All you need to know about the STARmed Thyroid RFA procedure to prepare for your upcoming appointment.
The most comprehensive booklet on STARmed Thyroid RFA to get you fully prepared for your upcoming procedure day.
A list of helpful questions for your STARmed Thyroid RFA consultation appointment.
STARmed Thyroid RFA Patient
STARmed Thyroid RFA Patient
STARmed Thyroid RFA Patient
Back to blog You’ve made it to the final episode of the Thyroid Ultrasound Trilogy! Give yourself a pat on the back. In this article, we will guide you through some basic sonographic features of
Back to blog Previously, we explored the basic physics that powers thyroid ultrasound. In this article, we are going to guide you through some common ultrasound terminologies you might encounter in your thyroid treatment journey.
Back to blog Have questions about your thyroid ultrasound? We are here to answer! Inspired by some patients’ requests, we have prepared a series of Thyroid Ultrasound articles to help you better understand those terminologies on
Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is performed under local anesthesia. A special needle is passed into the thyroid nodule using ultrasound-guided imaging. This method ensures that treatment will be targeted directly on the nodule. Using a radiofrequency generator, the doctor allows a controlled amount of energy to flow through the electrode into the tissue.
The radiofrequency energy ablates the nodule, and the heat is sustained for a safe, predetermined length of time, usually just a few minutes. The nodule is degenerated with the sustained RFA thermal heat, allowing the degenerated tissue to flow through as bodily waste. The ablative changes to the nodule caused by the treatment can be seen in real-time on Ultrasound by the doctors performing the procedure.
Depending on the size of your affected tissue, RFA may be an ideal option for patients looking for a non-surgical alternative with little to no downtime. Your doctor can help you determine if RFA is the best option for you.
Because local anesthesia is administered before the procedure, very few patients experience any pain at all. Following your
treatment, you will be given ice packs and pain medication, if needed.
The treatment itself takes less than 40 minutes, depending on the size and location of the thyroid nodule.
Patients can go home after a 20-30 minute observation period. You will typically be sent home with an ice pack and pain medication, some medications if needed.
No. The treatment uses a thin needle that might leave a small marking for 1-2 days following the treatment, but it will not
leave visible scarring.
It will not disappear completely unless the nodule is almost entirely made of fluid. There will always be some residual
nodule, although the tissue within it may not be alive. The goal of the treatment is to reduce the nodule’s size and its
associated symptoms
Because RFA is a relatively new treatment option in the United States, the treatment may be an out-of-pocket expense for
some patients. However, call your insurance provider to discuss your coverage as more and more insurances are beginning to
cover this procedure.
Yes.. The equipments used in the STARmed Radiofrequency Ablation system – VIVA combo RF Generator and star RF
Electrode are FDA cleared in 2018
Important Safety Information / Disclaimer
Patients should talk to their doctor to decide if STARmed Thyroid RFA is right for them. Patients and doctors should review all available information on non-surgical and surgical options and associated risks in order to make an informed decision. Individual results may vary, testimonials are not claimed to represent typical results. All testimonials are from real patients, and may not reflect the typical patient’s experience, and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
Registered trademarks of TaeWoong Medical USA or their respective owners.
Indication
The VIVA Combo RF Ablation System and star RF Electrode are intended for use in percutaneous and intraoperative coagulation and ablation of tissue.
Contraindications
There is a risk that error may result due to the radiofrequency current on patients who have pacemakers and other active implants. Do not use the radiofrequency lesion generator and electrode on these patients.
Complications:
The following types of complications may result due to the use of the radiofrequency lesion generator and electrode.
– Tumor recurrence
– Burn due to the over-heating of the the surgical equipment
– Dangerous situation due to the unskilled equipment control
– Cross-infection or complications due to the re-use of the inappropriate electrode
– Ascites/diarrhea
– Bleeding of the coagulated part
– Ventricular fibrillation
– Weakness of liver functions
– Symptoms after RFA treatment includes (abdominal) pain, fever, nausea, headache, right shoulder joint pain and chest discomfort might occur
You are taking a big step by exploring your treatment options. You are not alone. Many other people were searching for the same answers too. Many of these individuals chose RFA.
