Breast Brachytherapy

A special catheter called “Contura” or “Savi” and is performed in conjunction with breast-conserving lumpectomy. When the lump is removed from the breast, it is replaced by a thin tube (catheter) with a short piece of the catheter extending beyond the skin. The catheter is then expanded to fill the space the lump previously occupied.

Your radiation oncologist then uses CT imaging to create a treatment plan. During therapy, the catheter is connected to a machine that houses the high dose rate (HDR) radiation seeds. This machine is controlled by a computer and delivers the radiation through a computer-controlled process. After each treatment, the radioactive seed is removed and the catheter is unplugged. You may return to your normal activities between treatments, done twice per day for five days. After your last treatment the catheter is removed and the incision is closed.