SAVI SCOUT targets breast tumors

TAMPA, Fla. (KFSN) -- More than 150,000 women have breast reconstruction surgery and breast conserving surgery every year. Thirty percent may require repeat surgeries. But there's new technology that could lower those numbers.

Hailee Carroll is trying to create that picture perfect moment, but her world has been out of focus.

Carroll told Ivanhoe, "It became like pin pricks, like someone took a little needle and jabbed me really quick, and after that it became almost every single day, multiple times throughout the day. I ended up actually grabbing onto my breasts because it hurt so bad."

Reoccurring breast lumps were to blame.

"Nothing I seemed to do helped at all," said Carroll.

Until a doctor recommended the SAVI SCOUT.

Charles Cox, M.D., Professor of Surgery at the University of South Florida said, "It's a huge advancement because it allows for more capabilities in more centers."

Dr. Cox said the procedure uses a radar guidance system to target tissue.

"It's made for a much more cost effective logistically sound method of removing tumors that are non- palpable," Dr. Cox told Ivanhoe.

Here's how it works: first, a reflector, the size of a grain of rice, is placed in the target tissue. This can be done up to seven days prior to surgery. Then infrared light and electromagnetic waves locate the reflector to plan the incision. The surgeon then removes the reflector and target tissue.

"By being able to center in and localizing it carefully, you'll be able to remove it with the least amount of tissue," explained Dr. Cox.

The procedure worked well for Carroll.

Carroll said, "I couldn't pick up my camera after certain angles, because I would start feeling pain."

Now Carroll can zoom in on other things.

Dr. Cox said the SAVI SCOUT can be used on any woman needing a lumpectomy for breast cancer or incision biopsy for non-cancerous lesions. Most insurance companies cover the SAVI SCOUT.