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SAVI Breast Brachytherapy
Patient Care Instructions
Brachytherapy Treatment:
Brachytherapy is a type of radiation treatment used as a part of breast conservation
therapy. A device called the SAVI™ applicator will be temporarily placed inside your
breast. The SAVI will allow your physician to deliver radiation from inside the breast;
targeting only tissue where cancer is most likely to recur while sparing the surrounding
healthy tissue.
SAVI reduces radiation treatment time from several weeks to just five days. The
treatments will take place twice a day for five days, scheduled at least six hours apart.
Pre-SAVI Placement:
1) Do not eat or drink anything for 2 to 4 hours prior to procedure. You may take
your medications with a sip of water.
2) Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin, or other blood thinners for one week prior to
your procedure. If you are on blood thinners such as Coumadin, speak with your
physician so arrangements can be made.
3) Wear a button down shirt to your procedure, most patients find it easier to dress
and undress when wearing a button down shirt. Bring your post op surgical bra
or a loose fitting sports bra to your procedure (no underwire).
4) You may not drive home following the procedure.
While your SAVI is in place:
1) After SAVI is placed in the breast, the nurse will cover it with padded gauze
dressings, and a stretchy bra. Wear the bra at all times, even while you are
sleeping. Leave your bandage dressing in place; the nurse will change it at each
radiation visit.
2) It is important not to get the dressings or SAVI device wet; therefore you will not
be able to shower while SAVI is in place. You may sponge bath and wash your
hair over the sink.
3) If your dressing becomes saturated, your doctor may ask you or your caregiver to
change the dressing at home over the weekend. Ask your Nurse for the proper
procedure.
4) If your surgeon gave you a “SAVI Key”, please remember to take the key with
you to your first radiation appointment.
5) The small purple plastic tubes may come out of the catheters. This is not
alarming, but please save them and bring them to your next radiation
appointment. They are used to close off the catheter tubes when not in use.
6) You may do your normal activities as you feel able; however avoid carrying or
lifting anything with the arm of your affected side. Your physician may prescribe
pain medicine to take as needed, though for most patients, Tylenol is sufficient.
He/she may also prescribe you an antibiotic; take them as directed until you
have finished the prescription.
Normal temporary side effects may include:
 Mild breast tenderness or discomfort
 Mild breast swelling and redness
 Mild bruising
 Small amount of clear to pink drainage from the placement site
Call your physician right away if you experience any of the following:
 Temperature above 100.5 degrees
 Increased drainage or discharge from the placement site
 Sudden or extreme pain, redness, or swelling of the treatment area
 Yellow, greenish, or foul smelling wound drainage
After your SAVI has been removed:
1) If antibiotics were prescribed, finish your course as directed.
2) Most women find it possible to return to normal activities almost right away.
You may take Tylenol for pain as needed.
3) Follow your physician’s orders regarding follow up appointments.
Your physician is:
_____________________________
Phone number:
_____________________________
Your nurse is:
_____________________________
Phone number:
_____________________________
LIT0139, Rev. A