Thyroid RFA

Non-scarring. Incision-free. Thyroid preserving

Unlock a new treatment possibility for thyroid nodules

STARmed Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation for thyroid nodules is a minimally invasive procedure. Our RFA solutions have been helping patients for over two decades. We are proud to have created and developed the first thyroid-specific radiofrequency equipment in the world.

All devices are clinically proven and FDA-cleared. For non-functioning benign thyroid nodules, clinical studies have shown 80% volume reduction rate (VRR) at 12 months follow-up, and 95% VRR 60 months after the RFA procedure1,2

Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) was first introduced in 2002 in Seoul, South Korea. Today, there are over 150+ clinical articles worldwide demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment.

STARmed is the only company that has a complete solution for Thyroid RFA for every patient. Our electrodes come in a range of sizes to address all clinical issues related to the thyroid. That’s why we’re leading the world with our cutting-edge thyroid RFA technology.

20 million3

Americans have some form of thyroid disease, with the vast majority identified as benign lesions.

140,000+4

thyroid operations are performed each year in the United States.

2/35

thyroid resections are performed for benign diseases where patients could benefit from a less invasive option.

Continuance Mode

The Continuance Mode of the VIVA combo RF Generator produces radiofrequency (RF) output constantly throughout the procedure. Simultaneously, it automatically adjusts the amount of energy applied to the targeted nodule according to real-time impedance feedback. This innovative mechanism ensures the procedure’s safety by minimizing undesired tissue over-ablation.

Star RF Electrode

The monopolar star RF Electrode stands out as the first thyroid-dedicated RF electrode in the market. It is uniquely designed with a shorter shaft lengths of 7 or 10 cm. This shorter length is designed to accommodate the gland’s superficial location.

It also has a thinner shaft of 18 or 19 gauge for enhanced energy control. It comes with an array of active tip lengths at 4mm, 5mm, 7mm, and 10mm to cater to different nodule sizes.

Star RF Electrode
VIVA II RF Electrode

VIVA II RF Electrode

The monopolar VIVA II RF Electrode is the latest innovation in RF ablation. The VIVA Adjustable RF Electrodes are the first of their kind in the world. The VIVA II features an adjustable active tip ranging from 5mm to 30mm. Thus, it can accommodate multiple large nodules of varying sizes with one electrode in one session.

Its latest sharp technology ensures a smooth puncture, while the smaller handle allows for greater precision control. It’s a versatile RFA tool with clinically proven results.

Moving-shot technique

The Continuance Mode and the unique design of the STARmed RF Electrodes enable the Moving-Shot technique. This promotes ablation in units to limit thermal damage to surrounding tissue.

Play Video

Before STARmed
Thyroid RFA

Before STARmed Thyroid RFA

6 months after
STARmed Thyroid RFA

6 months after STARmed Thyroid RFA

Individual results may vary.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jung Hwan Baek

Evidence-based procedure

According to a recent multi-institutional cohort study of thyroid nodules treated with RFA between July 2019 and January 2022, the median volume reduction rate (VRR) at 6 and 12 months were 73% and 76%, respectively. 6

Training opportunity

STARmed America is committed to refining the customer learning journey. We provide structured and measured procedure training programs for physicians and your care team. Trainings are ongoing and take place in major cities across the country. Commit to improving your practice this year.

PRODUCT INDICATIONS

The VIVA combo RF System is FDA-cleared. It is intended for use in percutaneous and intraoperative coagulation and ablation of tissue.

  1. Jung SL, Baek JH, Lee JH, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Multicenter Study. Korean J Radiol. 2018
  2. Park, A. Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation. OZ & SE. 2020
  3. General Information/Press Room.” American Thyroid Association, Accessed Apr 10, 2023. https://www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/
  4. Kuo, J. H., McManus, C., & Lee, J. A. (2022). Analyzing the adoption of radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules using the diffusion of innovations theory: Understanding where we are in the United States? Ultrasonography, 41(1), 25–33. https://doi.org/10.14366/usg.21117
  5. Park HS, Baek JH, Park AW, Chung SR, Choi YJ, Lee JH. Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation: Updates on Innovative Devices and Techniques. Korean J Radiol. 2017;18(4):615-623. doi:10.3348/kjr.2017.18.4.615
  6. Kandil E, Omar M, Aboueisha M, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules: A Multiinstitutional Prospective Cohort Study. Ann Surg. 2022;276(4):589-596. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000005594