Mercy Medical Center has made history in Iowa by performing the state’s first breast cancer surgery using SCOUT MD, a radar-based guidance system designed to enhance surgical precision while improving patient comfort.
The pioneering procedure was carried out last week by surgical oncologist Dr. Vincent Reid at Mercy’s Hall-Perrine Cancer Center.
SCOUT MD offers a wire-free alternative to traditional tumor localization techniques by placing small reflectors in the breast prior to surgery. This technology enables surgeons to locate tumors, map margins in real time, and preserve healthy tissue—potentially reducing the need for follow-up procedures.
The system features four distinct reflector shapes, allowing precise mapping and the localization of multiple lesions during a single operation.
Mercy Medical Center shares this national milestone with Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Florida, which also performed breast cancer surgery with SCOUT MD on the same day. Together, the two institutions are the first in the United States to utilize the updated technology.
“Being the first hospital in Iowa to use SCOUT MD reflects our commitment to advancing breast cancer care through innovation,” said Dr. Reid. “These technologies help us provide the best possible outcomes while improving the overall experience for our patients.”
Mercy initially introduced Savi SCOUT, Merit Medical’s original platform, in Iowa in 2018. Dr. Reid collaborated with Merit Medical on early cases to refine the technology, and his recent procedures mark the official launch of the updated SCOUT MD platform at Mercy.
In a related breakthrough, Dr. Reid also became the first surgeon worldwide to use MarginProbe 2 last month, a device designed to confirm clear surgical margins during breast cancer procedures.
Mercy Medical Center, a 424-licensed-bed hospital in Cedar Rapids, operates a network of specialty clinics along with MercyCare primary and urgent care centers serving Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities.
