{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"RFA and Protecting the Nerves for Best Outcomes \u2192 Dr. Julia Noel \u2192 Stanford University \u2192 Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation","description":"Protecting the nerves during RFA and thyroid surgery with Dr. Julia Noel from Stanford Health Care. Hosted by Philip James. Supported by www.rfamd.com. Find an RFA doctor at www.rfamd.com \ud83d\udd39\ud83d\udd39\ud83d\udd39 During this interview, the following topics are discussed: \u2192 Stanford University prioritizes anatomic structures, ultrasound, and how to best protect the laryngeal nerve \u2192 Pre- procedure ultrasound is instrumental in minimizing risk \u2192 Risk to the laryngeal nerve is minimal during RFA \u2192 Where to deliver heat is guided by ultrasound \u2192 If unintended consequences occurs during RFA, they are usually reversible \u2192 Most risk is affecting a patient\u2019s voice \u2192 Technique and space \u2014 away from structures \u2014 can be controlled with extra fluid \u2192 Dr. Noel has conducted 80+ RFA procedures at Stanford University \u2192 What should every practitioner know in regard to protecting the nerves? \u2192 Commitment to ultrasound anatomy is critical \u2192 Ultrasound guided procedures \u2192 The Stanford RFA team for conducting a procedure is one assistant MD or Fellow, medical assistant laying out equipment and vital signs \u2192 Patient due diligence when selecting an RFA doctor is key: it should include vetting providers for their experience with RFA \u2192 Ask if the doctor has done RFA procedures, what\u2019s the plan for follow up? \u2192 With RFA, are fewer thyroidectomies occurring?With RFA in clinic, patients now have more treatment options \u2192 \u201cNo hammers looking for nails\u201d \u2192 Who is the ideal candidate for RFA? \u2192 Solitary, large, benign thyroid nodule is the ideal candidate \u2192 Cost is between $5000 - $10,000 \u2192 Reduction in thyroid nodule size is up to 80% \u2192 RFA can be used for malignant nodules \u2192 Why did it take so long for the U.S. to adopt RFA? FDA processes are laborious and time consuming \u2192 Is RFA painful? Generally \u201cno\u201d \u2192 RFA fills a void in treatment options for thyroid nodule \u2192 Preservation of thyroid function is key \u2014 the thyroid is preserved \u2192 Does insurance cover RFA treatment? \u2192 Sometimes the insurance company will cover the procedure through an appeal process About Dr. Julia Noel \u2705 TWITTER @JuliaNoelMD \u2705 WEBSITE https:\/\/profiles.stanford.edu\/julia-noel \u2705 WEBSITE https:\/\/rfamd.com\/julia-noel\/ \u2705 Grand Rounds Video on YouTube https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YeiOQ... \u2705 About Philip James \u2705 Instagram @philipjames360 \u2705 TWITTER @docthyroid \u2705 LinkedIn @Philip James \u2705 Website www.philipjames.co \u2705 YouTube https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/DoctorThyroid  \ud83d\udd39\ud83d\udd39\ud83d\udd39 \u2705 ABOUT Philip James I shared my story with many of you on my podcast: Doctor Thyroid www.docthyroid.com In 2013, my laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind \u2014 all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help me speak. The bad result of thyroid surgery dampened my quality of life \u2192 and left me wondering, what exactly happened \u2192 during what should be a low-risk surgery? My attempts to follow up with UCLA and the surgeon were ignored. So, I turned to other doctors for answers \u2014 this was the beginning of the podcast: "Doctor Thyroid with Philip James" 100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them access to information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics. The word I use to describe my work as patient advocate is, \u2018tonglen\u2019. Or, using my pain and hardship to help others. When not producing podcast episodes or co-hosting live Q&As for patients with top doctors, I lead the creative team at Philip James Media \u2014 we are a marketing agency dedicated to digital communications \u2014 serving the sectors of healthcare, payments, and Greentech. The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English - and listened to in over 30 countries: www.doctiroides.com (Spanish) www.docthyroid.com (English) Please email your requests to philip@philipjames.co \ud83d\udd39\ud83d\udd39\ud83d\udd39 ","author_name":"Doctor Thyroid","author_url":"http:\/\/docthyroid.com\/","html":"