Health and Fitness : Mercy Cedar Rapids performs first ever MarginProbe2 surgery for breast cancer

Mercy Medical Center has made history as the first hospital in the world to use the newly FDA-approved MarginProbe® 2 during breast-conserving surgery. This technology helps surgeons check tissue during surgery to make sure all cancer is removed, thereby reducing the likelihood that patients need a second surgery.

MarginProbe 2 is designed to give surgeons quick, clear answers in the operating room. In just a few minutes, the device can confirm whether the edges of the removed tissue are free of cancer. This means that fewer patients have to return for another surgery, which can ease their stress and speed their recovery.

MarginProbe 2 was developed by Dune Medical Devices and later acquired by Dilon Technologies, a medical device company based in Virginia that specializes in tools to improve surgical accuracy and patient outcomes. The company says that studies show the new device provides increased sensitivity on all tumors. 

“MarginProbe 2 is a game-changer for breast surgery,” said George Makhoul, CEO of Dilon Technologies. “By providing surgeons with immediate, reliable margin information, we’re helping reduce re-excision rates and improve the overall surgical experience for both patients and healthcare providers.”

Dr. Vincent Reid, surgical oncologist at Mercy, said the new technology helps achieve even greater precision during breast surgeries.

“Within minutes, I know if we’ve removed all the cancer,” he said. “That allows me to make the best decision for my patient right away and avoid the need for another surgery.”

Mercy Medical Center has used the original MarginProbe for years and participated in trials for this new version. The FDA approved MarginProbe 2 after studies showed that it improved accuracy and helped surgeons make confident decisions during breast cancer surgery.