Standard RFA Procedure and Advanced Techniques

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment widely used in benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers with good efficacy and safety. However, it is important for operators to understand the essential and advanced techniques and to manipulate electrodes properly to optimize efficacy and minimize complications. This chapter presents the essential preparation before RFA, choices of electrodes, local anesthesia, and the currently developed techniques of thyroid RFA including the trans-isthmic “moving-shot” technique, hydrodissection, and vascular ablation.