Thanks to a $81,557 gift from the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital patients will have access to the latest advancements in breast cancer surgical guidance, thanks to the introduction of new Sentimag® technology.

“We’re honored to help bring this new technology to Ripon,” says Mason Gravelle, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation Philanthropy Development Manager – Wisconsin Region. “Our goal is to make sure patients in our community have access to the best care possible. This new technology makes breast cancer detection and treatment easier, more comfortable, and more accurate – helping patients get answers and care faster, with less stress.”

Used to more accurately identify breast cancer tumors, and assess the spread of cancer beyond the breast, surgeons are able to more easily identify and remove cancerous tissue. 

In addition to the improved accuracy it offers surgeons, the technology also features a new slimmer probe for detecting the cancer, which helps to reduce the size of incisions, aiding better long-term cosmetic outcomes for the patients. 

“Our current technology requires a patient with a suspect mass to have a locator, or seed, inserted in the tissue at the area of concern,” according to Jen Bunker, RN, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Director – Inpatient, Emergency and Surgical Services. “Once complete, the patient then coordinates an appointment for biopsy at a time where a radiologist is present to inject the dye to make tissue visible.”

The new platform enhances breast cancer staging and treatment through:

• A Magtrace® magnetic iron-oxide tracer that identifies lymph nodes likely affected by cancer, eliminating the need for radioactive injections.
• A Magseed® rice-sized marker placed in cancerous tissue, remains stable and inert until surgery, enhancing patient comfort and surgical precision.

Using the Sentimag SmartProbe Slim®, clinicians can detect both Magtrace® and Magseed® through magnetic signals, guiding accurate removal of lesions and lymph nodes. 

“This system allows patients to schedule seed placement up to 30 days in advance, streamlining biopsy and diagnosis,” says Bunker. “It leads to faster treatment and a better overall experience.”

By adopting this cutting-edge technology, SSM Health Ripon reaffirms its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art care and optimal outcomes for patients.

SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital patients are benefiting from the latest advancements in breast cancer surgical guidance, thanks to the introduction of new Sentimag® technology. The equipment was made possible thanks to a $81,557 gift from the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation. Among staff members who will be utilizing the technology are (left to right) Katie Ledegar, Mackenzie Graff, Jessica Hendricks, and Delanie Senn.