Dr. Tony Gomes, general surgeon at Chinook Regional Hospital, gets trained on the Magseed and Magtrac pilot project.
The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, in partnership with Alberta Health Services, launched a pilot project with an innovative approach to breast cancer surgery.
The Magseed and Magtrac pilot project is reshaping the patient experience across Alberta.
Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge is second only to Calgary adopting this technology in the province, joining a select group of Canadian hospitals bringing magneticguided tumour localization as the standard of care for patients facing breast cancer.
Using tiny, rice-sized magnetic markers called Magseeds, surgeons can accurately locate breast tumours or lymph nodes without traditional hook wires.
For decades, hook wires have been the standard for indicating the location of the abnormality despite being uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing, and vulnerable to shifting during transport to surgery.
“With Magseed and Magtrace, we can offer patients a less stressful, more precise, and more breast-preserving surgical experience,” said Dr. Tony Gomes, general surgeon at Chinook Regional Hospital. “This technology gives us far more accuracy and far more comfort. It truly changes the journey.”
Magseeds can be placed days before surgery rather than hours so patients avoid protruding wires, the risk of displacement, and rushed same-day travel between imaging and surgery.
For many patients, this means fewer procedures, less pain, and a smoother overall experience.
With this pilot project, Lethbridge now matches the innovation level of Calgary, offering the same advanced magnetic localization technology previously available only in major metropolitan centres.
Local philanthropic investment and surgical and radiology leadership have made best-in-class breast cancer surgery available right here at home.
This three-year pilot is entirely donor-supported through the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.
The first Magseed insertions at the Chinook Regional Hospital have been scheduled for early December, with corresponding surgeries to follow shortly after.
“Because of the generosity of our donors, patients in southern Alberta can now access leading-edge breast cancer surgery close to home,” said Crystal Elliott, Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation chief executive officer. “Our community has made this possible, and this reflects exactly what philanthropy can do-change care, change experiences, and change outcomes.”
Donor support is funding equipment, Magseed and Magtrace supplies, specialized training, and full implementation for the duration of the project.
Early patient feedback reflects outcomes seen elsewhere in Canada:
- Reduced anxiety before surgery.
- Fewer medical visits.
- A more dignified and comfortable experience.
- Greater access to breast-conserving surgery.
“This technology puts patient comfort and precision at the forefront,” Gomes said. “It’s not just about removing a tumour, it’s about protecting a woman’s sense of self during one of the hardest moments of her life.”
AHS senior operating officer and Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation board member Colin Zieber said every advancement like this reflects the heart of the community.
“Our donors have brought this innovation to southern Alberta women, and we are deeply grateful,” Zieber said.
The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation is the leading philanthropic partner for Chinook Regional Hospital and surrounding health care facilities.
With the support of donors, the foundation drives innovation, funds state-of-the-art equipment, and sustains essential programs that enhance patient care across southern Alberta.
