SPRINGFIELD – A device designed to improve breast cancer lumpectomy procedures and reduce the risk of infection was developed as part of an engineering and business Senior Design Project, and was recently awarded a U.S. patent no. 8,932,251. The device will make it easier to transition from lumpectomy surgical procedures to radiation treatment. The patent is assigned to Western New England University.
“Existing devices leave a catheter on the outside of the breast prior to positioning an applicator within the breast. This causes a greater risk for infection,” explained Dr. Steven Schonholz, a breast surgeon and director of the Center for Comprehensive Breast Health at Noble Hospital in Westfield. “Our device removes this risk.”
The Biopsy Spacer device and method of operation was invented in 2011 by a team including Dr. Steven Michael Schonholz, students Christopher Baltazar, Brian Kozniewski, Stephen Lauzon, Teresa Mitchell, Yah Laetitia Sangne, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Glenn E. Vallee, Professional Educator James C. McKeon, and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Robert T. T. Gettens.
“Students absolutely love working on projects that directly impact people. Having an opportunity to work with a surgeon on the front lines of the fight against breast cancer gives students such a great feeling of accomplishment,” explained Professor Gettens. “Working collaboratively with Dr. Schonholz has been such a positive experience. He’s a true innovator and a fantastic person.”
“The students were amazing. They developed multiple concepts and ultimately designed a prototype,” remarked Dr. Schonholz. “Working with Western New England University allows me to use their experience while explaining a medical procedure and what might improve it.” Dr. Schonholz collaborated with the Western New England University students and faculty on the project when he was the medical director of the Breast Care Center at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield.
