Patient Benefits: How Thyroid RFA Improves Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction

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In the evolving landscape of thyroid health, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) has emerged as a transformative, minimally invasive treatment for benign thyroid nodules. Used widely around the world since the 2000s.1 RFA has provided patients with a safe, effective, non-surgical alternative to traditional thyroidectomy, significantly enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.2-4

Understanding Thyroid RFA

Thyroid RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes heat generated by an electric current to precisely target and shrink benign thyroid nodules. This technique offers a modern, less invasive approach to managing thyroid conditions, presenting an excellent option for patients seeking alternatives to surgery.5

Key Benefits of Thyroid RFA

Minimally Invasive Alternative to Surgery

Unlike thyroidectomy, which involves surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, RFA is a non-surgical solution. This means:

  • General anesthesia is not required, reducing risks for patients who may not tolerate it well.
  • The procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting, often in the doctor’s office.
  • Performed through a small needle puncture, resulting in no visible scarring.5

Preservation of Thyroid Function

Unlike surgery, RFA selectively targets abnormal tissue, preserving healthy thyroid tissue and function and eliminating the need for hormone replacement therapy in most cases.2,3,6 One meta-analysis of RFA of benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers found only one case of hypothyroidism in over 2400 thyroid RFA patients.7

Quick Recovery and Minimal Downtime

Thyroid RFA offers a remarkably swift recovery process with less downtime than surgery:5

  • Most patients go home on the same day and return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.8-10
  • Treatment times are typically 15-60 minutes,10 with 30 minutes on average,11 depending on the complexity of the case.
  • Significantly fewer hospitalization days compared to surgery.2,3,12

Effective Symptom Relief

Thyroid RFA can significantly alleviate compressive and cosmetic symptoms associated with benign thyroid nodules by reducing their volume.6 One meta-analysis demonstrated an average nodule volume reduction of 76.9% at 12 months, and 92.2% beyond 36 months after RFA13. Some symptoms of thyroid nodules include:8,14,15

  • Neck pain, pressure, or fullness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hoarseness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Visible lumps

Proven Safety and High Patient Satisfaction

Thyroid RFA has demonstrated an excellent safety profile, with one study on benign nodules reporting a complication rate of only 1%, compared to 6% for surgery.3 Thyroid RFA patients report high satisfaction and improved quality of life with Thyroid RFA4,12,16,17 with advantages like:17

  • Greater post-procedural comfort
  • Convenience of the outpatient procedure
  • Successful nodule shrinkage without surgical scars
  • Long-term efficacy, with the same study reporting an 84.8% average nodule volume reduction at 1-year follow-up.3

A Future-Forward Approach to Thyroid Health

Thyroid RFA represents a significant advancement in thyroid care, offering a modern solution to a common medical concern. As more endocrinologists, otolaryngologists, and interventional radiologists recognize its benefits, RFA is increasingly becoming the preferred option for eligible patients with benign thyroid nodules.

For clinicians incorporating thyroid RFA into their practice can significantly enhance patient care. The procedure not only addresses the physical symptoms of thyroid nodules but also considers the overall well-being and satisfaction of patients.

Thyroid RFA stands out as a patient-centric approach that aligns with the growing demand for less invasive, more effective medical treatments. By offering reduced risks, faster recovery, and excellent outcomes, it’s clear that thyroid RFA is set to play a crucial role in the future of thyroid health management.

By offering reduced risks, faster recovery, and excellent clinical outcomes, thyroid RFA is set to play a pivotal role in the future of thyroid health management. For clinicians dedicated to providing the best care, considering the CRF Radiofrequency Ablation System from Cambridge Interventional—the only USA-based company offering this technology—can be a transformative decision. It is also the only US-based system that provides real-time audio and visual feedback. Schedule a discovery call today to explore how this innovative system can benefit your patients and practice.

References:

  1. Kuo JH, McManus C, Lee JA. Analyzing the adoption of radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules using the diffusion of innovations theory: understanding where we are in the United States? Ultrasonography. 2022 Jan;41(1):25-33. doi: 10.14366/usg.21117.
  2. Bernardi S, Dobrinja C, Fabris B, Bazzocchi G, Sabato N, Ulcigrai V, Giacca M, Barro E, De Manzini N, Stacul F. Radiofrequency ablation compared to surgery for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Int J Endocrinol. 2014;2014:934595. doi: 10.1155/2014/934595.
  3. Che Y, Jin S, Shi C, Wang L, Zhang X, Li Y, Baek JH. Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules: Comparison of Surgery with Radiofrequency Ablation. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015 Jul;36(7):1321-5. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A4276.
  4. Jin H, Lin W, Lu L, Cui M. Conventional thyroidectomy vs thyroid thermal ablation on postoperative quality of life and satisfaction for patients with benign thyroid nodules. Eur J Endocrinol. 2021 Jan;184(1):131-141. doi: 10.1530/EJE-20-0562.
  5. Sinclair CF, Baek JH, Hands KE, Hodak SP, Huber TC, Hussain I, Lang BH, Noel JE, Papaleontiou M, Patel KN, Russ G, Russell J, Spiezia S, Kuo JH. General Principles for the Safe Performance, Training, and Adoption of Ablation Techniques for Benign Thyroid Nodules: An American Thyroid Association Statement. Thyroid. 2023 Oct;33(10):1150-1170. doi: 10.1089/thy.2023.0281.
  6. Noel J, Hannabass K, Orloff L. Radiofrequency ablation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules: updates and current status. Annals of Thyroid 2022 Jul;7. doi: 10.21037/aot-22-1.
  7. Chung SR, Suh CH, Baek JH, Park HS, Choi YJ, Lee JH. Safety of radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Hyperthermia. 2017;33(8):920-930.
  8. Stanford Medicine Health Care. Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/r/radiofrequency-ablation-thyroid-nodules.html Accessed 18 Feb 2025.
  9. Dhillon V; Johns Hopkins Medicine. Radiofrequency Ablation. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/radiofrequency-ablation/ Accessed 18 Feb 2025.
  10. Henry Ford Health. Frequently asked questions about radiofrequency ablation (RFA). https://www.henryford.com/services/thyroid-disorders/radio-frequency-ablation/faq-rfa/ Accessed 18 Feb 2025.
  11. Kuo TC, Chen KY, Lai CW, Wang YC, Lin MT, Chang CH, Wu MH. Comparison of safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction with thermal ablation versus endoscopic thyroidectomy for benign thyroid nodules in a propensity-matched cohort. Int J Surg. 2024 May 1;110(5):2568-2576. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001201.
  12. ​​Yue WW, Wang SR, Li XL, Xu HX, Lu F, Sun LP, Guo LH, He YP, Wang D, Yin ZQ. Quality of Life and Cost-Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Ablation versus Open Surgery for Benign Thyroid Nodules: a retrospective cohort study. Sci Rep. 2016 Nov 24;6:37838. doi: 10.1038/srep37838.
  13. Cho SJ, Baek JH, Chung SR, Choi YJ, Lee JH. Long-Term Results of Thermal Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2020 Jun;35(2):339-350. doi: 10.3803/EnM.2020.35.2.339.
  14. Frazier K; Johns Hopkins Medicine. Thyroid Nodules. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/thyroid-nodules/ Accessed 18 Feb 2025.
  15. Yale Medicine. Thyroid Nodule. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/thyroid-nodule/ Accessed 18 Feb 2025.
  16. Kuo TC, Chen KY, Lai CW, Wang YC, Lin MT, Chang CH, Wu MH. Comparison of safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction with thermal ablation versus endoscopic thyroidectomy for benign thyroid nodules in a propensity-matched cohort. Int J Surg. 2024 May 1;110(5):2568-2576. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001201.
  17. Bernardi S, Dobrinja C, Carere A, Giudici F, Calabrò V, Zanconati F, de Manzini N, Fabris B, Stacul F. Patient satisfaction after thyroid RFA versus surgery for benign thyroid nodules: a telephone survey. Int J Hyperthermia. 2018;35(1):150-158. doi: 10.1080/02656736.2018.1487590.

Disclaimer:

Indications for use: The CRF radiofrequency ablation system of Cambridge Interventional LLC (“Cambridge”) is intended for use in percutaneous, laparoscopic and intraoperative coagulation and ablation of tissue.

Disclaimer: Read the instructions for use (“IFU”) of all medical devices prior to use. Clinical results, costs, and financial/insurance coverage may vary and are not guaranteed. The information contained in the multimedia content that is posted on the Cambridge Interventional website or that references or links to this text (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; standards of medical care or training; or the instructions, indications, and contraindications for use of Cambridge Interventional devices or any other medical devices. All information is provided in good faith, however Cambridge makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied regarding the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of this information; of opinions expressed; of third-party publications referenced or summarized; or of third-party services presented. Always seek the advice of your physician about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay in seeking it, because of something you have read or seen in this Content.

Adverse events: Reported adverse events or complications for RF ablation or coagulation procedures include, but are not limited to, the following (the long-term risks of RF ablations have not been established): abscess, ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), arrhythmia, ascites, atrial fibrillation, bile duct injury, bile leakage, biliary fistula, biloma, bleeding, bone degeneration, bone fracture, bronchial occlusion, bronchopleural fistula, burn, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac ischemia, chest tube, coughing, death, delayed hemorrhage into ablated tissue, device failure, device fracture in patient, diaphragm injury, diarrhea, edema, electric shock, emphysema, fever, fistula, hematoma, hematuria, hemoglobinuria, hemoptysis, hemorrhage, hemothorax, hoarseness, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, hypoesthesia, hypotension, hypothyroidism, infection, kidney atrophy, liver failure, liver insufficiency, multiple sclerosis exacerbation, muscle burn, muscle contracture, nausea/vomiting, nerve injury, neuropathy, nodule rupture, organ damage, pain, paresthesia, perforated colon, perforation, peritonitis, pes equinus injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, pneumothorax, renal failure, skin burn, tumor recurrence, tumor seeding, urinary fistula, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urine leakage, vasovagal reaction, vessel injury, vocal cord palsy, voice change, wound discharge. RF ablation procedures are not recommended for pregnant patients. Potential risks to the patient and/or fetus have not been established. General clinical residual risks for surgical procedures include anesthesia reaction, bleeding, blood clots, death, infection, organ injury, pain, and necessity for more invasive surgery, including open surgery, if complications occur.