Baird Medical’s Microwave Ablation System Used in First Procedure to Treat Thyroid Nodules

January 30, 2024—Baird Medical Devices, Inc. recently announced the first commercial thyroid microwave ablation (MWA) procedure with the company’s system in the United States.

The minimally invasive procedure was performed by interventional endocrinologist Alireza Falahati, MD, at Utah Endocrinology Associates in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“The success of this procedure with Baird Medical’s ablation needle represents a leap forward in our ability to treat thyroid nodules effectively,” commented Dr. Falahati in the company’s press release. “I look forward to performing many more similar procedures in the near future.

According to Baird, the emergent MWA procedure for thyroid nodules offers patients an alternative to traditional excision surgery. The procedure uses a small needle to safely deliver therapeutic microwave energy directly to the nodule being treated.

MWA spares the surrounding healthy tissue and preserves the function of the thyroid, thereby eliminating hormone replacement therapy affiliated with surgical approaches. The procedure enables swifter recovery, a reduction of scar tissue in the neck and décolleté area, and greater efficiency for physicians, stated the company.

Baird noted that in September 2023, the American Thyroid Association published its recommended guidelines for the safe implementation and adoption of thermal ablation procedures to treat thyroid nodules, paving the way for adoption of the procedure.

Baird Medical’s devices are used for the treatment of benign and malignant tumors, including thyroid nodules, liver cancer, lung cancer, and breast lumps, advised the company.

In November 2023, the company announced FDA 510(k) clearance to market its portfolio of MWA systems and disposable MWA needles as regulatory Class II devices in the United States. Baird Medical’s MWA devices that are indicated for treatment of thyroid nodules have also received a Class III medical devices registration certificate in China.