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Device Helps Monitor Post-Op Breast Cancer

1,233 views · Published 17 January 2016 · 1:54 · Indexed 6 November 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2016 · Science & Technology

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A new device is allowing doctors in southwest Florida to better direct treatment in women who’ve undergone a lumpectomy for breast cancer.

“Sometimes it could be very difficult for a radiation oncologist to target that area to differentiate what’s the actual lumpectomy site versus what’s scarring from the incisions,” says Dr. Rie Aihara, who is a surgical breast oncologist on medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System. 

Implanted during the operation to remove the tumor, the BioZorb device better defines the area. It’s standard treatment to undergo radiation following surgery to prevent recurrence. A tiny coil, the BioZorb acts in the same fashion as traditional clips used to mark the site. But it’s unique design offers a 3D view for precision treatment.

“Especially with what we call the boost radiation, the radiation oncologist can really target that area,” says Dr. Aihara. 

Maintaining a good perspective on where the tumor was is essential to follow up as well. Eighty percent of recurrences will be near the spot of the original cancer. This technology offers better visualization for future mammograms. While the titanium clips will remain in their established pattern, the plastic coil disintegrates over time.

“It’s made of an absorbable material, similar to what absorbable sutures are made out of. So within one year this plastic part will basically dissolve and what you have left is the series of clips that are on the three-dimensional spiral there,” says Dr. Aihara. 

An added bonus: doctors noticed less internal scarring after surgery and less disfigurement in healing when they use the spiral coil.

“We can sort of reconstruct the tissue around this framework, and the fact that it’s open in between, allows the tissue to sort of grow into that area,” says Dr. Aihara. 


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Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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