What is SAVI SCOUT?
SAVI SCOUT® technology technology makes lumpectomy procedures easier for both patients and their surgeons by accurately pinpointing the location of a tumor prior to surgery. As a breast-conserving procedure, a lumpectomy removes the tumor and a very small amount of tissue around it. When surgeons can see exactly where the tumor is ahead of surgery, they can remove it more precisely and keep as much healthy tissue as possible.
This FDA-approved technology is safe and effective and helps maintain the look of your breast. It also decreases the amount of time spent in the hospital compared with traditional wire localization used for some lumpectomy surgeries.
Penn Medicine is the first in the region to offer SAVI SCOUT radar localization technology to treat those who are diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and will undergo breast cancer surgery.
How SAVI SCOUT works
One of the advantages of SAVI SCOUT is a lower chance of needing a repeat surgery. Many thousands of people have breast-conserving surgery each year, but some will need a second procedure if the first doesn’t remove the cancer completely. This can be caused by breast tumors that were initially removed using a wire localization procedure, which involves a radiologist inserting a wire in the breast the morning of surgery. The wire is left sticking out until the time of the lumpectomy, often several hours later. The surgeon then follows the wire and removes the tumor. In addition to restricting your movement as you await surgery, the wire can move away from the tumor and make it more difficult for your surgeon to remove all the cancerous tissue.
SAVI SCOUT eliminates the wires. Instead, this innovative technology uses a reflector about the size of a grain of rice. The reflector is placed in the tumor up to 30 days before surgery. It’s not externally visible and does not restrict your movements. When activated with an external device, nonradioactive radar waves guide your surgeon to the precise site of the tumor. This can increase the likelihood of complete tumor removal.
Who is a candidate for SAVI SCOUT?
SAVI SCOUT is designed to help treat early-stage breast cancer in people who have a tumor that’s not able to be felt by hand. This technology is used during a lumpectomy or an excisional biopsy to remove a whole tumor.
When tumors are accurately located during the first surgery, any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can occur faster.
What to expect during a SAVI SCOUT procedure
There are no special preparations needed before your radiologist places the SAVI SCOUT reflector. The procedure can be done in an outpatient ultrasound or mammogram visit up to 30 days before your lumpectomy. The radiologist will inject a local anesthetic to numb your breast, then use a needle to place the reflector tag. You may feel a sting before the area is fully numb, followed by a slight pressure as the reflector is inserted. The needle puncture site is then covered with a small dressing.
Recovering after SAVI SCOUT surgery
Once the reflector is in place, you won’t be able to see or feel the device. There may be some bruising and mild tenderness around the needle puncture site. Your doctor may recommend a pain medicine to alleviate the discomfort. A sports bra may also provide comfort. You can resume most activities the next day, including a shower or bath, but your doctor may recommend that you avoid swimming for 48 hours.
What are the benefits of SAVI SCOUT?
SAVI SCOUT allows us to eliminate wire localization, which may cause discomfort and anxiety in some people. Because you won’t need this extra step on the day of your procedure, it can be performed more quickly and earlier in the day, allowing for less wait time.
Our goal is to preserve the breast. With this technology, we can make smaller incisions and save more healthy tissue for better cosmetic results. When possible, Penn Medicine's breast surgeons work in tandem with plastic surgeons on breast reconstruction. This allows our team to retain or remodel the physical appearance of your breast immediately after a lumpectomy, shortening your total recovery time and helping to reduce pain.
There aren’t any known health risks with SAVI SCOUT. However, it's important to note the following:
- People with a nickel allergy should not use SAVI SCOUT.
- Infection and bleeding, while uncommon, can occur.
- Rarely, the reflector may fail to send signals to the external console, requiring wire localization.
Penn Medicine’s world-class breast cancer care
Our innovative breast cancer care, including SAVI SCOUT procedures, gives you access to the most advanced techniques for breast cancer treatment. Our nationally recognized breast cancer experts prioritize removing the entire tumor while keeping the natural appearance of your breast whenever possible. In addition to using the latest technology, we also pair you with dedicated oncology nurse navigators and a wide range of support services to ensure you receive whole-person care as you navigate breast cancer treatment.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
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