MRI Visible Obturator Developed for Breast Biopsy System

(Aliso Viejo, CA, USA) recently announced the launch of its VisiLoc MRI visible obturator, compatible with its EnCor breast biopsy system, at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, IL, USA, in November 2007.

SenoRx president and chief executive officer Lloyd Malchow said, "VisiLoc gives us the opportunity for a competitive advantage in the rapidly growing MRI breast biopsy market and enhances our ability to compete for placement of our EnCor breast biopsy system. Together with the recent introduction of our SenoSonix system, an integration of the EnCor breast biopsy system with state-of-the-art ultrasound imaging from Ultrasonix Medical, and the introduction of our new EnCor Fire Forward for stereotactic imaging, we have further strengthened our EnCor breast biopsy product platform.”

Commenting on his experience with VisiLoc, Dr. Daniel J. White, president of MRI Advance (Columbus, OH, USA), said, "Using the VisiLoc, I find that it is very easy to locate the targeted biopsy area, whether looking at the image in the sagittal or axial plane. To find something black in the midst of something black is very difficult. But with the VisiLoc, the obturator was plainly visible, providing verification of the targeted geographic area. The VisiLoc may provide physicians with a valuable new device to help deliver high-quality care to patients.”

The EnCor system is a minimally invasive, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy system. EnCor allows users to obtain multiple biopsy samples with a quick, single probe insertion. EnCor is the only "open/closed” tissue collection system, providing the operator with a clear view of tissue samples through a proprietary transparent collection chamber, and the ability to either open the chamber to examine and remove one or more samples or to continue uninterrupted collection of multiple samples.

EnCor incorporates novel programmability, which allows the user to select automated cutting patterns, tissue density and number of samples, and to deliver anesthetics. EnCor is compatible with all three imaging modalities--ultrasound, stereotactic, and MRI--and because of its modular design, easy software upgrades keep the operating system current. EnCor received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late 2004, and began full commercial launch in November 2005.

SenoRx develops, manufactures, and sells minimally invasive medical devices used by breast care specialists for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.


Related Links:
SenoRx