Oswego Health using system that makes breast-cancer surgery easier for patients

OSWEGO, N.Y. — Oswego Health announced it is now using the Savi Scout localization system to provide “easier, more compassionate care” to patients undergoing breast surgery.

The health system sees it as a way in which it “continues to demonstrate its commitment to offering the most advanced treatment options to patients with breast cancer,” per its news release.

Savi Scout uses non-radioactive, radar technology to provide real-time surgical guidance during breast surgery. The Savi Scout system has been used in more than 185,000 procedures worldwide as of March 2021, Oswego Health said. It has been shown to “decrease patient discomfort and improve patient satisfaction.”

Prior to use of this technology, removal of small breast masses required localization and a wire inserted into the breast to mark the mass on the day of surgery. Now, a Savi Scout reflector is placed any time prior to the day of surgery at the patient’s convenience or at the time of biopsy, Oswego Health explained.

During surgery, the Savi Scout guide uses real-time distance measurement to “accurately” detect the location of the reflector and the tumor to within 1 millimeter of accuracy. It makes for a “more precise” surgery while preserving healthy tissue and reduces need for reoperation, per the release.

“We are so excited to introduce wireless breast localizations with Savi Scout into our practice,” Dr. Sal Salvatore, a radiologist specializing in breast imaging at Oswego Health, said in the release. “Just one more example of our commitment to offer cutting edge technology to our patients.”

As Oswego Health explains it, the ability to precisely locate tumors may 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 better cosmetic outcomes.

Savi Scout is also used to “effectively” localize the tumor and lymph nodes prior to neoadjuvant therapy, Oswego Health said.