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More cutting-edge treatment has arrived at Stanford Health Care-ValleyCare, where doctors are hopeful that new wire-free radar technology will give patients undergoing breast conservation surgery a better outcome.
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer to afflict women; according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.
The SAVI SCOUT Radar Localization system is an alternative to wire localization that uses non-radioactive, radar technology to precisely locate and direct the removal of a tumor during a surgical biopsy procedure or lumpectomy. The advanced system was purchased using funds donated to the ValleyCare Charitable Foundation (VCCF).
“Watching loved ones go through breast cancer surgery, I know that the surgery can be physically and emotionally distressing for the patients,” Shaké Sulikyan, VCCF’s executive director, said in a statement. “The Stanford Health Care-ValleyCare team is always striving to find ways to create a better experience — and better outcomes — for our patients. VCCF is glad to fund the addition of SCOUT to deliver cutting-edge care at our local hospital.”
With the SCOUT system, a reflector “the size of a grain of sand” can be placed in patients up to 30 days before surgery in an outpatient setting, giving more flexibility with their schedules.
During surgery, the SCOUT guide accurately locates the reflector and the tumor, making it easier for surgeons to completely remove all signs of cancer and reduce the need for follow-up surgeries. Patients may also have better cosmetic outcomes by being able to plan the incision and remove less tissue.
“We are thankful to donors and ValleyCare Charitable Foundation for funding this important addition to our breast cancer program,” said Dr. Rishi Sawhney, medical director and chair at Stanford Health Care. “As research and technology advances, we’re committed to adopting the safest and most progressive treatment options for our breast cancer patients.”