Breast cavity spacer delivery for stereotactic percutaneous lumpectomy

Sterotactic percutaneous lumpectomy is becoming an effective means of diagnosing and excising a small breast cancer. Radiation to the biopsy cavity by a brachytherapy balloon is an effective and minimally invasive method used to prevent recurrence of the cancer. Following percutaneous lumpectomy an elliptical shaped cavity is left in the breast. There is a period of up to four days prior to initiation of Brachytherapy while the tissue sample is undergoing pathology testing. If a small cancer is present and excised with clear margins Brachytherapy can be initiated. Currently there are no devices used to keep the cavity and track open between the time of percutaneous lumpectomy and the start of radiation therapy. Typically three invasive procedures are required, first the breast biopsy, second excision of the cancer and third balloon placement for future radiation treatments. The purpose of this project is to design a temporary cavity spacer and insertion method following percutaneous lumpectomy, allowing all three aspects of the procedure to be completed at the time of initial biopsy.