Amy Blasing, CEO of Lovelace Women’s Hospital (Courtesy photo)

ALBUQUERQUE –  Lovelace Women’s Hospital recently became the first hospital in the world to place the SCOUT® Radar Localization system utilizing MRI guidance, providing a new, advanced treatment option for patients with breast cancer. Kathleen Meyer, MD, a board-certified radiologist, successfully performed the procedure earlier this month, which decreases patient discomfort and improves outcomes, according to a press release from the hospital.

SCOUT® uses non-radioactive, radar technology to provide real-time surgical guidance during breast surgery. Rather than placing a wire immediately before surgery, a tiny reflector is placed at the site targeted for surgical removal any time prior to surgery at the patient’s convenience or at the time of the procedure, the press release said. During the procedure, a surgeon uses a guide that utilizes real-time data to accurately detect the location of the reflector and the tumor to within 1mm of accuracy.

The ability to precisely locate tumors may increase the probability of complete cancer removal and reduce the likelihood of follow-up surgeries, a significant advantage for patients with early-stage breast cancer. The enhanced ability to strategically plan the incision may also improve cosmetic outcomes.

“We are proud to be the first hospital in New Mexico to adopt wire-free localization as the standard of care during breast conservation surgeries,” said Amy Blasing, CEO of Lovelace Women’s Hospital, in a statement. “As research and technology advance, we’re committed to pursuing the safest and most advanced treatment options available for patients with breast cancer.”

To learn more about Lovelace Women’s Hospital and its commitment to providing quality and compassionate care, please visit lovelace.com.