Baird Medical

Evidence Review

Thyroid microwave ablation (MWA): clinical evidence

Published thyroid MWA studies report substantial nodule reduction, shorter ablation times in selected comparisons, and favorable safety outcomes, including findings in larger and predominantly solid benign nodules.

MWA’s distinct microwave mechanism helps explain the thyroid evidence

MWA heats tissue through an electromagnetic field rather than an RF current path.3 Its propagation is less dependent on tissue conductivity and less constrained by rising impedance3,4, a distinction that helps contextualize the MWA outcomes reviewed below, particularly in larger and predominantly solid nodules.

Evidence Highlights

Thyroid MWA outcomes at a glance

82.5%2

Mean 12-month VRR, nodules ≥4 cm

78%1
vs 67.3% RFA

12-month VRR, nodules ≥3.5 cm (exploratory subgroup; 18 per arm). Overall matched VRR comparable.

46%1shorter
345 vs 644 seconds

Median ablation time vs RFA, matched cohort

0/2052
Major complications reported in Zhao et al.’s cohort

12-month follow-up; overall complications: 1.95%.

Key Evidence

Key studies for thyroid MWA evaluation

Review key results and clinical context from each published study.

Single-session radiofrequency ablation versus microwave ablation of predominantly solid benign thyroid nodules: a comparison after propensity score matching for initial nodule volumes and diameters

View study

Fung MHM, et al. Eur Radiol. 2026;36(3):1783–1796.

Key results

MWA achieved a higher 12-month VRR than RFA in nodules ≥3.5 cm (78.0% vs 67.3%; p=0.028) and a 46% shorter median ablation time in the overall matched cohort (345 vs 644 seconds; p=0.002). Ablation time per unit volume was also shorter with MWA. No major complications were reported in either group.

Study context

Retrospective propensity-matched study of 208 predominantly solid benign nodules (RFA 142, MWA 66). In the main matched cohort (66 per arm), 12-month VRR was comparable, while MWA required shorter ablation time. In a separately matched subgroup of nodules ≥3.5 cm (18 per arm), MWA achieved higher 12-month VRR (78.0% vs 67.3%; p=0.028).

Evaluating microwave ablation for treating large benign thyroid nodules

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Zhao Y, et al. Gland Surg. 2026;15(1):6.

Key results

MWA achieved 82.54% mean 12-month VRR, with 93.7% of nodules achieving >50% VRR at 12 months among nodules ≥4 cm. No major complications were reported; the overall complication rate was 1.95%, while symptom and cosmetic scores improved significantly.

Study context

Retrospective single-center cohort of 205 patients with selected benign nodules ≥4 cm. The study had no RFA comparator, and 18 of 205 patients required repeat ablation.

Effectiveness and outcomes of microwave ablation for solid benign thyroid nodules (>10 mL): a retrospective study

View study

Gong L, et al. Int J Hyperthermia. 2026;43(1):2659372.

Key results

MWA achieved 80.73% final VRR at a mean follow-up of 28.3 months, and 91.87% of nodules achieved >50% VRR at 12 months. Symptoms and cosmesis improved significantly; the major-complication rate was 4.88%, with no permanent sequelae.

Study context

Retrospective single-center, single-arm study of 123 solid benign nodules >10 mL treated with ultrasound-guided MWA.

Comparing the therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency vs. microwave ablation for non-functioning benign thyroid nodules

View study

Teliti M, et al. J Endocrinol Invest. 2026;49(2):309–316.

Key results

MWA required shorter procedure time than RFA (520 vs 650 seconds; p=0.003). In matched cohorts, 12-month VRR was higher with MWA (64.70% vs 58.71%; p=0.028). No major complications were reported in the overall study population.

Study context

Retrospective single-center comparison of 274 nodules, with 66 matched patients per treatment arm based on baseline volume and composition. In the overall population, 6- and 12-month VRRs were similar.

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules in 435 patients

View study

Liu YJ, et al. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2017;242(15):1515–1523.

Key results

In 435 patients with 474 benign thyroid nodules, MWA achieved 90% mean VRR at 12 months and 94% final VRR, with no serious complications observed.

Study context

Large single-center, single-arm cohort including solid, predominantly solid, and predominantly cystic nodules; 62% were predominantly cystic, a subgroup in which volume reduction was significantly higher than in solid nodules. No RFA comparator was included.

Advance thyroid MWA from evidence to practice

Discuss clinical fit, workflow, training, and program support.

Discuss a thyroid MWA program

Indications & Safety

Rx only. The Microwave Ablation System (BD-GT) and the Disposable Microwave Ablation Needle are indicated for coagulation (ablation) of soft tissue. Not intended for cardiac use. The needle is sterile and single use only. Contraindicated in patients with massive bleeding tendency; not recommended for pregnant women; use caution in patients with severe coagulation dysfunction. Potential risks and complications include pain, bleeding or hematoma, swelling, thyroid-function changes, voice changes, and injury to nearby structures. Refer to the Safety Information and the Instructions for Use.

FDA 510(k) K232240 · K232241 · Class II

Clinical Evidence Note

The clinical findings cited here come from published thyroid MWA studies using devices from other manufacturers. Baird Engineering has assessed technical comparability with the Betters platform to support evaluation of the literature's applicability.