Mercy Medical Center became the first hospital in the world to use newly FDA-approved MarginProbe 2 technology during breast-conserving surgery, the hospital announced Sunday, Jan. 4.
The device allows surgeons to check tissue during surgery to determine whether all cancer has been removed, reducing the likelihood that patients need a second surgery.
MarginProbe 2 can confirm in minutes whether the edges of removed tissue are free of cancer. According to Dilon Technologies, the Virginia-based medical device company that markets the technology, studies show the device provides increased sensitivity on all tumors.
“MarginProbe 2 is a game-changer for breast surgery,” said George Makhoul, CEO of Dilon Technologies in a statement. “By providing surgeons with immediate, reliable margin information, we’re helping reduce re-excision rates and improve the overall surgical experience for both patients and healthcare providers.”
Dr. Vincent Reid, a surgical oncologist at Mercy, said the technology helps achieve greater precision during breast surgeries.
“Within minutes, I know if we’ve removed all the cancer,” Dr. Reid said. “That allows me to make the best decision for my patient right away and avoid the need for another surgery.”
Mercy Medical Center has used the original MarginProbe for years and participated in trials for the new version. The FDA approved MarginProbe 2 after studies showed it improved accuracy and helped surgeons make confident decisions during breast cancer surgery.
The technology was developed by Dune Medical Devices and later acquired by Dilon Technologies, which specializes in tools to improve surgical accuracy and patient outcomes.
