Removing barriers to timely cancer surgery

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Friday, July 3, 2026, …. When people are preparing for surgery, reliability matters. Knowing that care will go ahead as planned can ease stress during an already difficult time. At Aberdeen Hospital, a recent investment in SPY Portable Handheld Imaging technology, or SPY-PHI, is helping make surgical care more dependable for cancer patients in Pictou County and across Northern Zone.

During cancer surgery, surgeons must identify the lymph nodes most likely to contain cancer cells if the disease has begun to spread. This information plays a critical role in treatment decisions, particularly in breast cancer care. In the past, this work relied heavily on a radioactive tracer known as Technetium 99. In recent years, however, access to that tracer has not always been reliable.

Dr. Colleen O’Sullivan (right), general surgeon at Aberdeen Hospital, demonstrates the SPY Portable Handheld Imaging (SPY-PHI) system. Funded by the Aberdeen Health Foundation through the Jim Gogan Medical Equipment Endowment, the technology helps surgeons identify impacted lymph nodes during cancer surgery and provides a reliable alternative when access to radioactive tracers is limited.

“Since COVID, there have been many shortages of medical supplies,” says Dr. Colleen O’Sullivan, general surgeon at Aberdeen Hospital. “This has intermittently included the radioactive tracer we use to identify the lymph nodes most likely to have absorbed any loose cancer cells. Given how important this information is, these shortages are critical and therefore it was essential to have a second, equally accurate option.”

SPY-PHI provides that second option. “The SPY-PHI was found to have the same accuracy as the Technetium 99, without the supply chain issues,” Dr. O’Sullivan explains.

While the technology differs, the process remains the same. With SPY-PHI, a small amount of fluorescent dye is injected into the patient and travels through the lymphatic system. When the handheld device shines a light on the surgical area, the dye lights up, allowing surgeons to see lymphatic pathways and identify nearby lymph nodes immediately on screen. Technetium 99 works in a similar way, using a radioactive tracer that is injected and then detected with a gamma probe.

“Before now, there was one SPY-PHI to share throughout the zone,” Dr. O’Sullivan says. While it provided back-up, it didn’t mean the surgeries were unaffected. “This impacted getting patients in as fast as possible and meant this valuable equipment was being moved often around the zone.” With funding from the Jim Gogan Medical Equipment Endowment, the Aberdeen Hospital now has its own dedicated SPY-PHI equipment, easing scheduling burdens and reducing surgical delays.

The technology also supports best practice in care. “The standard of care currently is to use two tracers,” Dr. O’Sullivan adds. “Having two equally accurate tracer techniques means our patients are getting the best care that can be offered.”

Dr. Colleen O’Sullivan (left) and registered nurse Belinda Hicken (right) stand with Aberdeen Hospital’s dedicated SPY-PHI unit. The addition of this specialized equipment at Aberdeen Hospital helps reduce delays in cancer surgery and supports patients across Pictou County and the Northern Zone.

Although the SPY-PHI unit is located at Aberdeen Hospital, the benefits reach beyond Pictou County. “The gift of the SPY-PHI not only helps patients at our hospital, but also those throughout Northern Zone,” says Dr. O’Sullivan. “Having a SPY-PHI dedicated where the majority of breast cancers are done in the zone frees up the other unit for use at the other major hospitals. This helps ensure that no matter where patients live, they have access to the best possible care. Investments like this help us keep pace with the leading technology and continue providing high-quality care to our rural patients.”

When asked about the addition of the SPY-PHI to operating rooms at Aberdeen Hospital, Foundation Board Chair Heather MacDonald said, “This is such a great example of how community support can enhance care as new needs emerge. We were able to respond to changing circumstances with a solution that helps patients in Pictou County and right across the Northern Zone access timely cancer surgery, with less stress and uncertainty. We’re proud to support this improvement.”

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The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2025, the Foundation invested over $3 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.