FAQs for Physicians
It is estimated that half of all women in the U.S. will seek consultation for a breast disorder in their lifetime. Many of these women are diagnosed with benign breast disease, defined as any non-cancerous breast abnormality. The most common benign breast tumor is fibroadenoma. Fibroadenomas can grow up to 4 cm or larger, the size of a golf ball, and cause pain, anxiety and disfigurement.
Treatment options?
Since benign breast tumors rarely develop cancerous cells, women diagnosed with fibroadenomas are often told to "watch and wait". Despite this recommendation, the majority of women opt to have their fibroadenoma treated due to uncomfortable physical symptoms and psychological anxiety.
In the past, excisional surgery provided the only option for removal of fibroadenomas. Surgery is still the most common treatment for benign tumors. This procedure involves multiple pre-and post-operative visits, typically an in-hospital procedure that may involve general anesthesia, and 2-3 days of recovery. Surgical excision also leaves scar tissue within the breast and often causes a divot or lowered area where tissue was removed. The Visica 2™ Treatment System marks a breakthrough in treatment of benign breast tumors through an office-based procedure that involves only local anesthesia, no stitches and an excellent cosmetic result.
What is the Visica® Treatment System?
The Visica Treatment System is an office-based treatment offering an alternative to the surgical removal of benign breast tumors. The Visica Treatment is an ultrasound-guided approach that requires only local anesthesia and is is virtually pain-free with only minimal discomfort. The Visica Treatment System became commercially available for treatment of breast fibroadenomas in 2002.
How does the Visica Treatment System work?
The Visica System freezes and destroys targeted tissue using cryoablation technology, or extreme cold, through a small incision, without requiring stitches or general anesthesia. This procedure is performed in a physician’s office and lasts 20-30 minutes. Cryoablation has been shown to be highly useful in destroying common cancers (such as prostate) in long-term studies. In addition, cryoablation is visualized using real-time ultrasound, which helps to provide a highly controlled and targeted procedure.
Where can I go to learn more about the Visica Treatment System?
The Visica 2™ Treatment System is available now at selected centers throughout the U.S. Please call 800-909-3060 for more information.
Who is Sanarus?
Headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, Sanarus Technologies, LLC is a company focused on providing patients and physicians with minimally invasive, office-based breast care management solutions – from diagnosis and treatment to follow up.
What other technologies are offered by Sanarus?
In addition to the Visica 2™ Treatment System, Sanarus offers the ImarC™ Tissue Marker System.
Can the Visica Treatment System be used for the treatment of cancerous tumors?
Clinical studies are currently underway to evaluate the Sanarus Visica Treatment System for cryoablation of cancerous breast tumors.