COURSE FORMAT
This course is structured in two parts:
Part I – Open Scientific Session (14:00–15:30)
Part II – Advanced Hands-On Workshop (15:30–16:45)
HAND ON: Limited to 30 participants (first registered, first served). In case of no-shows, places will be reassigned to participants on the waiting list.
Each participant will perform a complete radiofrequency ablation procedure from beginning to end on dedicated training models under direct faculty supervision.
FACULTY
- Volpi Erivelto
- Marco Demarchi
- Eveline Slotema
- Maurilio Deandrea
- Sophie Leboulleux
- Ralph P. Tufano
PROGRAMME
14:00–14:10 | Welcome & Course Objectives
- Structure of the course
- Safety principles in thyroid ablation
- Practical learning objectives
Speaker: Marco Demarchi (Geneva)
14:10–14:35 | Patient Selection and Evidence-Based Indications
- Indications according to the guidelines
- RFA vs ethanol vs other thermal techniques: who, when, and why
- Contraindications and when ablation should not be performed
- Multidisciplinary decision-making framework
Speaker: Eveline Slotema
Chairs: Volpi Erivelto / Marco Demarchi
14:35–15:00 | Technical Fundamentals That Make the Difference
- Trans-isthmic approach
- Moving-shot technique
- Hydrodissection and protection strategies
- Critical safety anatomy (recurrent laryngeal nerve, vagus nerve, esophagus…)
- Prevention and management of complications
Speaker: Maurilio Deandrea
Chairs: Eveline Slotema / Volpi Erivelto
15:00–15:15 | Clinical Outcomes and Structured Follow-Up
- Expected volume reduction and timelines
- Symptom and cosmetic improvement
- Imaging follow-up schedule
- Regrowth: indications for pretreatment vs surveillance
Speaker: Sophie Leboulleux
Chairs: Maurilio Deandrea / Ralph P. Tufano
15:15–15:35 | Emerging Technologies: nsPFA and the Future of Non-Thermal Ablation
- Mechanism of non-thermal pulsed field ablation
• Current evidence and ongoing studies
• Potential advantages and future clinical integration
Speaker: Ralph P. Tufano
Chairs: Marco Demarchi / Volpi Erivelto
15:30–17:00 | Advanced Hands-On Workshop (Limited to 30 Participants)
Complete Radiofrequency Ablation Simulation
All participants will work on identical training stations, each equipped.
Hands-On Structure
Each participant will:
- Perform ultrasound mapping and procedural planning
- Define safe access and trans-isthmic trajectory
- Execute hydrodissection (simulation)
- Perform the moving-shot technique
- Complete full nodule ablation simulation
- Review energy delivery strategy and troubleshooting
Faculty members will rotate continuously between participants, providing:
- Real-time correction
- Technical tips
- Safety feedback
- Troubleshooting guidance
This format ensures that every participant performs a complete procedure independently, rather than observing or rotating through partial tasks.
High faculty-to-participant ratio guarantees direct supervision and interaction.
17:00–17:10 | Take-Home Messages & Closing
Speaker:
Marco Demarchi