For Patients

Vector Surgical devices provide
confidence and peace of mind for
patients seeking cancer treatment

Confidence and Peace of Mind

Leading surgeons throughout the world use Vector Surgical devices to achieve the best
possible outcomes in cancer surgery.

When your surgeon removes cancerous tissue, it is carefully analyzed to estimate if any cancer cells remain in your body. Surgeons use Vector Surgical devices to help you remain cancer-free following surgery, to lower the likelihood of a second surgery, and obtain the best possible cosmetic outcome for you.

The Goal of Surgery

The goal of cancer surgery is to remove cancer from your body. Using the Vector Surgical Tissue Orientation System, surgeons are able to clearly mark the tissue for pathology analysis.

What is a “margin”?

The margin is the edge or border of the tissue removed during surgery. The margin is “clear” when no cancer cells are found at the edge of the tissue. When cancer cells are found at the edge of the tissue, it suggests that not all cancer was removed during surgery. In this case, a second surgery may be recommended.

Why is the tissue marked by the surgeon?

The surgeon marks the tissue to show the pathologist how it was originally positioned in your body. This way, if the margins are not “clear”, the surgeon knows the location from which to remove additional tissue.

What is the problem with old methods of marking tissue?

Old methods of marking tissue, often using suture, are unclear and incomplete. These methods may lead to questions regarding whether the margins are clear, and if not, where exactly to remove more tissue from your body. Old methods are twice as likely to involve a second surgery and may require removing more tissue from your body.

How does the Vector Surgical System help?

The Vector Surgical System helps your surgeon increase the likelihood that you will be cancer-free, reduce the likelihood of a second surgery, and optimize the cosmetic outcome for you.

What can I ask my doctor to learn more?

Here are some questions that may be helpful to discuss with your surgeon:

  • How often is a second surgery needed to remove all cancer?
  • What steps are taken to ensure all the cancer is removed? Is an X-ray taken during surgery?
  • How is the healthy tissue near cancer conserved?
  • What is done to achieve the best cosmetic outcomes?

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