Thyroid RFA Innovation
Master Anterolateral Hydrodissection (ALHD) to minimize patient pain and maximize ablation efficacy.
The Challenge
Heat radiation during RFA can cause patient pain and nerve injury, often leading to incomplete treatment and the need for secondary procedures.
the solution
By combining Anterolateral Hydrodissection (ALHD) with the VIVA II Adjustable Electrode, clinicians can create a 10mm safety buffer that shields critical structures while utilizing variable tip control (5mm–15mm) for unmatched marginal precision.
Local Anesthesia & ALHD
Administer anesthetic and inject 5% dextrose water to separate the thyroid from strap muscles, creating a critical safety buffer.2,4
Vascular Ablation
Target blood vessels in the thyroid isthmus first. This reduces the “heat sink” effect, allowing for more stable and predictable thermal delivery.
Central Nodule Ablation
Extend the electrode tip (up to 15mm) for rapid and extensive treatment of the central tumor volume while leaving a 3-5mm margin.
Precise Margin Treatment
Treatment: Injection of 5% DW to create a 10mm space to shield critical structures for marginal ablation. Retract the electrode tip to 5mm for delicate work near the trachea or nerves under Doppler guidance for precise ablation of the vessels.3,4
Final Confirmation
Complete the ablation under real-time Doppler guidance to ensure the nodule is fully ablated while preserving healthy tissue.
Clinicians can adjust the exposed tip length in real-time, using longer tips for central safe areas and shorter tips for remnant peripheral tissue.
Eliminates the need for multiple electrodes with different tip lengths, simplifying the procedure and reducing inventory costs.
Designed for procedural safety and consistency by reducing unintended thermal spread to critical structures.
Across peer-reviewed clinical studies, hydrodissection techniques such as ALHD have consistently demonstrated benefits in procedural safety, efficiency, and treatment efficacy. When paired with a precision ablation system, ALHD contributes to optimal outcomes with fewer complications and greater patient comfort.
| Outcome | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Ablation Ratio | 90.7% | Jeong et al., 2023 |
| 12-Month Nodule Volume | 76.3% | Jeong et al., 2023 |
| Pain Management | No added lidocaine needed | Jeong et al., 2023 |
| Major Complications | None reported | Jeong et al., 2023 |
| Regrowth Risk (with AE) | <2% | Shin et al., 2024 |
Preserved FunctionTargets only the nodule, sparing healthy thyroid tissue and maintaining the patient’s natural hormonal balance.
Patient ComfortALHD significantly reduces procedural pain and recovery time, enabling a better patient experience from start to finish.
Reduced RecurrencePrecise margin treatment ensures the nodule is fully neutralized, significantly reducing the likelihood of regrowth.
Partner with STARMED to build a thermal ablation program that lasts, supported at every stage with the expertise, tools, and guidance you need.
Jeong WK, Baek JH, Rhim H, et al. Radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules: safety and imaging follow-up in 236 patients. Eur Radiol. 2008;18(6):1244-1250.
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