In the past, thyroid radio frequency ablation was not as widely studied or known. Therefore, many doctors and patients defaulted to using invasive, potentially harmful procedures to manage thyroids.
Thyroidectomies, laser ablation, microwave ablation, high-intensity frequency ablation, and other methods have long been used for the treatment of benign and malignant thyroids.
While these other methods have offered a degree of success, they also come with complications and risks. However, radiofrequency ablation offers an attractive alternative to these other methods.
Thyroid ablation is a non-invasive solution for thyroid issues. It does not require surgery, therefore it does not leave scarring, does not cause complications, does not require extended hospitalization.
That being said, in this article, let’s explain in further detail what this groundbreaking therapy entails. In addition, we’ll explore the specific benefits of this thermal therapy over surgery, as well as the results of clinical studies.
Thermal ablation or radiofrequency ablation involves destroying overgrown portions of a thyroid nodule. It involves a generator and electrode needle. General surgeons, endocrinologists, and surgeons can perform radiofrequency ablation.
It can be used to treat thyroid nodules that are both pre toxic and toxic. Radiofrequency ablation is also effective for other types of tissues depending on the context.
The recommended approach to thermal ablation is using a moving shot technique. This involves placing the electrode probe into the patient’s thyroid. At this point, the physician moves the probe back and forth methodically.
The doctor ablates each portion of the thyroid slowly and steadily. By moving the needle from the anterior to posterior and changing the positioning plane by plane, total ablation of unwanted thyroid tissue can be achieved.
Proper moving shot technique requires an electrode probe, an imaging system, handheld imaging monitor, and of course a radiofrequency generating device. The patient can leave after around 30 minutes of monitoring.
Several studies have been done to show the clinical efficacy of RF ablation:
A 2021 study found that thyroid nodules were reduced significantly, as well as symptoms.
After 6 month follow-ups, thyroid neoplasia regrowth was eliminated. This means it’s better at reduction than ethanol ablation. This study was conducted by the European Thyroid Journal in 2020.
A study found that only 3.3% of patients had health side effects. Only 0.2% of them had permanent side effects. This was after reviewing over 1500 thyroid nodules in patients. In other words, over 99.8% of them fully recovered.
The National Library of Medicine found that patients experienced an average of 79.4% reduction in thyroid nodule volume after 24 month follow-ups.
All patients in that study improved their compressive symptoms. 0 of the patients had hyperthyroidism after the therapy, if they had pre-toxic thyroid nodules beforehand. And no one needed to use methimazole therapy going forward.
This also includes the fact that no complications were observed or hospitalizations.
Some of the additional benefits of using RF ablation are:
Thyroid frequency ablation is relatively fast.
A physician can complete it from start to finish in around 15 to 45 minutes. Of course, the more treatment that is needed, the longer the procedure will take.
However, it is still beneficial compared to other types of surgery or thyroid treatment, which can often take an hour.
As the studies have shown, recurrence is incredibly rare after receiving RFA. Thyroid nodule shrinkage happens quickly and avoids regrowth, even after two-year follow-ups.
Medical providers can achieve cost savings using RF thermal ablation. The machinery required for this procedure costs around $20,000. When you compare this to microwave ablation or HIFU machines, in which the minimum starts at $20,000 and goes up to $250,000, the cost savings are obvious.
Being an outpatient therapy, RFA allows patients to leave within 30 minutes after having the procedure. This reduces strain on the medical center.
When performing radiofrequency ablation, you should use specialized equipment. This includes: a grounding pad, pump, local anesthetic, imaging probe, imaging monitor, RF generator, and electrode probe.
RGS Healthcare focuses on manufacturing and distributing the high quality imaging systems and RF generators that you need. For instance, the E-Cube X70 is a display system that allows you to view the electrode probe and the thyroid nodule from A to Z during therapy.
This ensures you can achieve precise ablation without damaging surrounding areas or leaving parts of the thyroid untreated.
Furthermore, the Mygen V1000 generator made by RF Medical is a state-of-the-art machine for producing radiofrequency heat. This is what gives you the power to ablate the nodules.
Instead of manipulating complex settings, you’ll enjoy preset algorithms that you can simply select. This goes for thyroid, tissue, kidney, lung, bone, and more. The cost for this machinery is less than comparable procedures for reducing thyroid nodule volume.
When it comes to treating thyroid nodules, whether hot or cold, invasive surgeries are becoming a thing of the past. Increasingly physicians are understanding the value of radiofrequency ablation.
Its precision, effectiveness, and safety provides all the qualities for the best care. Ideally the proper application of thermal ablation means that thyroids will reduce in size and not grow back abnormally.
The clinical evidence is clear. If you use the right technique and equipment, you can accomplish these outcomes. Contact RGS Healthcare today. Discover how to equip your practice in the best way to treat benign thyroid nodules. And reduce patients’ reliance on medications, invasive surgery, and other detractions from their lifestyle.
RGS Healthcare is a medical imaging equipment supplier that truly listens to your budgetary and clinical needs. Whether you are looking for an ultrasound, c-arm, rfa or regenerative medicine product we can help. Allow our expertise to start working for you. Contact us today!
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