The upright stereotactic breast biopsy guidance system attaches to a 3D mammography machine, allowing physicians to quickly move from diagnosis to intervention.
Women’s Imaging has expanded its breast biopsy technology with the acquisition of an upright stereotactic breast biopsy guidance system. Because it’s attached to a 3D mammography machine, radiologists gain the ability to pinpoint subtle lesions and faint calcifications, which they otherwise may not have been able to visualize on the 2D system.
“With 3D imaging for biopsy guidance, we can localize and accurately target the most challenging of suspicious areas, allowing us to quickly move from diagnosis to intervention,” said Christopher Formen, MD, a radiologist with Northland Radiology. “This has far-reaching ramifications because about 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history. When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 99%.”
The former breast biopsy system limited patients to lying in a prone position, which is difficult and uncomfortable for some patients.
The new technology gives patients the option to sit upright or rest on their sides throughout the procedure, which reduces the procedure time and need for sedation.
It also supports a higher weight limit of up to 1,000 pounds, a 700-pound increase over the prone table’s 300-pound limit.
Biopsy System Image Credit: Hologic®
Christopher Formen, MD
Dr. Formen earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Public Health and completed his residency in radiology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and Saint Luke’s Hospital.