Quick and Accurate Breast Biopsies via Full-Field Digital Mammography

A full-field direct digital mammography (FFDDM) system's stereotactic biopsy attachment provides the clinician with helpful guidance through the biopsy procedure enabling vertical and lateral access to breast lesions, of particular use when trying to access technically challenging areas in the breast.

The attachment has an easy to use set up and is lightweight, weighing less than 5 kg. It also allows clinicians to control the tube angle directly from the workstation, eliminating the need to walk between the system and station.

Patients of the mammography department at the National Health Service (NHS) Fife's Queen Margaret Hospital (Dunfermline, UK) are now benefiting from faster treatment due to the installation of the FFDDM system from Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany). The Mammomat Inspiration includes the stereotactic biopsy attachment and syngo MammoReport workstation.

The syngo MammoReport workstation facilitates improved workflow, uploading examination results in just one second for fast and accessible viewing. Up to eight mammogram images can be viewed simultaneously. The examination process is also swifter as images can be seen straight away. If the patient needs to be repositioned for another scan, this can be done while they are still at the system rather than having to undress again and repeat the process.

"The Inspiration enables fast and accurate breast examinations to be carried out, enhancing the quality of care provided to women," said Lynn Blackburn, product manager for special products at Siemens Healthcare. "The system also provides a highly flexible platform for upgrades such as stereotactic biopsy and Tomosynthesis, enabling hospitals to provide their patients with efficient, modern treatment procedures without having to continually purchase expensive new equipment."

The Mammomat Inspiration's design to meet the needs of the patient, user, and clinician. The system includes a unique MoodLight feature that emits changing and calming colors into the patient examination area to help ease patient anxiety and improve the chances of getting a good quality image first time. The system includes new compression technologies and paddle design for the latest in patient comfort, plus the isocentric rotation of the X-ray tube makes system handling simpler to improve workflow. It also offers an advanced image resolution of the whole breast for detailed diagnosis.

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