Feasibility of Adjustable Electrodes for Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel radiofrequency ablation (RFA) application utilizing an adjustable electrode for treatment of benign thyroid nodules.

From April 2011 to December 2018, 21 patients underwent RFA treatment on 21 thyroid nodules, utilizing an 18-gauge internally cooled electrode equipped with a size adjustable active tip. The peripheral nodule portions were ablated with the moving-shot technique and a shorter active tip, and the nodule centers were ablated with the fixed technique and a longer active tip. We assessed parameters including characteristics of the treated nodules, use of variablesized active tips, volume reduction rate, therapeutic success rate, and post-procedural complications. The therapeutic success rate was defined as a > 50% volume reduction of the initial nodule volume at the 6- or 12-month follow-up.

The treated thyroid nodules were large enough to cause symptoms (mean volume, 29.6 mL). Two types of active tips per session were used for all nodules. The mean volume reduction rate at the last follow-up was 68.3 ± 4.4% and our therapeutic success rate was 90.5%. Both symptoms and cosmetic scores decreased significantly. Minor complications in three patients were recorded during and after the procedure.

This initial study demonstrated that an adjustable electrode for RFA of benign thyroid nodules effectively and safely resulted in volume reduction.