Dr. Vicki Munro achieves Atlantic Canada first with new thyroid procedure

Patients with thyroid nodules now have access to a new, minimally invasive treatment at the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure performed under ultrasound guidance to reduce the size of thyroid nodules – lumps that form within the thyroid gland. 

In March 2025, Dr. Vicki Munro from the Division of Endocrinology became the first physician in Atlantic Canada to perform this innovative procedure. Since then, additional patients have been scheduled, marking a major milestone in thyroid care for Nova Scotians.

RFA treatment of thyroid nodules is a relatively new technique which has been used for both benign and certain cancerous thyroid nodules. Recognizing the importance of this treatment pathway, the Interdisciplinary Thyroid Oncology Team, led by Dr. Ali Imran (Division Head of Endocrinology) and Dr. Mal Rajaraman (Radiation Oncology), began fundraising efforts in 2020 to bring this technology to Nova Scotia. 

To prepare for offering this treatment locally, Dr. Munro trained with Dr. Jesse Pasternak, an endocrine surgeon with the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada.

As a minimally invasive procedure, RFA is providing many patients with a new treatment option while also helping reduce surgical wait times and waitlists, so that patients with cancerous nodules or more complex thyroid issues can receive surgery sooner. 

“The RFA procedure is used to treat large benign (non-cancerous) thyroid nodules,” said Dr. Munro. “Nodules can get so big that they cause symptoms like hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, or a constant pressure in the neck, which can significantly impact daily life.” 

During the procedure, an electrode is guided by ultrasound into the thyroid nodule. The current passing through the electrode generates heat, which shrinks the targeted cells within the nodule.

“RFA is a uniquely targeted procedure that avoids damage to healthy surrounding thyroid tissue, allowing patients to maintain their regular thyroid function and avoid hormone replacement medication.”

Before Dr. Munro provided RFA to her patients, surgery was the only treatment option. This required a stay in hospital and use of general anesthesia, resulting in a longer recovery time and potential impact on the function of the thyroid. In contrast, RFA is performed with a local anesthetic in a clinic setting, with patients spending approximately two hours onsite for the procedure and monitoring.

“While RFA opens a pathway to care for certain patients with thyroid nodules, other patients may still require an operation” said Dr. Munro.

For Nova Scotians living with thyroid nodules, radiofrequency ablation may offer a safe, effective and non-invasive alternative to surgery and marks a significant step forward in using innovative technology in thyroid care. 

The introduction of RFA was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Imran and Dr. Ramarajan, and the patients and community who supported the Blue Butterfly Evening, a local fundraising event. The Blue Butterfly event, named for the butterfly shape of the thyroid gland, has raised over $450,000 since it began in 2009. These funds, which are raised in support of the QEII Foundation, have funded ongoing thyroid cancer research, patient care and innovation and contributed to the purchase of the radiofrequency ablation equipment necessary for Dr. Munro to treat her patients.

Photo of (L-R) Angela Whynot, clinical nurse educator, Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Clinic; Dr. Jesse Pasternak, endocrine surgeon with University Health Network Toronto; Dr. Vicki Munro, endocrinologist, Nova Scotia Health; Ryan Barnes and Krista Sutherland, Southmedic Medical Products.