By: Jessica Rayhanabad, M.D., medical director, breast surgery, MemorialCare Breast Center, Long Beach Medical Center

The MemorialCare Breast Center at Long Beach Medical Center is committed to the early detection, diagnosis and advanced treatment of breast cancer. The Breast Center offers state-of-the-art technologies to improve patient outcomes after the diagnosis of cancer. One of the latest breast care technologies offered is the SaviScout® system.

SaviScout® was designed to make the day of breast cancer surgery easier for patients by providing them with a much more comfortable, relaxed and convenient experience.

Before SaviScout® was offered, wire localization was used. This form of localization used a needle to insert a wire into the breast on the day of surgery to guide surgeons in removing the area of concern. The wire was then kept in place until the surgery, which lead to discomfort and increased waiting times on the day of surgery. SaviScout® uses radar, rather than wire, to aid surgeons in targeting cancerous tissue.

How SaviScout® Works

SaviScout® uses a device that is smaller than a grain of rice called a reflector. The reflector is placed at the tumor site prior to surgery.

Right before surgery, the reflector is activated in the operating room. The system uses radar waves (safe and non-radioactive) to detect the location of the reflector within the breast. The system then guides the surgeon to locate and remove both the tumor and the reflector during surgery with sub-millimeter accuracy. Eliminating the need to have a wire inserted and maintained in the breast until surgery is performed.

Benefits of Using SaviScout®

Compared to wire localization before a lumpectomy (surgery to remove breast cancer), SaviScout® allows patients to feel more comfortable before their surgery. Additional benefits of SaviScout® include:

  • Reflector can be placed any day before surgery that is convenient for the patient.
  • Smoother, more efficient process with less waiting around on the day of surgery.
  • Provides three-dimensional guidance for precise removal of the tumor.

Long Beach Medical Center offers advanced treatments for many conditions and continues to invest in the latest technologies to provide cutting edge treatment options for the community. Learn more at memorialcare.org/FutureIsHere or call 800-MEMORIAL.