St John of God Murdoch Hospital equipped for state-of-the-art breastcare surgery

6 Jan 2023

The Faxitron Trident HD portable mammogram machine has been commissioned at St John of God Murdoch Hospital.

"The Trident HD allows surgeons to get sharp and detailed images of the breast cancer spot during surgery, which equips us to perform more accurate excisions and means patients spend less time in surgery under anaesthetic. Both factors lead to better recovery," Breast Surgeon, Dr Saud Hamza said.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital's Trident HD was one of just four dispatched to Australia in November 2022.

"We are very fortunate to have secured this prized technology, given the recent overseas freight challenges due to COVID," Dr Hamza said.

The arrival of the Trident HD to St John of God Murdoch Hospital complements cutting edge breast cancer removal techniques being performed by the hospital’s breast surgical team.

One such technique is the use of Magseeds technology. Tiny magnetic 'seeds' are implanted into the breast cancer spot under radiology guidance at the precise location of the tumour. During surgery, the surgeon runs a magnetic probe along the outside of the body, which 'detects' the seeds.

Dr Hamza likened the technology to a "metal detector."

"Using Magseeds, we are performing extremely precise, minimally invasive tumour removal - the best possible outcome for patients."

Angela Reyniers, 52, underwent breast cancer removal surgery at St John of God Murdoch Hospital, using the Magseeds technique. Almost three months post procedure, Ms Reyniers is part way through follow-up chemotherapy treatment.

“The Magseeds implant was really straightforward – no discomfort at all – and post-surgery recovery has been great. All things considered, I’m feeling really good,” Ms Reyniers said.

A nurse herself, Ms Reyniers, was highly conscious that a repeat excision may have been required if the entire tumour was not removed the first time – an experience she was very much hoping to avoid.

“The precision of the Magseeds technology, paired with Dr Hamza’s expertise and good judgement, ultimately resulted in clear margins (and no need for further surgery) – which is all that I could have hoped for. I’m feeling very grateful and positive about the road ahead.”