PIH Health Innovates with SCOUT MD™ Localization Technology
PIH Health Whittier Hospital has taken a significant stride in breast care innovation by becoming the first hospital in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties to adopt the SCOUT MD™ localization technology. This transition marks a commitment to enhancing patient care through advanced medical technologies.
What is SCOUT MD™?
The SCOUT MD™ system utilizes advanced radar technology for non-wire localization, significantly improving the surgical experience for patients undergoing breast procedures. Traditional wire localization methods can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for patients; SCOUT MD™ offers a more comfortable alternative that is also more efficient for surgeons.
As stated by James R. West, the CEO of PIH Health, the adoption reflects a broader commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies in patient care. He emphasized that such innovations are pivotal in enhancing surgical precision and improving overall patient experience.
The Advantages of SCOUT MD™
The SCOUT MD™ platform supports precise mapping of tumor margins and can localize multiple lesions, even those that can only be detected through MRI. This capability is particularly beneficial for patients who are considering breast-conserving surgery, as breast surgeon Dr. Rashi Singh notes. The technology allows for accurate localization of multiple lesions within the same breast, streamlining the surgical process.
Moreover, the wire-free nature of the SCOUT MD™ procedure provides enhanced comfort and flexibility for patients ahead of their surgery. Instead of dealing with wires, patients can have reflectors placed prior to the procedure by radiologists under imaging guidance, which contributes to seamless surgical planning.
The transition to SCOUT MD™ enhances the collaborative operation between surgeons and diagnostic radiologists, improving workflow efficiency and patient outcomes. With the advanced radar-based localization technology, the procedure aims to eliminate the existing challenges faced by medical staff and patients alike.
First Procedure Completed
PIH Health Whittier Hospital successfully carried out its first procedure using this innovative platform on July 6, 2026, marking a new chapter in the way breast surgeries are performed in the region. With the hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement and use of advanced technologies, the medical community and the public can anticipate better surgical results and overall healthcare experiences.
About PIH Health
PIH Health is a prominent nonprofit healthcare network serving nearly three million residents within the Los Angeles and Orange counties. The diverse network consists not only of hospitals but also outpatient facilities and an extensive range of healthcare services that span various specialties. Recognized nationally for excellence in patient care and healthcare technology, PIH Health continues to innovate in ways that enhance the quality of care provided to the community. For more information about their services and commitment to healthcare, visit
PIHHealth.org.
In conclusion, the integration of SCOUT MD™ localization technology at PIH Health Whittier Hospital is a game changer, promising to elevate the standards of breast care and surgical processes significantly. This innovation not only serves the hospital but sets a benchmark for healthcare facilities across the region.