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Thyroid RFA


A Tissue Preserving Alternative for Appropriate Patients

Mechanism and Clinical Principle

Thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an ultrasound-guided, percutaneous thermal ablation technique designed to reduce thyroid nodule volume while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

Using a trans-isthmic approach and a “moving-shot” technique, the operator systematically ablates the lesion while sparing critical structures. As a minimally invasive, tissue-preserving option, it provides meaningful symptom relief while avoiding many of the limitations associated with surgery. 

Thyroid RFA is recommended for appropriately selected patients based on clinical symptoms, cytology, and ultrasound findings, in line with international society guidance.

Patient Selection Guided by Evidence 

and Society Recommendations

Thyroid RFA is recommended for appropriately selected patients based on clinical symptoms, cytology, and ultrasound findings, in line with international society guidance.


Benign Thyroid Nodules5,6

Symptomatic or enlarging nodules with confirmed benign cytology (≥2 benign FNAs or benign US features). A substantial proportion of benign thyroid nodules are classified as Bethesda II, representing an estimated 190–220 million patients worldwide.  


Low-Risk PTMC (cT1aN0M0 ≤1 cm)7

Select patients seeking non-surgical management.


Recurrent Thyroid Cancer

Localized recurrent or residual disease in patients at high surgical risk or who decline further surgery. (ETA, CIRSE, and KSThR guidelines)

Preparation That Supports Procedural Precision 


Patient Positioning  

Supine position with mild to moderate neck extension, using pillow under the shoulder and sponge or thin cushion under head.  


Skin Antisepsis

Skin preparation with antiseptic solution such as chlorohexidine or iodopovidone.


Sterile Field Setup  

Surgical drape: the opening should be wide enough to allow access to the thyroid and peri-thyroid structures.


Grounding Pad Placement (Monopolar RF Systems)  

Grounding pads for a monopolor radiofrequency electrode (MRFE) allowing the electric current to pass through the patient’s entire body

From Periphery to Core: A Structured Workflow 

Start ablation to peripheral portion of the nodule

Draw electrode back after air bubbles are generated

Repeat ablation to the superficial line

Ablate unit by unit, line by line posterior to anterior

Check next ablation section on longitudinal scan

Repeat ablation to upper portion of the nodule

Full and all-round ablation of the thyroid nodule

Quality of Life Outcomes

Evidence from systematic review and meta-analysis4


Published evidence demonstrates significant improvement in patient-reported quality of life following thyroid RFA.

A systematic review and meta-analysis titled: “Quality of Life Following Thermal Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules” reports:


Improvement in compression-related symptoms and dysphagia

Improvement in cosmetic scores

Improvement in anxiety-related quality-of-life score

Sustained benefit at long-term follow-up


Quality of life: RFA vs Open Thyroidectomy for Benign Thyroid Nodules1


DimensionRadiofrequency AblationOpen Thyroidectomy
GH (General Health)
68.566.7
RE (Role-emotional)
96.694.4
MH (Mental Health)
80.979.3
VT (Vitality)
71.367.5


At 6 months after treatment, SF-36 health survey scores were modestly higher in several quality-of-life domains among patients treated with radiofrequency ablation compared with those undergoing open thyroidectomy.


The Evidence Behind Thyroid RFA


Peer-reviewed studies using STARMED technology consistently demonstrate:


Meaningful volume reduction rates by 90% at 24 months8

Over 90% of patients experiencing symptom improvement9

Low major complication rates at 2.4%5

Preservation of thyroid hormone function in the majority of patients

Read more about the studies

Education Designed to Elevate Technique

Advance your clinical skills with hands-on training led by experienced instructors and supported by real-world procedural scenarios. Our training programs focus on technique optimization, patient selection and device handling, empowering you to deliver safe, precise, and effective treatment outcomes.

Learn more

A Minimally Invasive Option for Thyroid Relief


Thyroid nodules are widespread, detected in up to 60% of adults and affecting approximately 4% of the global population, nearly 320 million people. Most are benign (85–95%), with 60–70% classified as Bethesda II cytology. Save the thyroid with a minimally invasive treatment option 

Reference 


1.Yue, W. W., Wang, S. R., Lu, F., Li, X. L., Xu, H. X., Sun, L. P., ... & Yin, Z. Q. (2016). Quality of life and cost-effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation versus open surgery for benign thyroid nodules: a retrospective cohort study. Scientific reports, 6(1), 37838. 


2.Ha, E. J., Lee, M. K., Baek, J. H., Lim, H. K., Ahn, H. S., Baek, S. M., ... & of Radiology, K. S. (2025). Radiofrequency ablation for recurrent thyroid cancers: 2025 Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology Guideline. Korean journal of radiology, 26(1), 10. 


3.Van Dijk, S. P., Coerts, H. I., Gunput, S. T., Van Velsen, E. F., Medici, M., Moelker, A., ... & Van Ginhoven, T. M. (2022). Assessment of radiofrequency ablation for papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA otolaryngology–head & neck surgery, 148(4), 317-325. 


4.Kowalski, R., Park, A., Abdulgader, L., Shelawala, N., Don, R., Ryan, K., ... & Hu, Y. (2025). Quality of life following thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thyroid®, 35(12), 1366-1377. 


5.Navin, P. J., Thompson, S. M., Kurup, A. N., Lee, R. A., Callstrom, M. R., Castro, M. R., ... & Schmitz, J. J. (2022). Radiofrequency ablation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Radiographics, 42(6), 1812-1828. 


6.Dhyani, M., Faquin, W., Lubitz C. C., Daniels, G. H., & Samir, A. E. (2013). How to interpret thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy reports: a guide for the busy radiologist in the era of the Bethesda Classification System. American Journal of Roentgenology, 201(6), 1335-1339. 


7.Ringel, M. D., Sosa, J. A., Baloch, Z., Bischoff, L., Bloom, G., Brent, G. A., ... & Wirth, L. J. (2025). 2025 American Thyroid Association management guidelines for adult patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Thyroid®, 35(8), 841-985. 


8.Lim, H. K., Lee, J. H., Ha, E. J., Sung, J. Y., Kim, J. K., & Baek, J. H. (2013). Radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules: 4-year follow-up results for 111 patients. European radiology, 23(4), 1044-1049. 


9.Papi, G., Novizio, R., Brunetti, M., & Mauri, G. (2023). Impact of the introduction of minimally invasive treatments of the thyroid (MITT) for benign thyroid nodules in an Italian hospital: a cost-minimization analysis. Endocrine, 82(1), 126-133


 

STARMED Co., Ltd. 　I　 Henry Shin
B-4th & 12th floor, Daebang Triplaon, 158, Haneulmaeul-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea, 10355 
Tel : +82 31 816 3546　I　Fax : +82 31 816 4546
Email : inquiry@STARmed4u.com

copyright ⓒ STARMED Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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STARMED Co., Ltd. 　I　 Henry Shin
(Jungsan-dong, Daebang-Triplaon Business Tower), B-dong, 4F & 12F, 158, Haneulmaeul-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10355, Korea

Tel : +82 31 816 3546　I　Fax : +82 31 816 4546　I　 Email : inquiry@starmed4u.com

copyright ⓒ STARMED Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.