Sussex trust adopts wire-free guidance to reduce stress for patients before surgery
Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust has adopted the LOCalizer wirefree radiofrequency identification (RFID) breast localisation system from Hologic. As an alternative to wire localisation, the RFID system enables precision and ease of use for breast surgery guidance. After evaluation of the system at the trust, Sussex-based charity Medi Tech Trust donated a handheld reader, to enable long-term adoption.
Consultant radiologist Dr Alexandros Mytafidis said: “The RFID tag is clearly visible on ultrasound and x-ray, allowing flexible placement with both imaging modalities. It is designed to be implanted into the breast at any time prior to the day of surgery. This removes the stress associated with surgical wire placement for the patient and reduces the chance of scheduling conflicts.”
Consultant breast surgeon Mr Charles Zammit added: “We wanted an alternative to wires that would avoid the complex regulations that come with the handling of radioactive materials. The handheld reader displays the distance to the tag in millimetres and functions without inter- ference in the operating room.
“We are very thankful to Medi Tech Trust for enabling us to launch this new tech- nology at Brighton and Sussex.”
Picture: Hologic breast health sales specialist Kathryn Cooke, consultant radiologist Dr Alexandros Mytafidis, consultant breast surgeon Mr Charles Zammit, Medi Tech Trust founder/co-chair Bob Lewis, Macmillan breast care nurse specialist Debbie Elwell-Sutton and Medi Tech Trust trustee Sandra Lewis.
Published on page 4 of the April 2020 issue of RAD Magazine.