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The SAVI catheter is used to treat breast cancer from the inside of the breast
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Brachytherapy is also utilized to treat breast and prostate cancer. With this treatment, a “seed” or small radioactive rod is placed inside or next to the tumor. The radioactivity then attacks the cancerous cells.
SAVI is a type of breast brachytherapy that targets the tumor area from inside the breast. This approach typically involves two treatments per day, each lasting approximately 15 minutes, for five days. The shorter timeframe is more convenient than traditional whole breast irradiation, which lasts six to seven weeks. Lima Memorial had recently added SAVI as a treatment option for patients who are appropriate candidates.
“The unique design of the SAVI device delivers radiation through several catheters,” said Dr. Michael Pak, radiation oncologist with Lima Memorial Professional Corporation. “SAVI uses multiple catheters to conform the radiation dose to the shape of the lumpectomy cavity. Therefore, it can extend the benefits of brachytherapy to a larger group of women, including those who may not be candidates for other types of brachytherapy.”
SAVI’s flexibility of radiation delivery can allow for more sparing of healthy tissue from unnecessary radiation. SAVI improves the contours the radiation dose specifically to the patient’s individual anatomy. This capability allows our radiation oncology team to provide more individualized therapy for each patient.
