Hook wires have been the standard for locating abnormalities for decades, despite being uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing, and vulnerable to shifting during transport to surgery.
Dr. Tony Gomes, General Surgeon at Chinook Regional Hospital, says the new method means fewer procedures, less pain, and a smoother overall experience.
“With Magseed and Magtrace, we can offer patients a less stressful, more precise, and more breast-preserving surgical experience. This technology gives us far more accuracy and far more comfort. It truly changes the journey,” says Gomes.
Lethbridge will be only the second city in Canada to offer Magseed and Magtrace operations, behind Calgary.
Crystal Elliott, CEO of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, says the initiative has been made possible thanks to private donations.
“Because of the generosity of our donors, patients in southern Alberta can now access leading-edge breast cancer surgery close to home,” says Elliott. “Our community has made this possible, and this reflects exactly what philanthropy can do-change care, change experiences, and change outcomes.”
The first Magseed insertions at Chinook Regional Hospital have been scheduled for early December, with corresponding surgeries to follow shortly after.