MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy Device

According to the American Cancer Society, high-risk patients include those with a family history or a previous diagnosis of breast cancer and those with dense breast tissue or breast implants.

The device, called the Mammotome MR, was developed by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (EES; Cincinnati, OH, USA). "The Mammotome MR with vacuum assistance helps doctors obtain sufficient tissue to accurately diagnose the smallest of breast abnormalities without open surgery,” said Kathy Schilling, M.D., medical director of Imaging and Intervention Women's Center/Center for Breast Care at Boca Raton Radiology Group (FL, USA). "This is an important new option for high risk women.”

A procedure with the Mammotome MR involves the single insertion of a needle equipped with a vacuum device into a tiny _-inch incision (about the size of a match head). Under MRI guidance, the device gently vacuums, cuts, and partially or completely removes suspicious breast tissue for assessment. The biopsy incision is so small only an adhesive bandage is needed to cover it and no stitches are required. Most patients return to normal activity immediately following the procedure. The outpatient procedure can be performed in an MRI suite and usually takes less than an hour. Scarring is minimal.

"The Mammotome can now be used with all three imaging modalities including stereotactic, ultrasound, and MRI, to detect and diagnose breast abnormalities,” said Lucia Buehler, group product director, Ethicon Endo-Surgery.

The device has a unique hands-free holster with feedback display for procedural focus, and the device's targeting sleeve is the only system that currently allows physicians to visualize the sampling area/aperture in MR. A new localization system provides better access to the breast. Furthermore, anesthesia can be administered throughout the procedure using the system's targeting set and vacuum tubing.

The system can be purchased in its entirety or as an upgrade to an existing Mammotome breast biopsy system. Multiple needle lengths and gauge sizes allow physicians to accurately target both lateral and medial lesions as well as rapidly acquire tissue based on individual patient/lesion characteristics. The Mammotome MR is compatible with many magnet, breast coil, and computer-aided-detection (CAD) options.



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Ethicon Endo-Surgery