Are you new to radiofrequency ablation? You likely have questions about this minimally invasive procedure and how to implement it into your practice. We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions from clinicians new to RFA technology. Discover the answers you need to begin offering this clinically-effective procedure below.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a form of thermal ablation. During the procedure, an RF electrode is guided into the targeted area using imaging techniques for precise placement. For thyroid nodule radiofrequency ablation, ultrasound imaging guidance is the standard practice.
The electrode employs high-frequency alternating electrical currents to generate intense heat at the electrode’s tip. Subsequently, unwanted tissue, such as nodules or fibroids, can be destroyed with precision. The targeted process minimizes risk to surrounding tissue.
The length of an RFA procedure depends on the complexity of treatment. In the case of thyroid RFA, the average treatment length is approximately one hour. Some simple procedures take as little as 30 minutes.
Compare this to the time spent on outpatient surgical procedures. Clinicians consistently spend less time on each RFA procedure compared to more invasive surgeries.
In nearly all cases, patients receive RFA treatment as an outpatient and return home the day of the procedure. Thus, clinicians can anticipate seeing and treating a higher volume of patients each day.
To ensure patient comfort, local anesthesia is most commonly administered at the treatment site. The result is a lower-cost, pain-free patient experience without the need for general anesthesia. Compared to surgery, RFA saves clinicians time and money while maximizing the number of patients they can treat per day.
Patients can undergo multiple rounds of radiofrequency ablation if necessary. The exact number of times is dependent on individual circumstances such as the initial volume of the thyroid nodule or other tumors.
Most experts recommend waiting approximately six months between procedures. However, in the case of thyroid RFA, many patients see a measurable improvement after a single treatment. Likewise, results can last for years.
One of the benefits of radiofrequency ablation is that it can be a comfortable outpatient alternative to surgery. Most patients receive local anesthesia prior to treatment. While there may be some swelling or bruising in the days following the procedure, the treatment itself should not be painful.
Likewise, patients often return to normal activities within 24 hours following the procedure. This makes it an appealing alternative to surgery for patients concerned about both pain and downtime.
For clinicians, it means there are fewer complications to address compared to surgery or microwave ablation. There is also less follow-up care necessary after a successful procedure. As a result, they can see and treat more patients.
The answer to this question depends on the purpose of the treatment. In the case of RFA for thyroid, research into long-term efficacy is ongoing. In a study by Dr. Park’s team, they examined results from RFA treatment of benign thyroid nodules over a 10-year period. The data shows that 456 treated nodules experienced 94% mean volume reduction rate (VRR) after 10 years, with a VRR of 81% in just two years.
CPT codes 60660 and 60661 are available for thyroid nodule radiofrequency ablation. We recommend verifying coverage and payment details with your billing department or insurance payor. Our dedicated reimbursement support team is also available to help streamline the billing process and address any questions you may have.
Do you have more questions to ask about ablation? Our team is happy to help. Contact us to learn more about implementing RFA in your practice.
Intended Use
The VIVA combo RF System is intended for use in percutaneous and intraoperative coagulation and ablation of tissue.
Star/VIVA RF Electrode is intended for use in percutaneous and intraoperative coagulation and ablation of tissue.
The ELRA Electrode is a radiofrequency (RF) catheter which provides bipolar energy to perform partial or complete ablation of tissue in the pancreatic and biliary tracts.
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