1. Setup
The procedure is carried out under sterile conditions in the operating theatre. The RFA system is placed near the ultrasound device and all components are connected as shown in the diagram. Once the cooling system for the internally cooled electrodes has been set up and connected, the patients can be further prepared in the next step.2. Patient positioning
The patient is positioned supine, with the neck in slight extension, and the appropriate monitoring connected. Since the RFA system is compatible with both bipolar and monopolar applications, two dispersion electrodes must be placed on the patient's thighs and connected to the RFA generator for monopolar use. In this way, the current is safely dispersed over a large area. Once the procedure site is prepared and draped, the local anaesthetic can be administered in the next step.3. Anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic is administered between the muscle layers and the thyroid capsule using ultrasound guidance and an injection needle. Alternatively, the procedure can be carried out under light sedation.
