Murrumbidgee Local Health District is the first district in the state to introduce the Magseed, a 5mm magnetic device that assists breast cancer surgeons. Photo: Endomag.
The Magseed marker is a magnetic, stainless steel bead the size of a rice grain designed to accurately mark the site of cancer and help with its removal in surgery.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) is the first district in the state to introduce the technology to perform more accurate breast surgery.
The aim of the Magseed is to improve the patient experience. The marker is inserted a few days in advance and it reduces patients’ time in hospital and the number of procedures they need on the day of surgery.
Griffith surgeon Doctor Kate FitzGerald, who used Magseed in Scotland and saw the difference it made, was keen to see the Magseed being made available to public patients.
“The thin wires, which usually had to be placed the day of surgery, needed to be placed by a radiologist and then taped to the patient’s breast until they were in the operating room,” Dr FitzGerald said.
“With the seed, I have more flexibility around where I make the incision. As well as getting the best result as far as removing the cancer, I can also make it look as nice as possible.”
Griffith Breast Cancer Support Group made a substantial donation towards the purchase of the technology.
President Kaye Mossman said the cancer support group was excited to see their fundraising efforts helped with the purchase of the Magseed.
“Through the generosity of the Griffith community we have raised enough money to not only support our local patients with their individual costs, but also make a very substantial donation to Murrumbidgee Local Health District to help fund this exciting new technology,” Ms Mossman said.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the successful implementation of this new technology was a testament to the quality of medical care available in rural and regional NSW.
“We have some of the finest surgeons and medical professionals in Australia choosing to work in regional NSW. I am so proud that the first local health district in NSW to provide this exciting, new and lifesaving technology is a regional one,” Ms Taylor said.
Ms Taylor thanked the Griffith Breast Cancer Support Group for their donation and said the group’s support had been instrumental in making the technology available locally.
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