During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Medical City Arlington continues to demonstrate its commitment to offering the most advanced treatment options to patients with breast cancer by becoming the first hospital in Arlington to use the new SCOUT® wire-free 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 to ±1mm of accuracy during a lumpectomy or surgical biopsy procedure.
“As research and technology advances, we’re committed to adopting the safest and most progressive treatment options for patients,” says Keith Zimmerman, CEO of Medical City Arlington.
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. 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 – a huge advantage for early-stage breast cancer patients. In addition, the ability to strategically plan the incision may result in better cosmetic outcomes.
A. Seyi Ojo, MD, is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon who became the first physician to use the SCOUT system at Medical City Arlington. “Breast cancer surgery can be physically and emotionally distressing for women, and we strive to create a better experience – and better outcomes – for our patients,” says Dr. Ojo. “SCOUT 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.”
