• Benign thyroid nodules with compressive or cosmetic concerns

• Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

• Recurrent thyroid cancer

• Thyroid cysts

• Large benign thyroid nodules

Innovative minimally invasive treatments for thyroid nodules, incorporating techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, ethanol injection, and thyroid artery embolization, provide precise and personalized solutions for patients with thyroid conditions. For symptomatic benign thyroid nodules, these methods effectively reduce nodule size and alleviate compression symptoms without the need for conventional surgery, leaving no scars and ensuring rapid recovery.

For patients with primary or recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma, minimally invasive treatments offer a safe and effective option with minimal damage to healthy tissues. Ethanol injection is ideal for managing thyroid cysts and reducing recurrence, while thyroid artery embolization is suited for shrinking large benign nodules.

All procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. These treatments are simple, convenient, and minimally disruptive to daily life, significantly improving quality of life while ensuring efficient, safe, and personalized care.

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses high-frequency electrical currents to locally heat and shrink thyroid nodule tissue. It is ideal for patients with benign nodules or micro-papillary thyroid cancer, offering quick recovery and scar-free results.

• Microwave Ablation (MWA): Employs microwave energy to heat and ablate nodules, similar to RFA, but is particularly suitable for patients with larger nodules.

• Ethanol Injection Therapy: Involves injecting high-concentration alcohol into cystic nodules to reduce their size and minimize recurrence, primarily used for thyroid cysts.

• Thyroid Artery Embolization: A vascular embolization technique performed via the radial artery to block blood flow to the nodule, effectively shrinking large benign nodules.

• These minimally invasive procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, with minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and no disruption to daily life.

Over the years, the application of minimally invasive treatments for thyroid nodules has steadily matured and gained increasing popularity among patients. The use of ablation techniques has shown consistent growth, reflecting its widespread acceptance and adoption in clinical practice. Additionally, alcohol injection has remained a stable and common treatment option over the years. Although embolization is a relatively newer technique, it has gradually gained recognition and adoption as technology continues to advance.

Overall, these trends in the application of minimally invasive techniques highlight our extensive experience and expertise in the treatment of thyroid nodules. They also demonstrate the high level of trust and acceptance these innovative techniques have earned from patients, further driving advancements and refinements in treatment methods.

Our hospital provides a comprehensive thyroid minimally invasive treatment program integrating thermal ablation, ethanol ablation, and thyroid artery embolization (TAE). These treatments offer effective alternatives to conventional surgery while preserving thyroid function and improving quality of life. Since 2021, our team has pioneered thyroid artery embolization via the radial artery and became the first in the world to adopt this innovative approach. This technique is particularly suitable for patients with large hypervascular thyroid nodules and significant compressive symptoms. The procedure requires no hospitalization and allows patients to return home on the same day. Thermal ablation, including radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation, is an effective treatment option for benign thyroid nodules and selected cases of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. It significantly reduces nodule volume and relieves symptoms with minimal disruption to daily activities. Our research has also demonstrated excellent outcomes for ethanol ablation. In patients with thyroid cysts larger than 10 mL, a single treatment session achieved a 94.8% volume reduction at 6 months. Long-term follow-up further showed a treatment success rate of 95.6%, confirming its safety and durability. Through advanced ultrasound guidance and multidisciplinary collaboration, our program provides safe, effective, and patient-centered minimally invasive care.

• Hospital admission rate within 7 days: 0

• Emergency department visit rate within 7 days: 0

• Rate requiring emergency surgery post-procedure: 0

• Rate of thyroid hormone supplementation needed post-procedure: 0

• Rate of permanent complications: 1/492(0.2%)

• Minimally invasive without scarring

• Safe and effective

• Same-day discharge

• World's First Radial Artery Thyroid Artery Embolization Technique: In 2023, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital published the first report on thyroid artery embolization via the radial artery, introducing a groundbreaking treatment option to the global medical community.

• Pioneering Minimally Invasive Thyroid Treatments in Taiwan: The hospital led the development of radiofrequency and microwave ablation techniques in Taiwan and actively promoted these advancements to other medical institutions, establishing itself as a national leader.

• Frequent Invitations to International Medical Conferences: The team has been invited to present clinical experiences and research findings on minimally invasive thyroid treatments at major events such as the Korean Radiology Annual Meeting and the Asia-Pacific Ablation Society Conference.

• Publications in Prestigious International Journals: Research from the team has been featured in leading journals, including Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery, Journal of Personalized Medicine, and Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, advancing the global development of minimally invasive thyroid technologies.

• Comprehensive Preoperative Assessment: All patients undergo ultrasound, biopsy/aspiration, and necessary blood tests before minimally invasive treatment to ensure suitability.

• Standardized Procedure Protocols: All treatments follow standardized protocols to ensure consistency and safety.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Vital signs are continuously monitored during procedures, especially for higher-risk treatments like arterial embolization.

• Scheduled Postoperative Follow-Ups: Patients return for follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment to evaluate nodule reduction and prevent complications.

• Complication Management Plans: Emergency protocols are in place to address potential issues, such as hoarseness or nodule rupture, ensuring prompt care if needed.

• Patient Education: Detailed guidance is provided before and after the procedure to help patients understand potential risks and post-treatment care.