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Marian Regional Medical Center Named Innovative Hidden Scar® Center for Breast Cancer Surgery

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This advanced approach to breast cancer surgery allows preservation of breast tissue in women requiring mastectomy or lumpectomy after a breast cancer diagnosis.

SANTA MARIA, CA September 12, 2018 - The Marian Breast Center at Marian Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce that Monica Rocco, MD, Medical Director - Breast Cancer Program, Mission Hope Cancer Center, has been recognized as a Hidden Scar Trained Surgeon for Hidden Scar Breast Cancer Surgery. Marian Breast Center is the only location on the Central Coast to perform this advanced approach to breast cancer surgery that hides scars, minimizing the emotional daily reminder of a breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Rocco is expanding options for Central Coast women in with a procedure that effectively treats the cancer while also optimizing cosmetic results.

Each year, approximately 253,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer that requires surgery. This provides a substantial alternative for women diagnosed with the disease, many unaware of all the surgical options available, including less invasive approaches that can help restore their self-image. Five-year survival rates for breast cancer are high. As such, Survivorship is becoming increasingly important. Scars have a significant impact on Survivorship in that they impact the survivors’ body image, intimacy, confidence, and mental health.

“We are excited to make available this precise and unique surgical technique for women in need of mastectomy or lumpectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis,” says Dr. Rocco. “This procedure preserves the structure of the breast, allowing women to maintain their confidence, and lessening the emotional burden of additional stress after a difficult cancer journey.”

Hidden Scar Breast Cancer Surgery allows Dr. Rocco to remove the cancerous tissue through a single incision made in a hidden area, preserving the natural shape of the breast while reducing visible scarring. Patients who undergo this approach experience optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes, and are at no higher risk of recurrence than patients who undergo any other surgical technique.

At Marian’s Breast Center, we are committed to enabling our surgeon to perform complex, in-demand surgeries with greater confidence, giving more women access to transformative options. Performing breast cancer surgery through a smaller incision requires consistent illumination throughout the surgical cavity, so the surgeon can clearly see and effectively remove the tumor. 

The Marian Breast Center is using Invuity’s Intelligent Photonics technology to improve visibility during procedures such as lumpectomy and nipple sparing mastectomy – enabling us to perform complex, in-demand surgeries with greater confidence, and give more women access to transformative options. 

For additional information on this recent designation, visit https://www.dignityhealth.org/central-coast/locations/marianregional/services/cancer-center/hidden-scar-center.
 
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About Marian Regional Medical Center
Marian Regional Medical Center is a technologically advanced, 191-bed facility that provides safe, quality care.  Marian has been a recipient of the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence and was also named among the Top 10% in the Nation for Critical Care by Healthgrades. Marian is designated a STEMI Receiving Center in Santa Barbara County, and is designated a Level III Trauma Center by Santa Barbara County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency. The facility has achieved prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission for advanced, comprehensive care for stroke patients. Our cancer care program is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, and is one of only three programs between Los Angeles and San Francisco to receive an Outstanding Achievement Award. The campus houses a comprehensive perinatology/ neonatology program, providing specialized care to the tiniest of patients. Marian is a member of Dignity Health Central Coast, which also includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, CA, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, CA, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, CA, and St. John’s Pleasant Valley in Camarillo, CA. Dignity Health Central Coast is an integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services, including primary care offices, premier surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories, imaging centers and a full service home health agency; all recognized for quality, safety and service. 

About Invuity, Inc. 
Invuity, Inc. is a medical technology company focused on developing and marketing advanced photonics devices to improve the ability of surgeons to illuminate and visualize the surgical cavity during open minimal access surgery. The company's patented Intelligent Photonics technology enables enhanced surgical precision, efficiency and safety by providing superior visualization. Clinical applications include breast and thyroid oncology, plastic reconstructive, spine, orthopedic, cardiothoracic and general surgery among others. Invuity is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

 

Publish date: 

Wednesday, September 12, 2018