WEBVTT

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This video has been designed to help

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you understand

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your STARMED thyroid

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radiofrequency ablation RFA procedure.

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We will focus on what to expect

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on the day of your procedure.

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STARMED

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Thyroid RFA is a

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relatively common procedure

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performed thousands of times

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each year around the world.

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The procedure can be performed

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in a hospital setting

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or an outpatient clinic.

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The procedure time is variable,

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but you can typically expect

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the entire process,

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including preparation,

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to take less than one hour.

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To prepare for the procedure,

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you will need to remove long pants

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and neck coverings,

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jewelry, glasses,

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and removable dental appliances.

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You will be fully awake

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during the procedure.

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However, some patients

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may be given medicine to help relax.

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You will

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then lie down comfortably

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on the procedure

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table with your neck extended slightly

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before the procedure.

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Your thyroid is examined with ultrasound

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imaging to locate

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and measure

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the dimensions of your thyroid nodule.

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Preparation for the STARMED

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thyroid RFA procedure is now ready

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to begin.

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Two grounding

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pads will be placed on your thighs.

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Your thighs may be shaved if necessary.

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Your neck will

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then be cleaned and disinfected

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to avoid infection.

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The thyroid capsule has sensory nerves

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that can feel pain.

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Some numbing medication

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may be administered before

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local anesthesia is injected into

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the skin with a thin needle.

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You may feel a prick

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when the local anesthesia is injected.

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However, there is usually not

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a significant amount of pain

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with this procedure.

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Under ultrasound guidance,

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the STARMED RFA

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electrode is now inserted

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and positioned into the targeted nodule.

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The RFA system is activated.

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The doctor will perform the procedure

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by moving the electrode

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throughout the nodule

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and monitoring the status

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of the ablation.

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Using real time ultrasound imaging.

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During the procedure,

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the doctor or nurse

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may ask you to speak from time to time

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to ensure

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that you are comfortable

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and to detect any voice changes.

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Some patients may hear a popping sound,

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which is common and completely normal.

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Ear pain and jaw

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pain are also possible side

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effects of this procedure.

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You should let your doctor know

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if you experienced any of these symptoms.

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Once the nodule is treated completely,

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the doctor will perform

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a final ultrasound

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scan to ensure the best possible results.

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Once satisfied,

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the electrode and grounding

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pads will be removed.

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The insertion site will be cleaned

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and a small bandage will be applied.

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You will

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then be observed for around one hour

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before being examined

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to check for any side effects,

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and to go over any final questions.

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You are then able to go home and continue

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your normal activities the next day.

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It is recommended to apply an ice pack

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to help with any swelling,

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and to take pain medication if needed.

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In the first few days

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after the procedure.

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You may experience mild pain

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at the ablation

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site and notice

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that the nodule feels hard to touch.

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If you have any concerns,

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please contact your doctor.

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Your doctor will usually recommend

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a follow up of one, three,

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six, and 12 months

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to check the volume reduction

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and overall success

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of the thyroid RFA procedure.

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Feel free to ask questions

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and discuss

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any concerns

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you may have with your doctor.

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From all of us

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at RFA for a life and TaeWoong medical
USA.

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We hope that you have found

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this video informative

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and wish you the best of success

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with your upcoming thyroid RFA procedure.