Summary: The STARmed VIVA combo RF System enhances RFA thyroid treatment with advanced precision, safety, and efficiency features tailored to the unique demands of thyroid ablation. Designed for clinical reliability, it’s supported by extensive peer-reviewed evidence and trusted by experts worldwide.
- RFA offers a safe, minimally invasive treatment for thyroid nodules with long-term efficacy.
- Success in RFA procedure thyroid cases depends on using advanced radiofrequency ablation devices.
- The VIVA combo RF Generator offers:
- Wide 5–200 W power range
- Multiple ablation modes (including Continuance Mode)
- Real-time impedance monitoring and safety features
- Active tip cooling to prevent charring
- User-friendly interface and seamless integration
- Data logging for precision and record-keeping
- STARmed Thyroid RFA technology is supported by over 200 clinical studies.
- The VIVA combo system is trusted by global key opinion leaders in thyroid ablation.
Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is an effective, minimally invasive option for treating thyroid nodules. For clinicians looking to offer RFA thyroid treatment, choosing the right equipment is crucial.
Consider the STARmed VIVA combo RF System. It’s a comprehensive RFA generator with integrated cooling technology. Notably, the VIVA combo stands out for its innovative features that make a tangible difference in patient outcomes.
In fact, STARmed technology, such as the VIVA combo, has been utilized in over 20 clinical studies to date. It has often been the platform on which thyroid RFA protocols and standards are developed.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how the VIVA combo RF generator can enhance thyroid RFA procedures. Continue reading to learn why STARmed technology has become the gold standard in thyroid ablation.
What Is the RFA Procedure for Thyroid Nodules?
In radiofrequency ablation of the thyroid, thermal energy is used to destroy targeted thyroid nodule tissue. Simultaneously, the targeted energy delivery spares healthy thyroid areas. This RFA procedure for thyroid nodules is often performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. It effectively avoids the need for surgery and general anesthesia.
Under ultrasound guidance, a thin electrode is inserted into the nodule. A high-frequency current then heats the tissue to about 60 to 100°C, inducing coagulative necrosis. Over weeks and months, the ablated cells are reabsorbed. This process causes the nodule to shrink.
Studies report that benign thyroid nodules typically shrink by roughly 50 to 80% within 3 to 6 months after RFA. Patients typically experience a continued reduction over time. Long-term follow-ups have shown over 90% nodule volume reduction at 5 to 10 years post-ablation. These results are accompanied by significant symptom relief and low complication rates.
RFA offers thyroid patients a safe and effective treatment with no neck scarring. Following the procedure, there is minimal recovery time, and, typically, thyroid function is preserved long-term. For physicians, these outcomes underscore why adopting thyroid RFA can be so beneficial.
However, achieving consistent success with RFA depends on utilizing a reliable and specialized RFA system. Nodules are often located near critical structures, like nerves. Likewise, the precision required to ablate nodules means that not all radiofrequency ablation devices will perform equally.
Let’s look at how the VIVA combo RF System addresses the unique challenges of thyroid RFA.
Why the Right Radiofrequency Ablation Device Matters in Thyroid Treatment
Thyroid nodules are often adjacent to vital structures that must be protected during ablation. These include the trachea, esophagus, and vital nerves. This proximity creates several technical challenges for any RFA device, which the VIVA combo RF system solves elegantly.
Precise Energy Delivery
The generator must deliver enough power to ablate the nodule while avoiding overheating the surrounding tissue. Tissue impedance in the thyroid can change rapidly as the ablation zone forms. To prevent complications, continuous feedback and seamless power adjustment are necessary.
A system with real-time impedance monitoring and automatic power modulation can enhance patient safety. They make it efficient to stop or reduce output if there is a spike in resistance during the procedure.
Consistent Ablation Zone
The RFA device should maintain a stable temperature at the electrode tip as the clinician moves it through the nodule. We refer to this as “the moving shot technique.” If the device’s output fluctuates, ablation can become less effective.
Advanced radiofrequency ablation devices offer modes that sustain continuous power. They also have systems in place to cool the electrode tip to prevent charring tissue.
User-Friendly Operation
An RFA device with an intuitive user interface allows clinicians to focus on the procedure rather than monitoring the settings. Seamless integration with imaging and other equipment is also important. It makes adding the RFA system to the treatment room seamless and straightforward.
VIVA combo RF Generator: Key Features and Advantages for Thyroid RFA
The STARmed VIVA combo RF System includes a 200-watt radiofrequency generator and a peristaltic pump for coolant circulation. It was purpose-engineered to meet the demands of thyroid nodule ablation.
Here are some of its key features and how they benefit RFA thyroid procedures:
- Wide Power Range (5 to 200 W). The VIVA combo offers a broad power spectrum, enabling treatment of both small and larger nodules.
- Multiple Ablation Modes. This generator provides four distinct ablation modes to tailor the energy delivery to the procedure. Notably, a Continuance Mode supports the thyroid “moving shot” technique by outputting continuous RF energy at a set wattage.
- Real-time Impedance Monitoring and Safety Controls. The VIVA combo continuously monitors tissue impedance and provides immediate feedback to the operator. Alert tones and an automatic shutoff further protect against unintended damage.
- Active Tip Cooling (VIVA Pump). Active tip cooling prevents carbonization of tissue on the electrode, maintaining efficient energy transfer throughout the ablation.
- Intuitive User Interface. The VIVA combo’s intuitive design shortens the learning curve for new users. This reduces the likelihood of user error during the procedure.
- Efficiency. The VIVA combo’s optimized energy delivery can shorten ablation times. That means patients spend less time under local anesthesia. It also means clinicians can see more patients per day, boosting ROI.
- Streamlined Integration. The generator and its monitoring software integrate seamlessly with standard ultrasound machines and even CT guidance.
- Data Logging (STAR Logger). The latest VIVA combo RF System includes a tablet-based data logging module. It displays real-time treatment data such as power, impedance, and time.
Ultimately, the VIVA combo RF System addresses the key needs of RFA procedure thyroid applications.
Supported by Clinical Evidence and Expert Adoption
When choosing a medical device, it is crucial to look at the evidence behind it. The STARmed VIVA combo RF System comes with a strong track record in the thyroid ablation field. In fact, STARmed’s thyroid RFA technology is one of the most widely used by key opinion leaders worldwide.
To date, over 250 peer-reviewed studies have been published using STARmed RFA systems. This abundant clinical evidence supports the safety and efficacy of the device in real-world applications.
Furthermore, STARmed offers comprehensive professional support for practices adopting their RFA platform. New clinicians will have the support they need to adopt the VIVA RF combo Generator into their practice seamlessly.
Learn more about the VIVA combo Radiofrequency Generator.
