Prone Biopsy System Offers 3D Imaging-Guided Breast Biopsy

A novel prone biopsy system allows radiologists to better target lesions found during three dimensional (3D) guided mammography exams, as well as other screening modalities.

The Hologic Affirm Prone Biopsy System combines minimally invasive, stereotactic breast biopsy with 3D guidance technology to provide true 360-degree access to lesions, with the aid of a fully integrated C-arm that rotates around the patient, who is lying in a prone position. As a result, approach angles can be varied with minimal movement on the patient's part, as she is supported throughout the procedure. The system also features a streamlined workflow with increased automation to raise patient satisfaction and eliminate a direct view of the biopsy needle.


The Affirm prone biopsy system, a product of Hologic (Bedford, MA, USA), is the first dedicated prone system to offer both 2D and 3D imaging-guided breast biopsies. The system also expands the company's breast biopsy portfolio, complementing the Genius 3D mammography exam and the Affirm upright biopsy system, and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as receiving the European Community Ce mark of approval.

“We challenge ourselves to advance medical technology so that healthcare professionals and patients can benefit from innovative solutions that significantly improve outcomes and patient experience, while also creating a powerful economic model for our customers,” said Pete Valenti, division president of breast and skeletal health solutions at Hologic. “The launch of our Affirm prone biopsy system is the most significant advancement in prone biopsy technology since we introduced the first system more than 20 years ago.”

“Until now, we've been struggling to handle complex biopsies for subtle lesions or faint calcifications that we are only able to identify using 3D mammography exams,” said Alejandro Tejerina, MD of Centro Patologia de la Mama Fundación Tejerina (Madrid, Spain). “As an early testing site for the Affirm prone biopsy system, we've had the opportunity to perform many biopsies using this technology, and are pleased to report that this new biopsy table has helped to solve our challenges. We are able to visualize more tissue and have access to challenging lesion locations, and the procedures are very fast.”

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