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A LEAP FORWARD
I N TU M O R ANALYSIS

Faxitron technology streamlines the cancer surgery process

Determining the extent to which cancer has spread in the body “The recent acquisition of the Faxitron technology is an
is a crucial aspect of care and patients rely on precise, timely example of how Marian’s diagnostic services are continuing
results to cure or treat the disease. to grow and expand,” adds Dr. Ferguson. “This technological
investment, and advanced technologies to come, will allow
At Marian Regional Medical Center, physicians and medical Marian to continue recruiting subspecialists, to offer more
professionals are continuously working to further improve services and to provide a level of care equal to major academic
the cancer care experience for patients by offering the latest medical institutions.”
in cancer diagnostics. With the rapidly changing climate of
health care, technological advances are aiding in the pursuit Pathologists at Marian work directly with surgeons, oncolo-
to improve both patient outcomes and the culture of care. As gists and support staff, remaining involved throughout the
part of the Marian Foundation’s vision to ensure excellent entire process of each patient’s cancer treatment. This unique
medical care for future generations, the Foundation recently involvement between pathologists, other physicians and health
invested in one such technological breakthrough: the Faxitron care professionals allows Marian to maintain the highest qual-
PathVision Pathology Specimen Radiography System. ity of service from diagnosis through treatment.

The recently acquired Faxitron PathVision system is the indus-
try’s latest and most advanced specimen radiography system
featuring the largest field of view and highest resolution for
evaluating laboratory specimens. Producing high-resolution
digital images in a matter of seconds, the Faxitron system
determines the exact location of cancer and the extent of the
disease – all during surgery. Access to immediate results of the
potential spread of cancer allows for modifications to be made
during a patient’s initial surgery, improving clinical outcomes
and decreasing the likelihood for additional surgeries to be
needed in the future.

“The advantage of this new technology is immediate access Kevin Ferguson, M.D., Medical Director of Pathology Services and Chief
to high-resolution imaging results,” explains Kevin Ferguson, of Staff, showcases the Faxitron PathVision system, the latest and most
M.D., Medical Director of Pathology and Chief of Staff. “With advanced specimen radiography system.
the Faxitron system Marian’s laboratory is able to offer im-
proved assessment of tumor spread at the time of surgery. The
end result is more efficient and precise analysis of tumor resec-
tion specimens for our cancer patients.”

Currently, the sophisticated Faxitron technology is the only
one of its kind on the Central Coast and is recognized for its ef-
fective use in testing breast cancer specimens, although it can
be used to radiograph a wide range of specimens.

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