Safety and feasibility of breast lesion localization using magnetic seeds (Magseed): a multi-centre, open-label cohort study

Abstract

PurposeWire localization has several disadvantages, notably wire migration and difficulty scheduling the procedure close to surgery. Radioactive seed localization overcomes these disadvantages, but implementation is limited due to radiation safety requirements. Magnetic seeds potentially offer the logistical benefits and transcutaneous detection equivalence of a radioactive seed, with easier implementation. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of using magnetic seeds for breast lesion localization.MethodsA two-centre open-label cohort study to assess the feasibility and safety of magnetic seed (Magseed) localization of breast lesions. Magseeds were placed under radiological guidance into women having total mastectomy surgery. The primary outcome measure was seed migration distance. Secondary outcome measures included accuracy of placement, ease of transcutaneous detection, seed integrity and safety.ResultsTwenty-nine Magseeds were placed into the breasts of 28 patients under ultrasound guidance. There was no migration of the seeds between placement and surgery. Twenty-seven seeds were placed directly in the target lesion with the other seeds being 2 and 3 mm away. All seeds were detectable transcutaneously in all breast sizes and at all depths. There were no complications or safety issues.ConclusionsMagnetic seeds are a feasible and safe method of breast lesion localization. They can be accurately placed, demonstrate no migration in this feasibility study and are detectable in all sizes and depths of breast tissue. Now that safety and feasibility have been demonstrated, further clinical studies are required to evaluate the seed’s effectiveness in wide local excision surgery.

Initial results of a novel technique of clipped node localization in breast cancer patients postneoadjuvant chemotherapy: Skin Mark clipped Axillary nodes Removal Technique (SMART trial)

“…The radioactive seed carries radiation exposure and requires radiation safety precautions and handling . Other promising modalities include a radar breast localization system (Savi Scout), Magseed or radiofrequency identification technology predominantly used for breast lesions. These devices have no radiation risk and can avoid the use of wire.…”

Tissue marker migration after MRI‐guided breast biopsy: Migration frequency and associated factors

“…Newer localization technologies are available, such as radioactive seeds, reflector‐guided localization, and magnetic seeds. These devices range in size from 4.5 to 12 mm . Studies show positive margins for reflector and radioactive seed systems of 7%‐8% when the localization device was ≤1 cm from the target .…”

Radio‐guided and clip‐guided preoperative localization for malignant microcalcifications offer similar performances in breast‐conserving surgery

“…However, TCC is much less prone to dislocate compared to other markers, and in our series no lesion missing occurred . Recently, promising results emerged from evaluation of RSL and magnetic seeds, since they conjugate the advantage of an intraoperative guide such as ROLL, with the high accuracy of localization and easier logistics associated to TCC …”