Brachytherapy is also known as internal radiation therapy.
People undergoing ABPI typically report fewer side effects than those who receive whole-breast irradiation.
The bundled catheters are positioned around the applicator pole like the ribs of an umbrella.
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Of these, only 2.3% experienced a cancer recurrence.
SAVI-based APBI, like other forms of brachytherapy, reduces many of the characteristic risks of external beam radiation.
Preparation
The SAVI gear can be placed during the lumpectomy or afterward in a separate procedure.
The latter can be performed as an in-office procedure or in an outpatient clinic.
Before insertion, the breast is evaluated with anultrasoundto determine the size and shape of the surgical cavity.
Four different sizes of the implantable machine are available.
If the procedure is done on an outpatient basis, a topicallidocaine anestheticis used to numb the incision area.
Next, the SAVI unit is fed through the trocar and expanded until it fully conforms to the space.
Only a small bundle of catheter ends extends outside of the breast.
The gadget is programmed to feed tiny radioactive pellets, called brachytherapy seeds, into each tube.
The seeds are left in place for 10 minutes and then removed.
After your final round of radiation is complete, the oncologist will remove the SAVI gear.
This can be done with or without lidocaine in about two minutes.
ASteri-Stripis used to shut the incision site.
A bandage or dressing is then placed on top and you’ll be free to go.
One or more follow-up visits will be scheduled to ensure that the incision is properly healed.
Fatigue is a common radiation-associated side effect and generally resolves within several days of the completion of therapy.
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection.
The procedure is best suited for women over age 50 whose tumors have well-defined margins.
Summary
SAVI brachytherapy is often an effective treatment option for those with early-stage breast cancer.
There may be factors that exclude you from treatment, but local availability shouldn’t be one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
The term “SAVI” is short for “strut-adjusted volume implant.”
This implanted, specialized equipment is used to deliver internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy).
Often performed as an outpatient, same-day procedure, implantation of a SAVI machine typically takes about 20 minutes.
The procedure is done under guidance of ultrasound using a small incision to place the unit.
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