Surgical Specialists of Charlotte Adopts Advanced Technology to Improve the Surgical Experience for Breast Cancer Patients

Surgical Specialists of Charlotte surgeon among first in the greater Charlotte area to use the SAVI SCOUT radar localization system

Charlotte, NC [April, 2017] – Surgical Specialists of Charlotte continues to demonstrate its commitment to offering the most advanced treatment options to patients with breast cancer by becoming one of the first practices in the greater Charlotte area to use the new SAVI SCOUT® radar localization system during breast conservation surgeries. An alternative to wire localization, SCOUT® is an FDA-cleared device, used by surgeons and radiologists to precisely locate and direct the removal of a tumor during a lumpectomy or surgical biopsy procedure.

SCOUT Works with Precision Accuracy in Lumpectomy and Excisional Biopsy

SCOUT uses non-radioactive, radar technology to provide real-time surgical guidance during breast surgery. Rather than placing a wire immediately before surgery, a SCOUT reflector – the size of a grain of rice – is placed in the target tissue up to 30 days prior to surgery. During surgery, the SCOUT guide accurately detects the location of the reflector, and the tumor.

The ability to precisely locate and direct the removal of a tumor during a lumpectomy or surgical biopsy procedure enables surgeons to increase the probability of complete cancer removal and reduce the likelihood of needing follow-up surgeries – a huge advantage for early-stage breast cancer patients. In addition, the ability to strategically plan the incision may result in less tissue being removed during surgery, resulting in better cosmetic outcomes.

Improving the Surgical Experience

For many women, the traditional method of inserting a wire into the breast on the day of surgery leads to discomfort, increased anxiety, and overall reduced satisfaction. There is also a risk that the wire could become dislodged in the time period between placement and surgical removal, often several hours later, resulting in more difficult surgery and increased possibility re-excisions. With SCOUT, a woman does not have to arrive as early on the day of surgery because the localization is completed prior to the surgery date. As a result, this may reduce long wait times for patients and their families.

As research and technology continue to advance, Surgical Specialists of Charlotte remains committed to adopting the safest and most progressive treatment options available for patients with breast cancer.