Trends in Breast Health Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE VOL. 2  |  AUG. 2011
HOME
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Manage the Axilla with Z11 Data
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Meeting Highlights
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ASBS Summary
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Next Generation MammoSite Multi-Lumen
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Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Tech Bulletin
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Literature Corner
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Editors' Bios

TRENDS' Editors
Pamela Benitez, MD
Dr. Benitez is a general surgeon focusing exclusively on diseases of the breast and breast cancer at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan

Martin Keisch, MD
Dr. Keisch is a board-certified radiation oncologist at University of Miami Hospital and President of Cancer HealthCare Associates (CHCA)

Next Generation MammoSite Multi-Lumen
Hologic has introduced the MammoSite ML 3.5–5.0 cm balloon. In a limited initial June release, the new balloon began clinical use. Subsequently it is now in full market release. The improvements are simple, but they enhance the usefulneess of the applicator. First, the device can now be used with a diameter of as little as 3.5 centimeters, allowing smaller lumpectomy cavities to be implanted. Balloon fill volumes are as low as 29 cc's. Dosimetric criteria can still be met, even when dealing with skin or chest wall spacing issues. A second improvement is the modified keyed stylet. A separate lumen with a short keyed stylet enables easy rotation of the balloon inside the cavity while fully inflated. The balloon's flexible shaft is made rigid and torsionally inflexible while the stylet is in place, allowing rotation, if needed, and still maintaining patient comfort between fractions. The last enhancement is the already released balloon introducer sheath. The three-quarter circumference sheath allows easy drainage of seroma fluid, while maintaining position in the cavity. The balloon is easily placed utilizing the introducer, and the introducer removed.

Editor's (Dr Keisch's) note — I have personally used all of these features and find them quite useful. The smaller fill volume allows cavities less than 20 cc's to be easily implanted. The introducer aids tremendously in implanting small cavities, as the space is held open after the seroma fluid is drained. For very large cavities the introducer makes complete drainage of the cavity fast and simple just by using soft manual compression with the introducer in place. MammoSiteThe keyed stylet is useful in the rare event of balloon rotation. In my practice, we optimally choose the postioning of the balloon for maximal dosimetric benefit. Occasionally rotation will occur. Despite the flexible shaft of the balloon, I can easily rotate the MammoSite back into perfect position by reinserting the keyed stylet just before treatment

 
Hologic