Breast Cancer Research Trust NZ, gaining knowledge and saving lives

The Savi Scout localisation evaluation

Purpose

This evaluation will provide clinicians at participating NZ hospitals (including Waikato Hospital) the opportunity to record and analyse clinical use data and patient factors associated with alternative localisation technologies. The results of the evaluation can be used by clinicians to determine preferred technologies, support local procurement recommendations and assess the local impact on indicators such as re-excision rates and time to treatment.

Scientific Title

Audit of use of non-wire breast tumour localisation technology.

Background

For women choosing to have breast conserving surgery, a Breast Surgeon needs to precisely locate the breast tumour during surgery. Historically breast surgeons have used a hookwire for locating or “localising” the tumour. A hookwire has limitations, including the need to be placed on the day of surgery and the risk that it will move. Since 2018 Waikato Breast Surgeons have used a wireless localisation called “ROLLIS”, which uses a radioactive iodine seed. Waikato Hospital introduced the ROLLIS technique through a clinical trial and this has been a preferred localisation for patients, Radiologists and Surgeons. Adhering to a radiation safety protocol for managing a radioactive seed makes the use of the ROLLIS technique more of a challenge. Waikato Breast Surgeons and Radiologists are taking part in a national evaluation of wireless and non-radioactive localisations. Waikato Surgeons will evaluate a localisation called “Savi Scout” which uses a radar technology.