Reflective Technology Assists Breast Conservation Surgery

A new electromagnetic surgical guidance system provides accurate tissue targeting during breast cancer conservation surgery.

The Savi Scout Surgical Guidance System uses real-time audible and visual indicators to provide surgeons a precise way to target tissue during lumpectomy and excisional biopsy procedures. The system uses electromagnetic wave technology and infrared (IR) light to detect a reflector that can be placed in the target tissue up to seven days prior to surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon uses a handpiece that emits IR light and electromagnetic waves to locate the previously placed reflector and plan the incision. The surgeon then removes the reflector and the target tissue.


A pilot study of 24 patients at the University of South Florida (USF; Tampa, USA) and the Vanderbilt Breast Center (Nashville, TN, USA) showed 100% surgical success using the system. In all cases, the target tissue and reflector were successfully removed, with no incident of reflector migration or adverse events. Pathology reports showed clear margins in comparable numbers to radioactive seed location (RSL). The Savi Scout Surgical Guidance System is a product of Cianna Medical (Aliso Viejo, CA, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Cianna Medical adheres to a patient-centric mission and the introduction of Savi Scout is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative products that improve patient outcomes and quality of life,” said Jill Anderson, CEO of Cianna Medical. “Savi Scout is an optimal addition to our market leading Savi family and we believe it has the potential to reduce surgical delays, improve patient satisfaction, and optimize surgical planning – all without radioactive components. We look forward to bringing this new technology to the breast cancer community.”

Developed more than 20 years ago, the standard preoperative technique for marking non-palpable breast lesions is wire localization, using a wire inserted into the breast by a radiologist to guide the surgeon to the target tissue. But in addition to potentially being unpleasant for women, the process presents scheduling challenges for surgeons, radiologists, and hospital staff. RSL, developed as an alternative to wire localization, has been impacted by considerable regulatory requirements and precautions for the safe handling of radioactive materials, despite some proven advantages.

Related Links:
University of South Florida
Vanderbilt Breast Center
Cianna Medical