Henrico Doctors’ Hospital adopts wire-free technology for breast cancer patients

The Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Virginia’s Henrico Doctors’ Hospital is among the first in Virginia to use the SAVI SCOUT Wire-Free Radar Localization System, which provides what officials term easier and more compassionate care to women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

“Breast cancer surgery can be physically and emotionally distressing for women, and we strive to find ways to create a better experience with better outcomes for our patients,” said Debra Hutchins, a breast surgeon at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital and Richmond Surgical who performed the first case. “This technology resolves one of the most difficult aspects of breast conservation surgery by eliminating the need to place a wire inside breast tissue to locate a tumor.”

The SCOUT system has been proven in more than 45,000 procedures. It has been shown to decrease patient discomfort and improve patient satisfaction. 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 is placed in the target tissue prior to the day of surgery at the patient’s convenience. During surgery, the SCOUT guide uses real-time distance measurement guidance to accurately detect the location of the SCOUT reflector – and the tumor to within 1mm of accuracy.

The ability to precisely locate tumors increases the probability of complete cancer removal and reduces the likelihood of needing follow-up surgeries – an advantage for early-state breast cancer patients. In addition, the ability to strategically plan the incision may result in better cosmetic outcomes. SCOUT also is used to localize lymph nodes prior to neoadjuvant therapy, or first-step treatment and can be used with any type of imaging over the course of a patient’s care.

“Through our partnership with the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, we’re proud to be able to provide the safest and most progressive treatment options for all breast cancer patients,” said Will Wagnon, chief executive officer of Henrico Doctors’ Hospitals. “We remain committed to delivering high quality care for our surrounding communities and ensuring that every patient receives the care they deserve.”