Suzanne A. Hoekstra, MD, has announced that a new device called the SAVI is now available locally. The SAVI is a catheter used to administer radiation therapy to the breast in women who have had a lumpectomy for breast cancer. This type of radiation is called "Partial Breast Irradiation" (PBI) and has been studied extensively in recent years. In 2002 the FDA approved the Mammosite Device for PBI, which is still available as well. The SAVI catheter offers an improvement over the Mammosite in that it offers more flexibility in radiation planning. Dr. Hoekstra was the first surgeon in North Carolina to implant both devices.

After lumpectomy, Dr. Hoekstra can insert either the SAVI or the Mammosite in her office using ultrasound. The patient then proceeds to the outpatient radiation oncology center for twice-daily treatment for 5 days. This replaces the traditional 6-7 week external beam radiation treatment.

Dr. Hoekstra notes that this is a very exciting advance in radiation therapy because more women will be candidates for the partial breast treatment.

Dr. Hoekstra is the Medical Director of the Park Ridge Breast Health Center and the president of Brevard Surgical Associates. She is certified in Breast Ultrasound and Surgery as well as maintaining membership in the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the National Consortium of Breast Centers, and the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group.

Patients with questions about the treatment can call 884-2198 or 650-2790 for more information.

Park Ridge Hospital is an acute care facility that has provided superior medical care with Christian compassion since 1910. The hospital is one of 36 hospitals in the U.S. belonging to Adventist Health System. For more information about Park Ridge Hospital, or about other hospital services, visit www.parkridgehospital.org. To request a copy of the Park Ridge Hospital Medical Staff Directory, contact the Business Development office at (828) 687-3947.

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