Thyroid Nodule Ablation: Why This Paradigm Shift is Here to Stay (NASIT 2026)
SAVE YOUR THYROID with Jennifer Holkem
Discover the latest non-surgical treatment options for thyroid nodules as shared by experts at the NASIT 2026 conference. This post is a must-read for patients and healthcare providers alike.
At the recent NASIT 2026 (North American Society of Interventional Thyroidology) conference in Portland, Oregon, the energy was electric. As the founder of Save Your Thyroid, I was there to capture the advancements in non-surgical treatments for thyroid nodules and cancers, as well as spread awareness of our continuously growing patient community.
This year’s meeting wasn’t just about the technology; it was about a global shift in how we approach thyroid nodule care.
About NASIT
NASIT is the premier gathering for healthcare professionals—surgeons, endocrinologists, and interventional radiologists—dedicated to non-surgical thyroid treatments. With over 150 global experts in attendance, the event showcased the latest research and emphasized that the demand for non-invasive therapies is at an all-time high.
Key Takeaways from the Conference
1. The Power of Patient Advocacy
Insights: I was incredibly moved by how many physicians expressed gratitude for the advocacy work we do. As I introduced myself, many doctors already knew about our community’s impact. Your voices are changing the clinical landscape, ensuring that patients are no longer just “recipients” of care, but active partners in decision-making.
Posing with my SYT tote bag, a conversation starter for meeting new physicians.
2. Innovative Treatment Options
The conference highlighted a massive expansion in the “toolbelt” available to doctors:
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Microwave Ablation (MWA): Still cornerstones of heat-based ablation, but with more refined data on long-term success.
Dr. Baek shared his experience with performing thyroid RFA over the past 24 years. Thyroid Artery Embolization (TAE): Technologies like TriSalus’s Pressure-Enabled TAE are showing incredible promise for treating massive goiters without traditional surgery.
Watch this demo of how the PED-TAE procedure works!
Nanosecond Pulse Field Ablation (nPulse/nsPFA): Pulse Biosciences shared 22-month data showing a 75% volume reduction with no regrowth—a non-thermal game-changer.
Dr. Stefano Spiezia presenting the 22 month durability data on nPulse ablation.
3. Collaborative Learning & Breaking Silos
One of the most refreshing aspects of NASIT is the collaboration. We saw surgeons, endocrinologists, and interventional radiologists debating the best protocols for treating thyroid cancers and parathyroid adenomas. Using real-time QR code feedback, the audience engaged in live debates, proving that the medical community is hungry to learn from the collaborative experience of these safe non-surgical protocols.
The Future of Non-Surgical Treatments
We are witnessing a significant shift. As Rudy Garay from RGS Healthcare noted, the U.S. medical system is like a “coal-powered train”—it takes a moment to get moving, but once it gains momentum, it’s unstoppable. With growing evidence and rising patient demand, the medical community is responding with faster adoption of these life-changing technologies. Watch that clip here.
Conclusion
The NASIT 2026 conference was a pivotal moment. It proved that when patients and doctors work together, we can move away from “surgery-first” mentalities toward more personalized, organ-sparing solutions.
I encourage you to stay informed and talk to your healthcare providers about these options. Together, we are saving thyroids!
For more information or to find a physician specializing in these treatments, please visit Save Your Thyroid.
Watch the full recap video here!
Visit my new podcast website, SaveYourThyroidwithJen.com!
What is this podcast and blog all about?
To my subscribers, welcome back! If you’re new, welcome to Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem, a podcast and blog all about thyroid nodules. For the past 6 1/2 years, I have advocated for fellow patients suffering with this very common condition.
Thyroid nodules impact 70% of adults in their lifetime, and the standard of care is surgical removal of half or all of the gland. But in recent years, safe and effective non-surgical treatment options have become available.
In this podcast and blog, I sit down with patients and physicians to discuss life with thyroid nodules, treatment options, and how to save the thyroid whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NASIT? NASIT stands for the North American Society of Interventional Thyroidology. It is a multidisciplinary organization focusing on minimally invasive and non-surgical treatment methods for thyroid and parathyroid conditions. Learn more about NASIT at nasit.org.
What are the benefits of non-surgical treatments? Non-surgical treatments, like RFA or nsPFA, typically offer shorter recovery times, no scarring, and a significantly lower risk of permanent hypothyroidism compared to traditional surgery.
How can patient advocacy influence treatment options? By asking for these options and sharing your experiences, you signal to the medical industry that there is a demand for innovation. This encourages more doctors to get trained and more hospitals to invest in the necessary technology.
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Find a physician, explore treatment options, and join our patient community here:
Disclaimer: None of the statements made in this or any other blog/video by “Its me Jen again” should be considered medical advice.
The goal of this podcast and blog
I seek to provide data, resources, and expert opinions on the topic of thyroid nodules, and make it accessible to patients. When I was first looking for thermal ablation treatment, everything that I read was physician-facing material. It was very hard for me to understand. This material is meant to help patients understand what’s going on in their thyroid gland and what an important gland it is. If you can keep your thyroid intact, that’s going to help you live a longer, healthier life, and preserve your quality of life. Thanks for reading this far today! — Jen
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