Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional is First Hospital in Tennessee with New Margin Visualization Technology for Breast Cancer Surgery

Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional recently became the first hospital in Tennessee to use a new “margin visualization” technology that may improve breast cancer surgery outcomes.

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center has implemented technology from Perimeter Medical Imaging AI in breast surgery operating room. The company’s Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system provides high-resolution, real-time 3D imaging of tissue during surgery. The imaging system improves clarity for removing cancer cells while helping to preserve healthy breast tissue.

How the New Technology Helps Breast Cancer Surgeons and Patients 

The edge or border of tissue removed in cancer surgery is called a “margin.” The margin is described as “negative” or “clean” if no cancer cells are found at the edge of the tissue. The margin is described as “positive” if cancer cells are found at the edge of the tissue, suggesting that all the cancer has not been removed.¹

With traditional technologies, breast tumor specimen margins are not able to be assessed microscopically during an operation. The margins require evaluation by a pathologist after surgery is completed. For this reason, results are not available until up to 10 days after surgery is complete. If margins are not cleared, the patient needs a second operation to clear the remaining cancerous tissue. The OCT system can help the breast surgeon evaluate the margins more closely in the operating room, potentially preventing the need for a second surgery. Its surgical effectiveness can also help preserve healthy breast tissue.

“We are pleased to be the first in our state to have this technology for our breast cancer patients,” said Ana Wilson, DO, FACS, surgical oncologist at Fort Sanders Regional. “Not only does it advance the level of care we can provide women, it also gives us confidence and peace of mind for the best pathology results.”

How Does the New Technology Work?

The new technology aims to improve surgical outcomes and patient care by enhancing the precision of surgeries with:

• Real-Time Imaging: The system captures ultra-high-resolution, cross-sectional 3D images of tissue in real-time during surgery. The images have 10 times the resolution of X-ray imaging.
• Margin Visualization: The images help surgeons see areas that may contain residual disease at the surgical margins. This helps ensure removal of all cancerous tissue during the initial surgery.
• Decision Support: The system provides insight at the point of care. This helps surgeons make more informed decisions, potentially reducing the need for follow-up procedures.

Benefits of the New Breast Cancer Surgery Technology

• Improved accuracy
• Provides more clarity on margin status
• Can preserve healthy breast tissue
• Reduces the possibility of breast cancer spreading
• Reduces the likelihood of a repeat surgery

Comprehensive Breast Care, Close to Home

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, ranking only behind skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms for women beginning at age 40. Early detection can result in more successful treatment before cancerous cells have a chance to spread. Early detection and timely breast cancer care are critical for survival. But studies show that only 70 percent of Tennessee women who qualify by age for mammograms have been screened within two years.

Covenant Health’s team of experts provide individualized, compassionate breast care to women of all ages and all walks of life. With 10 ACR-accredited breast centers located across our region, advanced imaging, breast MRI, and breast ultrasounds are more convenient than ever before. Many of our centers offer 3D mammography, which helps detect breast cancer sooner, even for women with dense breast tissue.

Women can contact Covenant Health’s breast centers directly by calling 865-374-4000 for an appointment or self-schedule their screening mammograms online. 

¹ Source: National Cancer Institute

About Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional

Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional is a not-for-profit healthcare delivery system serving East Tennessee and the surrounding region. Located in downtown Knoxville, it is a 468-bed medical center with an array of medical services, including neurology, orthopedics, oncology, cardiology, obstetrics and rehabilitation medicine. It is certified by The Joint Commission and CARF as a Comprehensive Stroke and Rehabilitation Center and holds several accreditations in cardiology, hip, knee and spine surgeries and bariatrics. It is a Pulmonary Hypertension Center of Excellence and has been recognized for maternity care. For more information, visit CovenantHealth.com/Fort-Sanders-Regional.

About Covenant Health

Covenant Health is a Tennessee-based healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. As a not-for-profit health system, we are dedicated to being the region’s premier healthcare network through service, community and innovation. We provide patient-centered care that inspires clinical and service excellence and strive to be the first and best choice for our patients, employees, physicians, employers, volunteers and communities. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.