Breast Health
Wireless Localization Technology
The fear attached to a breast cancer diagnosis might remain, but treatment continues to improve.
Thanks to the donations from our generous Community, a new mammography unit was installed in Shuswap Lake General Hospital in 2023 and now a new, two-part procedure will replace the traditional guided wire localization inserted on the day of breast cancer surgery. The first part of the procedure will still begin with a visit to Medical Imaging where a small magnetic marker about the size of a sesame seed is inserted under the skin, directly within the breast lesion. But with this new localization technology, the patient can return home with the marker securely hidden away for as long as 30 days.
In the second part of the procedure, the surgeon utilizes the wireless breast cancer technology probe, which resembles a wand, to locate and remove the mass and the marker. Access to this new technology allows for more flexibility with coordinating and booking the Medical Imaging exam and the surgery. The two procedures no longer have to occur on the same day and there will be less demand and more freedom to book in both departments.
Both surgeons and patients will benefit greatly from this new technology.
ELEVATED AMBULATORY CARE
Ambulatory Care Unit
Sunny Dhaliwal, a six-year member of the Shuswap Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, gathered a team and hosted the second Bollywood Bang in 2023; the event sold out and raised $315,000, $265,000 of which went to refurbish the third floor Ambulatory Care Unit at Shuswap Lake General Hospital.
Now, instead of spending many hours waiting in the usually crowded emergency waiting room, patients requiring a number of services can book an appointment to receive care in a comfortable and welcoming room.
Ambulatory Care is open from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday and provides transfusions, infusions and intravenous drugs, PICC line care and wound care. The newly kitted out room also gives doctors a space in which to carry out such procedures as the removal of suspect moles or other skin growths. Patients who undergo liver or lung biopsies in radiology are also then taken to Ambulatory Care where their condition is monitored for two to four hours before they are released.
The new chairs, IV poles and upgraded equipment are welcomed by staff and patients alike, providing out patients with a more private and relaxing environment.
IMAGING ON WHEELS
Digital Mobile X-Ray Unit
Thanks to our donors, a new, replacement digital mobile x-ray unit is ready to roll to patient’s bedsides.
The ultra-maneuverable DRX-Revolution, features the world’s first automatic, collapsible column and redefined mobile imaging. This upgraded X-ray unit has powerful new features and benefits for easier use and faster positioning. Display screens are more responsive, with enhanced function and brakes and drive motors are quieter and less likely to disturb patients.
Small but powerful, the mobile X-ray unit is used when patients are too sick to go to the Imaging Department for their X-ray exams.
“This is typically seen in the emergency department, ICU, and nursery,” says Imaging Department Professional Practice Lead Kim Mead. “This type of bedside imaging can be less disruptive to the patient, especially when they are in medical distress.”
The X-ray technologist will drive the mobile to the patient bedside and take pictures with instantaneous image results, allowing the doctor to review the images immediately and determine a course of action sooner.
This new machine will replace the department’s older version and allow for the most advanced technology in the department.