Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation

Breakthrough Thyroid Treatment, Led by a National Expert

We offer a non-surgical option to shrink thyroid nodules. Led by Dr. Timothy Huber, President of the North American Society for Interventional Thyroidology (NASIT), he brings national-level thyroid expertise close to home.

Ask your primary care physician or endocrinologist about a referral for this treatment.

Schedule Your Consultation

What is Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Thyroid Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for benign thyroid nodules. Guided by ultrasound, a thin electrode delivers focused heat directly into the nodule. Over time, the treated tissue safely shrinks — often by 50–90% within the first year.

The goal is to relieve symptoms associated with thyroid nodules, like difficulty swallowing, pressure in the neck, or cosmetic concerns, while preserving normal thyroid function and helping most patients avoid surgery, a visible scar, and long-term thyroid medication.

Are You a Candidate for Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation?

You may be a candidate for RFA if you have:

A benign thyroid nodule that’s large, growing, changing your neck shape, or is uncomfortable
A nodule producing excess thyroid hormone
A desire to avoid surgery or lifelong thyroid hormone therapy

If these apply to you, call our team to discuss whether your symptoms may qualify you for an RFA consultation with our interventional radiologist.

Call Today: 860-676-0110 (Opt 2)

National-Level Thyroid Expertise

MEET THE EXPERT

At Jefferson Radiology, Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablations are led by Dr. Timothy Huber, a nationally-recognized interventional radiologist and the 2025 President of the North American Society for Interventional Thyroidology (NASIT).

Dr. Huber trains physicians across the country, lectures at national meetings, and has co-authored research advancing the use of RFA for benign thyroid nodules. His leadership ensures patients in Connecticut receive academic-level expertise — close to home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is performed under local anesthetic, so you’ll be awake but comfortable. Using ultrasound for precise guidance, the physician carefully places a thin electrode directly into the thyroid nodule. A small, controlled amount of energy is delivered through the electrode, generating heat that safely treats the nodule.

The procedure usually takes just a few minutes of active treatment. Over time, the treated tissue breaks down naturally, and the nodule gradually shrinks. While the nodule does not usually disappear completely, reducing its size by 50–90% often relieves pressure, improves swallowing or cosmetic concerns, and helps restore comfort.

Patients with biopsy-proven benign thyroid nodules that are large, growing, uncomfortable, or causing cosmetic concerns may be an ideal candidate. RFA is also an option for certain overactive (“toxic”) nodules that produce excess thyroid hormone. Your primary care physician or endocrinologist can help you determine if RFA is the best option for you.

Coverage is expanding. As of January 2025, Medicare recognizes new CPT codes for thyroid RFA, which improves the chance of coverage. Many private insurers now cover the procedure when medical necessity is documented. Prior authorization may be required, and our staff will help you confirm your benefits.

During your consultation, your radiologist will review your ultrasound and talk through what to expect.
If you take blood thinners or aspirin, you may be asked to pause or adjust them before your procedure.
Please tell us about any allergies, especially to local anesthetics.
A nurse from our team will call you before your appointment to review instructions and answer any questions.
If an anti-anxiety medication is given, you will need a ride home from procedure.

BEFORE

You’ll check in and change into a gown.
A set of vital signs will be taken, and discharge instructions will be reviewed.
If appropriate, an anti-anxiety medication will be offered.
Your radiologist will meet with you to review the plan and answer questions.

DURING

The skin on your neck will be cleaned and numbed.
A small probe is guided into the thyroid nodule using ultrasound — no surgical incision is needed.
The treatment usually takes 30–45 minutes.
A small bandage is placed afterward, and typically you’ll spend a short time in recovery before going home.

AFTER

You may notice mild neck soreness, swelling, or discomfort when swallowing for a day or two.
Most people return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
You’ll receive clear instructions about caring for the area and when to call us.

Temporary neck tenderness, swelling, or mild discomfort with swallowing
Small risk of bruising or bleeding
Very small chance of temporary voice changes
Very rare risk of skin irritation at the treatment site
Rare chance the nodule does not shrink as much as expected
Low risk of infection

Locations

Farmington Imaging Center

399 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06032

Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 4:15pm
Weeknight and weekend appointments available for MRI
Weeknight appointments available for Mammography
Hours vary by exam

More Information

Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation

Breakthrough Thyroid Treatment, Led by a National Expert

What is Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Are You a Candidate for Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation?

National-Level Thyroid Expertise

MEET THE EXPERT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Who Is a Good Candidate for Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation?

Do I Need a Referral for Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation?

Is Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Covered By My Insurance?

How Should I Prepare for the Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation?

What Can I Expect Before, During and After the Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation?

Will I Need General Anesthesia for Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation?

How Long Do the Results of Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Last?

What Are the Benefits of Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Compared to Surgery?

What are the Risks of Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation?

How Can I Schedule a Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Consultation?

Locations

Farmington Imaging Center

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