2024 Course Overview

Information for the 2025 course is not yet available.

Head and neck endocrine and oncologic surgery continues to evolve through technological advancements and innovation. Optimized nerve identification and preservation has been facilitated through advancements in nerve monitoring technology and techniques. Novel methods of tissue differentiation using techniques such as autofluorescence, labeled fluorescence, optical coherence tomography and others may improve ability to identify and characterize nerves, parathyroid tissue and tumor margins, among other applications. Application of minimally invasive ablative therapies is shifting the landscape of treatment for thyroid nodules.

This 1.5-day course will cover:

  • RFA
  • Neural monitoring state of the art/SLN and continuous monitoring and neural anatomy
  • Ultrasound and AI
  • Parathyroid autofluorescence probe and camera based systems and ICG
  • Neural RLN intraop imaging
  • Optical Coherence intraop imaging
  • Parathyroid vascular imaging
  • State of the art imaged based margin assessment

The course is designed for clinicians, surgeons and researchers alike who have an interest in developing and applying innovative technologies to augment care for head and neck endocrine disorders. The course will also offer an optional hands-on practical component for learners to participate in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using phantom models (space limited).

Who Should Attend

  • Specialty Physicians in Endocrinology, Surgery, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine and Otolaryngology 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Optimize application of intraoperative nerve monitoring in thyroid surgery.

  •  Discuss cutting-edge methods to improve nerve visualization during thyroid surgery.

  • Optimally apply parathyroid autofluorescence and vascular assessment technologies to thyroid surgery.

  • Explain techniques for margin assessment in head and neck cancer surgery. 

  • Discuss best practices in patient selection, pre-procedural evaluation, technique, post-procedure monitoring and assessment of efficacy for ultrasound-guided ablation of thyroid nodules. 

Course Directors

Gregory W. Randolph, MD, FACS, FACE
Director, Thyroid and Parathyroid Endocrine Surgical Division, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery; and Claire and John Bertucci Endowed Chair in Thyroid Surgical Oncology, Harvard Medical School

Marika Russell, MD, FACS
Senior Endocrine Surgical Research Fellow, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

View Full Faculty List

ABMS/ACGME Competencies

This course is designed to meet the following American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) / Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Educational (ACGME) competencies:

  • Patient Care and Procedural Skills 

  • Medical Knowledge 

  • Practice-Based Learning and Improvement 

IOM Competencies

This course is designed to meet the following Institute of Medicine Core Competencies:

  • Provide Patient-Centered Care 

  • Utilize Informatics  

Questions?

Please contact the Continuing Education Programs with any questions by email at learn@hms.harvard.edu.

Offered By:

Mass Eye and Ear White square. White square.