New SCOUT MD technology at Roger Williams Medical Center gives surgeons greater precision and flexibility in breast-conserving cancer surgery
CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island is the first health system in Rhode Island, and among the first in New England, to introduce advanced wireless technology that helps surgeons precisely locate and distinguish multiple breast tumors during surgery.
The new SCOUT MD technology, now available through the CharterCARE Breast Health Program at Roger Williams Medical Center, can identify and distinguish up to four separate breast tumors using unique reflector shapes and radar signals. This gives surgeons greater precision when planning and performing breast-conserving procedures, particularly in more complex cases involving multiple areas of concern.
Dr. Ayana Allard-Picou, FACS, Director of the CharterCARE Breast Health Program at Roger Williams Medical Center, recently completed several successful procedures using the new technology.
Unlike traditional breast tumor localization methods that rely on wires to guide surgeons to an area of concern, SCOUT MD uses small wireless reflectors that can be precisely detected during surgery. This provides surgeons with greater flexibility when planning an operation and can support more targeted approaches designed to preserve healthy breast tissue whenever possible.
“We are excited to bring the new SCOUT MD technology to Roger Williams Medical Center and to offer our breast cancer patients access to the latest advances in breast localization technology,” said Dr. Allard-Picou. “This system allows us to accurately identify and remove breast tumors while providing greater flexibility for complex breast cancer operations. Most importantly, it reflects our ongoing commitment to providing our patients with high-quality, state-of-the-art cancer care close to home.”
The addition of SCOUT MD represents one of CharterCARE Health’s first major capital investments under its new not-for-profit ownership structure and reflects the health system’s continued investment in advanced cancer care for Rhode Island patients.
“This initiative is representative of our continued commitment to offering the latest cancer care to patients in Rhode Island,” said CharterCARE CEO Jeff Liebman.
Dr. Allard-Picou also credited the collaborative effort behind bringing the technology to Roger Williams Medical Center, which included team members from the Breast Health Program, breast radiology, surgical oncology, surgical services, supply chain and hospital leadership.
The introduction of SCOUT MD is another step forward in CharterCARE Health’s commitment to expanding access to advanced cancer technology and specialized care, helping Rhode Island patients receive innovative treatment close to home.
For more information or referrals, call 401-456-4897.
Photo: Dr. Ayana Allard-Picou with the SCOUT MD technology.