Medicine Hat hospital adds Magseed breast cancer surgery technology
The Sentimag Magnetic Localization System and Magseed markers give surgeons a new alternative to traditional wire localization for breast lesion removal. The first procedures using the equipment were completed successfully on Aug. 28.
Why it matters
The new technology gives southeastern Alberta cancer patients more flexible scheduling and potentially fewer complications during breast cancer surgery.
Medicine Hat Regional Hospital has introduced new technology designed to improve precision in breast cancer surgery, the Medicine Hat Health Foundation announced. The Sentimag Magnetic Localization System and Magseed markers are now in use, alongside a new Trident HD Imaging Unit in the Diagnostic Imaging department.
The system helps surgeons locate breast lesions that cannot be felt during a physical exam, using a small magnetic marker called Magseed that is inserted into a lesion before surgery. Unlike traditional wire localization, which requires insertion on the day of surgery, Magseed can be placed days or weeks in advance, according to Dr. Alisha Tessier, the surgeon who led the technology's implementation. She said this offers greater scheduling flexibility and improves operating room efficiency.
The Trident HD Imaging Unit allows tissue removed during surgery to be imaged in the operating room, helping surgeons quickly confirm that cancerous tissue and the Magseed marker have been fully removed, according to general radiology supervisor Lynzee Marsh.
The technology is part of a broader push to expand breast health services in southeastern Alberta. In April, the foundation announced a pilot Breast Health Program at the hospital, supported by the Yuill Family Foundation, and launched a campaign to fund Magseed technology for the hospital's Women's Health Clinic. The foundation said Medicine Hat has some of the highest breast cancer rates in southern Alberta.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.