Pacific Radiology is improving breast cancer care with a more precise, wire‑free localisation option that supports comfort and better surgical outcomes.
Pacific Radiology has set a new benchmark in breast cancer care, becoming the first provider in New Zealand to place a SAVI SCOUT® breast marker using MRI guidance - a major advance in wire-free breast localisation, helping surgeons accurately find and remove abnormal tissue without the need for traditional wires.
Breast localisation is a technique that marks the exact location of abnormal tissue, so it can be precisely removed during surgery. Until now, this was usually done with a hook wire placed on the day of surgery, which, while effective, can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing for patients. The SAVI SCOUT® radar-based system transforms this experience by allowing reflectors to be placed up to 30 days before surgery, giving patients more flexibility, comfort, and confidence.
Until now, wire-free localisation could only be performed for lesions clearly visible on ultrasound or tomosynthesis. Lesions that were only visible on MRI had no wire-free option. By successfully placing a SAVI SCOUT® reflector under MRI guidance, Pacific Radiology has now extended access to wire-free surgery to patients who otherwise would not have been candidates for this technology.
MRI is particularly valuable for small or complex lesions not visible on other imaging. It provides highly detailed images with excellent contrast, enabling clinicians to precisely identify areas requiring surgical intervention. This makes MRI guidance an essential tool for expanding access to wire-free breast localisation. 
The first MRI-guided procedure was performed by Dr Fiona Chambers from Pacific Radiology’s breast team, with the support of the specialist breast imaging team. This collaborative effort reflects the expertise, precision, and patient-centred care that underpin the service, ensuring New Zealand patients benefit from both advanced technology and a comfortable, dignified experience.
Pictured right: Dr Fiona Chambers (centre) performing the MRI-guided procedure. Supported by Sue Mayne, MRI Tech (left) and Charlotte Hawke, Clinical Tutor MRI Tech (right)..
“MRI-guided SAVI SCOUT® placement is a game-changer for patients whose lesions are only visible on MRI," says Dr Fiona Chambers.
"This wire-free approach allows us to precisely locate the abnormal tissue ahead of surgery, reducing patient anxiety and improving comfort. It’s incredibly rewarding to bring this level of precision and care to patients who previously had limited options."
Pacific Radiology’s adoption of MRI-guided SAVI SCOUT® placement marks an important step forward in breast-conserving surgery in New Zealand. By combining advanced localisation technology with specialist imaging expertise, the service improves surgical precision, enhances patient comfort, and expands access to wire-free lesion localisation for cases not visible through other traditional imaging methods. This milestone reinforces Pacific Radiology’s role as a leader in breast imaging and interventional care.
