Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA)

Radio Frequent Ablation of thyroid nodules
In June 2002, Professor J. H Baek M.D conducted the first RFA procedure in Korea for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. In the meantime, he has treated many patients very successfully, has done various (multicenter) studies on this treatment and has discussed this at many (international) congresses.

The treatment is carried out using the so-called "moving shot technique". This means that the needle is inserted and the ablation is done during the withdrawal of the needle. By using this technique, an RFA can be done safely using ultrasound. By inserting the needle transistically, the electrode is fully visible with a transverse echo. One of the advantages of inserting the needle transistically is that there will be minimal heating of the "danger triangle" with a number of nerves in it.

Dr Baek uses the VIVA RF system in combination with the specially designed 18 G Star RF electrodes from STARmed.

3 Specially designed electrodes dedicated for Thyroid RFA:
STAR RF electrode 18 G, 7 cm with a tip of 5, 7 and 10 mm
STAR RF electrode Uni Faced, with this you create a half-moon ablation zone
STAR RF electrode Bipolar, the energy flow that occurs only goes between the poles of the electrode.

Safety
Several different publications confirm the safety of this procedure. Amongst them the study by Prof. Baek into the (very low!) complications of this treatment:  "Complications Encountered in the Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules with US-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation".

1459 patients are treated in this study. And only 3.3% have had a (mostly minor) complication. All complications recovered without further medical treatment.

Efficacy
Various studies have been published about the efficacy of the treatment. A study published in 2013 (Eur. Radiol) describing a 4-year follow-up shows that more than 93% volume reduction has occurred after treatment (or treatments).

What is the maximum volume to be removed?
There is no maximum volume. By using the "moving shot technique" you can treat even the largest of nodules. Sometimes, to avoid adjacent critical structures, the procedure has to be repeated after the first volume reduction.

Indications
Indications for the treatment of thyroid nodules with the help of RFA:
- Benign thyoid nodules
- Symptoms such as neck pain, dysphasia, cough
- Cosmetic issues
- AFTN related to thyrotoxicosis
- Recurrent thyroid carcinomas, for example in high risk, non operable, patients.

Do you want to know more about thyroid RFA?

Ask us freely and go to our contact page.