New Technology Enhances Precision of Breast Cancer Surgery

News from Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center

Clears Cancers More Completely – Preserves Healthy Breast Tissue

Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville recently became the first hospital in Tennessee to use a new technology that can improve breast cancer surgery outcomes.

Fort Sanders Regional is now using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in its breast cancer operating rooms. The system provides high-resolution, real-time 3D imaging for cancer surgeries.

How the New Technology Helps Breast Cancer Surgeons and Patients

The edge or border of tissue removed in cancer surgery is called a “margin.” The margin is described as “negative” or “clean” if no cancer cells are found at the edge of the tissue. The margin is described as “positive” if cancer cells are found at the edge of the tissue, suggesting that all the cancer has not been removed.

With traditional technologies, breast tumor specimen margins are not able to be assessed microscopically during an operation and require evaluation valuation by a pathologist after the surgery is completed. For this reason, results are not available until 3 to 5 days surgery. If margins are not cleared, the patient needs a second operation to clear the remaining cancerous tissue. The OCT system can help the breast surgeon evaluate the margins more closely in the operating room, potentially preventing the need for a second surgery. Its surgical effectiveness can also help preserve healthy breast tissue.

“We are pleased to be the first in our state to have this technology for our breast cancer patients,” says Surgical Oncologist Ana Wilson, DO, FACS, of Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional. “Not only does it advance the level of care we can provide women, it also gives us confidence and peace of mind for the best pathology results.”

How Does the New Technology Work?

The new technology aims to improve surgical outcomes and patient care by enhancing the precision of cancer surgeries with:

•  Real-Time Imaging – The system captures high-resolution, cross-sectional images of tissue in real-time during surgery.
• AI Analysis – Perimeter’s Assist AI analyzes the images using machine learning algorithms trained on a vast dataset of cancerous and non-cancerous tissue samples (pathology).
• Margin Assessment – The AI helps surgeons by identifying and highlighting areas that may contain residual cancer at the surgical margins. This helps ensure that all cancerous tissue is removed during the initial surgery.
• Decision Support – By providing immediate feedback, the system helps surgeons make more informed decisions, potentially reducing the need for follow-up procedures.

Benefits of the New Breast Surgery Technology

• Improved accuracy
• Clears cancerous margins
• Preserves healthy breast tissue
• Reduces the possibility of breast cancer spreading
• Reduces the likelihood of a repeat surgery

Comprehensive Breast Care, Close to Home

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, ranking only behind skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms for women beginning at age 40. Early detection can result in more successful treatment before cancerous cells have a chance to spread. Although early detection and timely breast cancer care are critical for survival, studies show that only 70 percent of Tennessee women who qualify by age for mammograms have been screened within two years.

Dr. Ana Wilson is a Surgical Oncologist based at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville. She specializes in the surgical treatment of breast, skin and thyroid cancers. To request an appointment with Dr. Wilson, call the Premier Surgical Fort Sanders office at (865) 524-3695 or visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/fort-sanders-appointment-request/