Advanced Treatment & Technology

In addition to our mammography imaging advances like the 3D Breast Tomosynthesis, Saint Agnes offers patients access to two breast health treatments – SAVI® and MammoSite®.

SAVI® Breast Brachytherapy

Primarily used for early-stage breast cancer, The SAVI® device allows physicians to customize treatments and target radiation where it is needed most. It significantly reduces treatment duration and minimizes harm to healthy surrounding breast tissue. SAVI breast brachytherapy is an alternative to full breast radiation therapy for properly selected breast cancer patients who choose to undergo a lumpectomy in the operating room. During treatment, the breast surgeon positions the SAVI applicator in the space where the tumor was removed. Made up of an expandable bundle of catheters, the physician can configure the device so that it conforms to the size and shape of the lumpectomy cavity. Treatments usually last five days, compared to the six or seven weeks it can take with traditional full breast radiation therapy. Click here for more information.

MammoSite® Radiation Therapy

Primarily used for a Breast brachytherapy, MammoSite is an alternative to full breast radiation therapy for properly selected lumpectomy patients with early-stage breast cancer. The procedure uses a catheter-type device inserted into the space created by the lumpectomy with a balloon attached to its tip to deliver the prescribed levels of radiation. It's a site-specific treatment that enables radiation oncologists to deliver a more targeted and intense dose of radiation to the cavity and the immediate tissue surrounding the tumor, while minimizing harm to healthy surrounding tissue. Treatment is usually given twice a day for five days. (Conventional external radiation therapy takes about six weeks).