating current, resulting in the generation of frictional heat around the electrode. While this heat induces immediate damage to the tissue, it is primarily significant within a few millimeters of the electrode
itself.
Benefits of Thyroid RFA
Save your thyroid
minimally invasive
A thin needle is used to avoid any surgical scars. No general anesthesia is required, which means no downtime or hospitalization.
volume reduction
quality of life
Risks of Thyroid RFA
All treatments and procedures carry inherent risks, which your doctor will discuss with you in detail.
Minor complications
Minor complications may include skin burns, hematomas, and nausea.
Major complications
Major complications are infrequent but can involve nodule rupture, resulting in infection, or changes in voice.
The likelihood of permanent injury to the vocal cord nerve, leading to alterations in voice, is less than 1% (1 in 100).
Larger nodules may necessitate multiple treatments to achieve effective shrinkage. Your doctor will evaluate and discuss the potential need for additional treatments during your initial assessment.
Preparing for Thyroid RFA
What Happens During the STARmed Thyroid RFA Procedure
To initiate the procedure, you will be asked to rest your head on a small cushion, ensuring that your neck is extended. Two grounding pads will be affixed to your thighs. Your physician will then clean and prepare the skin before administering local anesthesia around your thyroid. Throughout the procedure, you will retain the ability to breathe, swallow, and speak normally.
A thin needle electrode will be inserted directly into the nodule, allowing your doctor to control the flow of energy to ablate (treat) the nodule. The ablative effects on the nodule will be visible in realtime to the medical team. To monitor your comfort during the procedure, your doctor may inquire about how you are feeling and whether you are experiencing any pain. They can readily adjust the procedure if you become uncomfortable at any point.
With the application of sustained radiofrequency ablation (RFA) thermal heat, the affected nodule may be permanently destroyed. Your immune system will subsequently break down the damaged tissue, shrink the nodule, and allow the affected material to be eliminated from your body naturally as waste.
Upon completion of the procedure, a small bandage will be applied to the treatment site, and ice
packs may be utilized to cool your neck.
target
Using ultrasound, your doctor will locate your the nodule and insert a thin electrode into the affected area. This method ensure that the treatment is focused solely on the targeted nodule area.
heat
Using VIVA RF generator, your doctor will allow energy to flow through the electrode into the nodule. The radiofrequency ablates the nodule and the heat is sustained for a safe, pre-determined length of time, usually just a few minutes.
reduce
With the sustained RFA thermal heat, the nodule is degenerated and flows through the body as waste. Most patients notice a reduction in nodule size in just 2-3 weeks.
What Happens to the Nodules After the Procedure?
Following the procedure, the body's immune system effectively removes the cells of the treated thyroid nodule. Most patients observe a noticeable reduction in the size of the nodule within just two to three weeks, with solid nodules generally requiring a longer duration to diminish compared to cystic nodules.
2-3
Weeks to first visible reduction
40-60%
Average reduction at 3 months
60-90%
Average reduction at 1 year
What to Expect After the STARmed Thyroid RFA
You will be monitored for a brief period following the procedure before being discharged. It is advisable to consult with your physician beforehand regarding your ability to drive, as you may require transportation to and from the procedure. Generally, you should be able to resume most of your daily activities almost immediately thereafter.
