RFA and Protecting the Nerves for Best Outcomes → Dr. Julia Noel → Stanford University → Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation

Protecting the nerves during RFA and thyroid surgery with Dr. Julia Noel from Stanford Health Care.

Hosted by Philip James.

Supported by www.rfamd.com.

Find an RFA doctor at www.rfamd.com 🔹🔹🔹

During this interview, the following topics are discussed:

→ Stanford University prioritizes anatomic structures, ultrasound, and how to best protect the laryngeal nerve

→ Pre- procedure ultrasound is instrumental in minimizing risk

→ Risk to the laryngeal nerve is minimal during RFA

→ Where to deliver heat is guided by ultrasound

→ If unintended consequences occurs during RFA, they are usually reversible

→ Most risk is affecting a patient’s voice

→ Technique and space — away from structures — can be controlled with extra fluid

→ Dr. Noel has conducted 80+ RFA procedures at Stanford University

→ What should every practitioner know in regard to protecting the nerves?

→ Commitment to ultrasound anatomy is critical

→ Ultrasound guided procedures

→ The Stanford RFA team for conducting a procedure is one assistant MD or Fellow, medical assistant laying out equipment and vital signs

→ Patient due diligence when selecting an RFA doctor is key: it should include vetting providers for their experience with RFA → Ask if the doctor has done RFA procedures, what’s the plan for follow up?

→ With RFA, are fewer thyroidectomies occurring?With RFA in clinic, patients now have more treatment options → “No hammers looking for nails”

→ Who is the ideal candidate for RFA?

→ Solitary, large, benign thyroid nodule is the ideal candidate → Cost is between $5000 - $10,000

→ Reduction in thyroid nodule size is up to 80%

→ RFA can be used for malignant nodules

→ Why did it take so long for the U.S. to adopt RFA?

FDA processes are laborious and time consuming

→ Is RFA painful? Generally “no”

→ RFA fills a void in treatment options for thyroid nodule

→ Preservation of thyroid function is key — the thyroid is preserved

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