PinnacleHealth Breast Surgeons Use New Device for More Precise Treatment

HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 6, 2017) – PinnacleHealth Breast Surgeons Lisa Torp, MD, FACS, Brynn Wolff, MD, FACS, and Katherine Barton, MD, FACS, are the first in Harrisburg to use a new device that improves the treatment of breast cancer.

At the time of breast conserving surgery, the breast surgeon inserts the new bioabsorbable, 3D surgical marker called BioZorb® in the space where the cancerous lump was removed.
The device can provide the patient with a better cosmetic outcome and facilitate targeted radiation treatment after surgery.

During radiation treatment, the device acts as a target and helps the radiation oncologist deliver more precise radiation treatment to the lumpectomy site. Advances in radiation therapy have improved outcomes for breast cancer patients, many times allowing women with early stage breast cancer to keep their breasts. These patients often receive radiation treatment following tumor removal (lumpectomy) to prevent cancer from returning in the breast.

Since 2016, 125 patients with breast cancer have benefited from PinnacleHealth’s breast surgeons’ use of BioZorb.

BioZorb contains several tiny titanium clips in a three-dimensional array. These clips remain after the body absorbs the bioabsorbable framework that holds the clips. Before radiation treatments begin, the area to be treated is identified to ensure the radiation is aimed directly where the cancer existed. The new BioZorb technology allows this targeting to be even more precise.

“The 3D bio-marker helps facilitate precise and accurate delivery of radiation therapy while protecting the nearby, healthy tissue,” states Joella Wilson-Dager, MD, radiation oncologist, PinnacleHealth Cancer Institute.

Another benefit of BioZorb is that it delivers better cosmetic outcomes after breast-conserving lumpectomy surgery. Slow reabsorption of the device over the course of a year or more may help avoid scarring and improve contouring of the breast by supporting its shape during the healing process. And because the marker clips stay in place, the surgical site can be viewed for long-term monitoring on future mammograms.

“This device can help improve cosmetic outcomes by acting as a scaffold while the tissue heals,” states Dr. Torp. “Our patients undergoing breast cancer treatment now have an option where outcomes are successful on the inside and outside.”

For more information about the PinnacleHealth Breast Care Center, visit pinnaclehealth.org/phbcc.

SOURCE: PinnacleHealth media release

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
RELATED POSTS

Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Cremation in 2024

Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for end-of-life arrangements, offering a flexible and often more affordable alternative to traditional burial. As we step into 2024, the options and considerations for choosing cremation have evolved, influenced by changing societal norms, technological advancements, and environmental concerns.

Which House Building Materials is best for you? 

Choosing the right materials for building a house is crucial for ensuring durability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. The materials you select will impact the overall quality, maintenance requirements, and longevity of your home. This article explores some of the best materials to invest in for house

Top 10 Best Rehearsal Dinner Dresses

The rehearsal dinner is the kickoff to the wedding festivities. It’s the first time you’ll see wedding guests, including friends and families that have traveled from near and far. There’s an overwhelming excitement in the air and while you’re saving the most important outfit choice

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WEEKLY TIMELINE