Thyroid Radio Frequency Ablation Scientific Evidence

Thyroid radio frequency ablation is a new clinically proven method for treating thyroid. Treatments with benign thyroid nodules, enlarged thyroid nodules, and malignant thyroid nodules, (both hot and cold) can benefit from this impressive radiofrequency therapy.

At this time, there exist other options for treating thyroids, such as invasive surgeries, laser ablation, and microablation.

However, when compared with the alternatives, radiofrequency ablation appears to be the most effective, risk-free, and efficient method of reducing the size of unnaturally enlarged thyroids.

Thyroid Radio Frequency Ablation — Why It Matters

If not treated in time, thyroids can cause breathing complications, pressure on critical structures near the thyroid (like the throat), cosmetic issues, lower confidence, and potentially even malignant cancer.

Therefore, it’s important for doctors to understand what thermal ablation is and how to use it in their practice. It could become an important element of your ability to treat patients.

At the end of the day, if you perform it with the right equipment and the right technique, you can achieve better health outcomes, lower risks, and sustained results for your patients going forward.

With that being said, let’s discuss what thyroid ablation consists of, and of course, let’s dive into the science supporting the idea that RFA is the new golden standard for curing hyperthyroidism.

The Process of Thyroid Ablation with RF

The process of radiofrequency thyroid ablation involves several steps. First the physician will numb the local area of the neck using anesthetic.

From here the doctor will penetrate the neck area using the electrode needle which also serves as the probe. Once the electrode needle is inside the thyroid, the doctor will use the imaging system and an imaging probe to guide the needle to the starting point for the ablation.

Then the doctor will use a moving shot technique. This involves moving the needle back and forth slowly to ablate each portion of the tissue methodically.

After that the patient is free to go home after a short period which is typically around 20

minutes.

The Science Of RF Thyroid Ablation

Countless scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy of thyroid ablation. The European Thyroid Journal conducted a study in 2020. They found, on average, a 93% reduction of VRR within six months.

They also found thermal ablation also came with fewer complications when using an image-guided therapeutic approach. 20 years of clinical evidence produced no signs of thyroid neoplasia.

Another study looking at 1543 nodules found that only 1.3% of patients experienced major complications. Of those experienced complications, 99.8% of them fully recovered.

Compared to laser therapy, a 2020 study found that thermal radiofrequency ablation was more effective at reducing volume over 24 months. It also produced fewer compressive symptoms and cosmetic concerns.

A 2015 randomized control trial looked at 84 patients with symptomatic and cytologically blind solid nodules. The group that underwent RFA improved in cosmetic scores and enjoyed an average volume decrease by 64.8%. The treatment was found to be most effective in small thyroid nodules.

What to Use for Radiofrequency Ablation

Equipment commonly used to ablate the thyroid nodule with radiofrequency are:

Radiofrequency Generator

This provides the power source for the radiofrequency ablation in the first place. It needs to provide enough heat or ablation to destroy the enlarged thyroid nodule.

However, it must also minimize the risk of overablation. This could lead to damaging additional tissues or surrounding structures. For that reason, a high-quality machine like the Mygen V1000 from RF Medical is suggested.

Its algorithmic programming ensures the correct level of ablation depending on the tissue that you’re treating at that time.

Imaging System for RF Thyroid Ablation

The doctor should maintain full visibility of the electrode probe and thyroid nodule during the ablation. Without this, the procedure is not possible. A high-quality LCD monitor should show incredible detail. Remember that with thyroid ablation, the physician is not just relying on timing.

They must visually identify when a portion of the nodule has been ablated using the screen. The E-Cube i7 is ideal for this purpose. You can contact RGS Healthcare for more information about this equipment.

Additional RFA Thyroid Tools

Grounding pad: Due to the electrical nature of this procedure, grounding pads should be placed on the patient’s thighs or other part of the body to reduce harmful effects.
Electrode probe: Obviously, there needs to be a way to penetrate the patient’s skin and nodule to deliver the ablation charge. This is where the electrode needle comes into play.
Needle guide: This is an optional part of this therapy, however, it can be very helpful. A needle guide can be attached to the imaging probe to help ensure a proper moving shot technique. It maintains the needle on one single plane while allowing it to move across the horizontal axis.
Imaging probe: A handheld device will be used by the surgeon in one hand while the electrode probe is manipulated by the other hand. This is what allows the imaging system to display the thyroid nodule.
Local anesthesia: Local anesthesia administered with a needle is all that is needed to begin this procedure.
Ice: Due to the inflammation caused by the tiny puncture wound and the ablation, ice should be available to help the patient with their quick recovery time after the therapy.

The Final Word: Thyroid Radio Frequency Ablation Scientific Evidence

While introducing every piece of clinical evidence surrounding thyroid ablation, it’s important to note that the consensus is already clear. Thermal ablation of thyroid nodules can help reduce volume, minimize complications, and create long-lasting freedom from hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Doctors can fulfill their Hippocratic Oath by eliminating their patients’ need for medications, harmful surgeries, and cosmetic disadvantages. If you want to learn more about how to adapt radiofrequency ablation into your practice, contact us today. Friendly medical equipment experts at RGS Healthcare can consult you on the best tools and procedures to maximize successful thyroid reduction therapy.

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