Understanding Thyroid Nodule Ablation

Thyroid nodule ablation using radiofrequency is now available in the United States. It’s a groundbreaking therapy that allows for minimally invasive, effective care. It can treat pre-toxic, toxic, hot, cold, benign, and occasionally malignant nodules.

This promising therapy allows physicians to provide alternatives to invasive surgery to their patients. Continue reading to learn more about what thyroid nodule thermal ablation entails, how it works, and the equipment required to perform it safely. And if you have any questions, contact us at RGS Healthcare.

What Is Thyroid Nodule Ablation?

Ablation refers to heat. In this case, radio frequency waves are used to heat up an electrode probe. The small surface area can be placed precisely on the portion of the thyroid nodule that needs to be ablated or cauterized.

Unless the excess tissue growth dies, eventually the body will process the tissue and dispose of it from the body. While there are other types of ablation techniques one can use to treat enlarged thyroid nodules, radio frequency ablation is the best available procedure.

It boasts a number of safety, efficacy, and permanence benefits. Let’s explore some of the research behind this type of thermal ablation.

Research Into RF Ablation Of The Thyroid Nodule

Thyroid Nodule RFA Boasts Cosmetic Improvements

In 2015, the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism performed a randomized control trial that looked at 84 patients with symptomatic and cytologically benign solid nodules. They found a 64.8% decrease in nodule volume size in six months.

Additionally, cosmetic scores were improved across all patients. When compared to the control group that did not undergo RFA, their nodule size stayed the same while their symptoms were worse after the six-month follow-up.

RF Ablation Of TNs Is Better In Comparison With Laser Ablation

The volume reduction ratio (VRR) of radiofrequency ablation is superior to laser ablation. After 24 months, patients saw 87% VRR with RFA. With laser, the VRR was only 45%. RFA was also found to reduce cosmetic issues and compressive symptoms.

Resolution Of Hyperthyroidism

A study found that 79% of patients were able to get off of methimazole therapy and resolve hyperthyroidism. And in fact, 100% of patients who had pre-toxic TNs instead of toxic TNs were able to resolve their hyperthyroidism. Furthermore, the study found zero complications or hospitalizations as a result of RFA therapy.

Moving Shot Technique For RF Thyroid Ablating

The moving shot technique is the best way to effectively and safely ablate the thyroid nodule tissue. First, acquire an RF generator, pump, grounding pad, and RF electrode, as well as an ultrasound imaging device.

The moving shot technique is as follows:

Ablate the peripheral portion of the thyroid nodule. Move back after visible air bubbles occur. This indicates that that portion of the thyroid nodule has been ablated.
Repeat this motion, line by line, posterior to anterior. Look at the longitudinal scan to check for the next ablation section.
Now repeat this ablation from the superior portion of the nodule to the superior portion of the nodule.
Check the scan. Repeat the moving shot technique from the lower pole plane to the upper pole plane to fully ablate the nodule.

With methodical slow movements and the right imaging device, you can ensure that you neither ablate too much tissue nor leave overgrown thyroid nodule tissue unablated.

Furthermore, the right radio frequency generator allows for precise ablation to avoid damaging excess tissue.

Additional Factors For The Thyroid Radio Frequency Ablation Process

From beginning to end, the therapy can take around 15 to 45 minutes. It will begin with a local anesthesia applied to the patient’s neck. Once the ablation is completed, you place an ice pack on the patient’s neck and they can be discharged in around 30 minutes.

Over the next 12 months, the nodule will shrink. A tiny scar will be left in the middle of the. A tiny puncture wound will be left behind, which will quickly heal. This is opposed to a large scar in the middle of the neck from a thyroidectomy. No hormone supplementation will be needed.

Costs

Specific costs for thyroid ablation equipment will vary. Contact us at RGS Healthcare if you have any additional questions on pricing and availability of equipment.

That being said, equipment tends to range around $20,000. Compared with HIFU equipment that can go up to $250,000, the cost savings are clear.

Thyroid Nodule RF Ablation Equipment

It is vital to select the right equipment for your radio frequency ablation. At RGS Healthcare, we provide imaging systems and radio frequency generators.

Imaging systems like the E-Cube i7 provide high resolution, easy to view imagery. Paired with a probe, you can fully visualize the patient’s thyroid gland and electrode probe throughout the entire procedure.

This promotes safety and convenience for the patient and physician. It also allows you to complete the therapy in less time.

The Mygen V1000 radio frequency generator is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment. It provides radio frequency ablation. It allows you to focus on the procedure at hand instead of changing the ablation levels.

Preset algorithms proprietary to RF Medical create the right level of ablation depending on the type of tissue being treated. This includes thyroid, kidney, long bones, and more.

Embracing A Better Thyroid Nodule Therapy

Through time, thyroidectomies, laser therapy, ethanol ablation, and other procedures were the only options to treat symptomatic thyroid nodules.

However, with the right training and equipment, you can equip your practice to utilize thermal ablation. With state-of-the-art radiofrequency ablation equipment and high-resolution imaging systems, you can promote safety and comfort. Reach out to RGS Healthcare today if you’d like to learn more.