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Sim JS. [Clinical Approach for Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation]. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGY 2023; 84:1017-1030. [PMID: 37869113 PMCID: PMC10585077 DOI: 10.3348/jksr.2023.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a non-surgical treatment for symptomatic, benign thyroid nodules. This treatment works by heating and destroying the nodule tissue, which results in reduction of its size and alleviation of the symptoms involved. RFA is indicated for nodules which are confirmed to be benign on two or more cytological or histological examinations, and which result in clinical symptoms requiring medical treatment. It is associated with good short-term outcomes on one-year follow-up; however, 20%-30% of the nodules regrow after more than three years. Therefore, on the basis of long-term follow-up, management of regrowth is key to patient care following RFA. Regrowth is more likely to occur in nodules that are large in size prior to RFA, and in those with high or increased vascularity. Recently, new techniques such as hydrodissection, artery-first ablation, and venous ablation have been introduced to inhibit regrowth. In addition, appropriate criteria for additional RFA should be applied to manage regrowth and prolong its therapeutic effects. RFA is essentially an alternative to surgery; therefore, the ultimate goal of this procedure is to avoid surgery permanently, rather than to achieve temporary effects.
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Motaghed Z, Chegeni H, Mosadeghkhah A, Azimi Aval M, Gerami R, Ebrahiminik H. Effect of ultrasound parameters of benign thyroid nodules on radiofrequency ablation efficacy. BMC Med Imaging 2023; 23:85. [PMID: 37337132 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-023-01044-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive therapy for thyroid nodules (TNs). Understanding the determinants of RFA efficacy can improve treatment and prognosis. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ultrasound parameters of benign TNs and the efficacy of RFA. METHODS A pretest-posttest interventional study was conducted in 2021 on 250 randomly sampled patients with benign TNs, receiving RFA. For this purpose, the volume reduction (VR) and the VR ratio (VRR) of the nodules were measured at the 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up periods after the RFA completion. The technical success rate (TSR) of this procedure was then categorized into four states, including low (VRR < 25%), moderate (VRR = 25-49%), high (VRR = 50-74%), and very high (VRR ≥ 75). Ordered logistic regression (OLR) was further utilized to investigate the effect of the ultrasound parameters of TNs on the TSR. The analyses were notably performed using Stata 14.2. RESULTS The VRR at the 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up periods were 38.7%, 53.6%, 59.3%, and 59.9%, respectively. The mean VR was also statistically significant at all follow-ups (p < 0.001). At the 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up periods, the VR of over 50% was observed in 28.2%, 52.1%, and 65.2% of the nodules, respectively. The odds ratios (ORs) of the RFA success were found to be 4.3 times higher for the nodules in the left lobe compared to the right lobe (OR: 4.31, p = 0.002), 6.3 times greater for isoechoic nodules compared to hyperechoic nodules (OR: 6.39, p < 0.001), 6.2 times higher for hyper-vascular nodules compared to hypo-vascular nodules (OR: 6.25, p = 0.005), and 2.3 times greater for mixed nodules compared to solid ones (OR: 2.37, p = 0.049). CONCLUSION The ultrasound parameters of TNs had a statistically significant effect on the efficacy of RFA. Small-sized, isoechoic, and hyper-vascular nodules, as well as those with mixed tissue, were observed to respond better to RFA, leading to a better prognosis in terms of VR after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Motaghed
- Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Mosadeghkhah
- Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Azimi Aval
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Radiation Sciences Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Gerami
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojat Ebrahiminik
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Radiation Sciences Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Cesareo R, Egiddi S, Naciu AM, Tabacco G, Leoncini A, Napoli N, Palermo A, Trimboli P. Efficacy of radiofrequency and laser thermal ablation in solving thyroid nodule-related symptoms and cosmetic concerns. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:1051-1061. [PMID: 35768704 PMCID: PMC9515040 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09743-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have showed good/excellent results of thermal-ablation (TA) to reduce volume of benign thyroid nodule (TN). Nevertheless, no systematic review has reported information about clinical achievements with TA. Being the latter of high interest, this systematic review was undertaken to achieve high evidence about the efficacy of TA in reducing TN-related symptoms and cosmetic concerns. Radiofrequency (RFA) and laser (LA) therapies were considered. A comprehensive literature search of online databases was performed on January 2022 looking for studies reporting clinical results obtained by RFA or LA in terms of VAS (namely, Visual Analogic Scale) and cosmetic concerns. Initially, 318 records were found and 14 were finally included in the meta-analysis. VAS data were available in all RFA studies and the pooled mean reduction was of 3.09 points with significant heterogeneity. Cosmetic score data were available in 11 RFA studies and the pooled mean reduction was of 1.45 with significant heterogeneity. Regarding LA studies, 4 series reported VAS data and the pooled mean reduction was of 2.61 points with significant heterogeneity. The analysis of LA data about cosmetic concerns was not performed due to data paucity. Importantly, heterogeneities were not explained by meta-regression analyses using several covariates (i.e., baseline TN volume, follow-up duration, volume reduction rate). This systematic review showed that clinical data about TN TA efficacy are sparse and affected by high unexplained inconsistency. International societies should give indication about how we should clinically select and evaluate patients undergoing TN TA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cesareo
- Center of Metabolic Disease, S.M. Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - Silvia Egiddi
- Unit of Metabolic Bone and Thyroid Disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Anda M Naciu
- Unit of Metabolic Bone and Thyroid Disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Tabacco
- Unit of Metabolic Bone and Thyroid Disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Leoncini
- Servizio Di Radiologia E Radiologia Interventistica, Istituto Di Imaging Della Svizzera Italiana (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Napoli
- Unit of Metabolic Bone and Thyroid Disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Palermo
- Unit of Metabolic Bone and Thyroid Disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Servizio Di Endocrinologia E Diabetologia, Ospedale Regionale Di Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland.
- Facoltà Di Scienze Biomediche, Università Della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland.
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Rodriguez Escobedo R, Martinez Tames G, Lanes Iglesias S, Alonso Felgueroso C, Montes Garcia AM, Prieto Fernandez A, Sanchez Ragnarsson C, Menendez Torre EL. Efficacy in size and symptom reduction of radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules. ENDOCRINOL DIAB NUTR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Rodriguez Escobedo R, Martinez Tames G, Lanes Iglesias S, Alonso Felgueroso C, Montes Garcia AM, Prieto Fernandez A, Sanchez Ragnarsson C, Menendez Torre EL. Efficacy in size and symptom reduction of radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules. ENDOCRINOLOGIA, DIABETES Y NUTRICION 2022; 69:194-200. [PMID: 35396117 DOI: 10.1016/j.endien.2022.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) plays an increasing role in the management of thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA of benign thyroid nodules in terms of volume reduction and symptom relief. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of patients with a solitary thyroid nodule who received RFA at our centre from April 2016 to January 2020. Ultrasound-guided RFA was performed by the moving-shot technique. Patients were followed up with ultrasound examinations and thyroid function tests. We evaluated changes in volume and in compressive (0-10 scale) and cosmetic (4-point scale) symptoms to analyse efficacy and complications, and in thyroid function to evaluate safety. RESULTS A total of 72 patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 11.1±0.7 months. There was a statistically significant reduction in size of the nodules at Month 1, 3, 6 and 12 after RFA (expressed as volume reduction rate: 34%±2.1, 50.8%±2.2, 60.3%±2.6, 58.87%±3.5, p<0.0001). We found statistically significant improvement in compressive symptoms (from 7.1±0.26 to 1.76±0.33, p<0.0001) and in cosmetic alteration (from 3.66±0.09 to 2.14±0.14, p<0.0001). No major complications were observed. DISCUSSION RFA achieved significant volume reduction and improved compressive symptoms as well as cosmetic complaints, with minimum side effects. Our results are in line with recent available evidence and further support the use of RFA as a safe and effective therapeutic option in the management of benign thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Rodriguez Escobedo
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Av. Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Grupo de investigación en Endocrinología, Nutrición, Diabetes y Obesidad, Instituto de Investigación del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Gema Martinez Tames
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Av. Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Soraya Lanes Iglesias
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Av. Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Carlos Alonso Felgueroso
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Av. Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Grupo de investigación en Endocrinología, Nutrición, Diabetes y Obesidad, Instituto de Investigación del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Maria Montes Garcia
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Av. Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Amador Prieto Fernandez
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Av. Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Cecilia Sanchez Ragnarsson
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Av. Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Grupo de investigación en Endocrinología, Nutrición, Diabetes y Obesidad, Instituto de Investigación del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Edelmiro Luis Menendez Torre
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Av. Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Grupo de investigación en Endocrinología, Nutrición, Diabetes y Obesidad, Instituto de Investigación del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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Computer-Analyzed Ultrasound Predictors of the Treatment Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules. World J Surg 2021; 46:112-120. [PMID: 34608544 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-021-06340-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a relatively safe and efficient alternative to surgery for patients with benign thyroid nodules. We investigated predictive factors associated with volume reduction using digital imaging analysis. METHODS In this retrospective study, a prospectively maintained database containing the data of patients who received treatment from April 2019 to March 2020 was analyzed. Computerized analysis for quantitative measurement of echogenicity, heterogeneity, and the proportion of cystic components was performed on ultrasonographic images. The volume reduction rate (VRR) was calculated during follow-up. Treatment efficacy was defined as a volume reduction greater than 50% of baseline volume. RESULTS The median volume of 58 benign thyroid nodules before RFA was 22.7 mL. Of 53 nodules with sufficient follow-up, the median VRR was 46.4%, 61.5%, 63.4%, and 67.4% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Overall, at one-year follow-up, treatment efficacy was achieved in 39 (74%) nodules. In a multivariate regression analysis, the proportion of cystic components and RFA treatment time were independently associated with treatment efficacy. A subgroup analysis focusing on solid nodules indicated a negative correlation between echogenicity and VRR. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of cystic components in thyroid nodules is the main predictor of RFA treatment efficacy. In solid nodules, higher echogenicity is associated with a lower volume reduction.
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Muhammad H, Santhanam P, Russell JO. Radiofrequency ablation and thyroid nodules: updated systematic review. Endocrine 2021; 72:619-632. [PMID: 33449296 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02598-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the thyroid gland, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is being applied to both benign nodules and cancers internationally, while interest is also growing in the West. Benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) may be candidates for intervention when symptoms develop. For differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC), surgery is currently the first-line treatment. However, for candidates with high surgical risk or those who refuse to undergo repeated surgery, newer techniques such as RFA are an option. Surgery is associated with complications including hypothyroidism, voice change, hypocalcemia, and a scar. RFA has been used in Asian and European institutions as an alternative to surgery, but is relatively new in North America. Although RFA is not associated with significant complications, few randomized control trials have assessed its efficacy. The studies to date suggest a low rate of severe complications and a small need for thyroid hormone replacement following RFA. Further large-scale studies focusing on a Western population are needed. The aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence with respect to the current studies and data about the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for the management of BTNs and DTC. METHODS We systematically searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Clinical Queries, and Web of Science databases, for articles published up to April 30th, 2020. RESULTS Total of 75 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Thirty-five studies focused on RFA use for solid nodules, 12 studies on predominantly cystic nodules, 10 for autonomously functioning thyroid nodules, and 18 studied were published on differentiated thyroid cancer. CONCLUSIONS RFA seems to be an effective and safe alternative to surgery in high-risk surgical patients with thyroid cancers and for selected BTNs. Additional trials with longer follow-up in North American patients are needed to validate its full role in the armamentarium of thyroid ologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haris Muhammad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson, MD, 21204, USA
| | - Prasanna Santhanam
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Jonathon O Russell
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
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Muhammad H, Santhanam P, Russell JO, Kuo JH. RFA and benign thyroid nodules: Review of the current literature. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2021; 6:155-165. [PMID: 33614945 PMCID: PMC7883624 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) are commonly found in the general population. They are usually asymptomatic and their incidence has increased as a result of wide-spread use of ultrasound. Benign nodules are typically monitored clinically until they increase in size, resulting in compressive symptoms warranting surgery. However, although surgery is generally well-tolerated and of low-risk, it is associated with a small risk for several complications including hypothyroidism, nerve injury, hematoma, injury to other structures and wound infection. Recently, newer image-guided ablation techniques including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been introduced. RFA has a similar safety profile when compared to surgery and has shown promising results in challenging surgical candidates. Though several studies have been published in Asian and European countries on the efficacy of RFA, limited data is available on the North American population. The aim of the study is to review the current literature establishing the clinical outcomes and safety of RFA for benign nodules. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haris Muhammad
- Department of Internal MedicineGreater Baltimore Medical CenterTowsonMarylandUSA
| | - Prasanna Santhanam
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism, Department of MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Jonathon O. Russell
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Jennifer H. Kuo
- Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine SurgeryColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Nguyen VB, Nguyen TX, Nguyen VVH, Nguyen HT, Nguyen DT, Le CV. Efficacy and Safety of Single-Session Radiofrequency Ablation in Treating Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Short-Term Prospective Cohort Study. Int J Endocrinol 2021; 2021:7556393. [PMID: 34552630 PMCID: PMC8452432 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7556393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of this study are to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA in the treatment of benign thyroid nodule(s) and to find independent factors related to the volume reduction rate of the nodule(s). MATERIALS AND METHODS This short-term prospective study from a single medical center was conducted on 93 benign thyroid nodules in 93 patients treated with RFA. Two basic techniques were used: the trans-isthmic approach and moving-shot technique. Clinical and ultrasonography examinations were performed at 1- and 3-month follow-up after the treatment session. Primary outcomes included volume reduction ratio (VRR) at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups; secondary outcomes were therapeutic success rate and complications. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine independent factors associated with VRR. RESULTS A final sample of 78 patients with 78 nodules, given participant rate 83.8% (including 60 solid nodules, 16 predominantly cystic nodules, and 2 thyroid cysts), was followed up for 3 months. The mean volume reduction ratio was 41.47% and 64.72% after 1-month and 3-month follow-ups, respectively. The therapeutic success rate was 30.8% at 1-month and 84.6% at 3-month follow-ups. Symptom score and cosmetic score improved significantly. There was no change in thyroid function tests. Two minor complications (transient voice change) were found. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the internal component of the nodules significantly related to the VRR during the 3-month follow-up (β = 23.00; 95%CI (7.59-38.45)). CONCLUSION RFA was demonstrated as a safe and effective option for benign thyroid nodules treatment. It can be used as an alternative treatment with encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Bang Nguyen
- Center of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Family Hospital, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Thi Xuan Nguyen
- Center of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Family Hospital, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Van Vy Hau Nguyen
- Center of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Family Hospital, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Hai Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam
| | - Dinh Toan Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam
| | - Chi Van Le
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam
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Pregel P, Scala E, Bullone M, Martano M, Nozza L, Garberoglio S, Garberoglio R, Bollo E, Scaglione FE. Radiofrequency Thermoablation On Ex Vivo Animal Tissues: Changes on Isolated Swine Thyroids. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:575565. [PMID: 34177792 PMCID: PMC8222995 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.575565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of Radiofrequency thermoablation (RFA) for treating large thyroid nodules is limited by the modest efficiency of the available systems in terms of volume of the ablation zones (AZs). This increases the risk of incomplete ablation of the nodule. Systems employing perfused electrodes have been developed to increase the volume of the AZ. Aim of this study is to compare the size of the AZ induced by RFA systems using internally cooled perfused vs. non-perfused electrodes in swine thyroids. RFAs were performed on 40 freshly isolated swine thyroids using both systems. The perfused system was tested using 0.9% saline, 7% and 18% hypertonic saline solutions. Energy delivery to the tissue was stopped when tissue conductivity dropped (real life simulations) and after an established time of 20 seconds (controlled duration). Following RFA, thyroids were transversally and longitudinally cut. Photographs were taken for macroscopic morphometry of the ablated zones before and after formalin fixation, to evaluate tissue shrinkage. Microscopic morphometry was performed on PAS stained sections. In real life simulation experiments, gross morphometry revealed that AZs produced with electrodes perfused using 7.0% saline are larger compared to isotonic saline. Microscopically, all the conditions tested using the perfused system produced larger AZs compared to non-perfused system after 20 seconds of RFA. In conclusion, the perfusion with 7.0% NaCl solution increased the electrical conductivity of the tissue in real life simulations, resulting in larger ablated areas compared to the use of isotonic saline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pregel
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Pregel,
| | - Elisa Scala
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
- Evidensia Specialisthästsjukhuset, Strömsholm, Sweden
| | - Michela Bullone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Marina Martano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Linda Nozza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Garberoglio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberto Garberoglio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Enrico Bollo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
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