Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules: Basic Principles and Clinical Application

Figure 1

Schema of the transisthmic approach and the moving shot technique. The needle is inserted through the isthmus in order to visualize the entire length of the electrode and the target nodule. Ablation starts from the deepest portion of the nodule to the superficial area according to the order of the numbering of each small conceptual ablation unit, by moving the electrode tip. The ablation area is small near the peripheral danger triangle (black triangle), while it is large in the central, safe area. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (black circle) is within the danger triangle. The carotid artery (red color), internal jugular vein (blue color), and vagus nerve (gray color) are lateral to each thyroid lobe.