Swift And Accurate Breast Biopsies Via Full-Field Digital Mammography

Main Category: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  MRI / PET / Ultrasound;  Breast Cancer
Article Date: 01 Sep 2009 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions

Patients of the Mammography Department at NHS Fife's Queen Margaret Hospital are now benefitting from faster treatment due to the installation of a Full-Field Direct Digital Mammography system from Siemens Healthcare. The MAMMOMAT Inspiration™ includes a stereotactic biopsy attachment and syngo® MammoReport workstation.

The stereotactic biopsy attachment provides the clinician with valuable 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 5kg. It also allows clinicians to control the tube angle directly from the workstation, eliminating the need to walk between the system and station.

The biopsy attachment is easy to use due to automated features. After sliding the unit onto the detector, the configuration settings will automatically switch to stereotactic biopsy mode and activate the biopsy examination tab card at the workstation. Combined with the fully motorised needle-holder that moves automatically to the correct position, the attachment streamlines workflow for a swifter and more precise examination. More accurate results minimises the need for repeating any uncomfortable procedures on patients.

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 re-positioned for another scan, this can be done whilst 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 is fresh in design to meet the needs of the patient, user and clinician. The system includes a unique MoodLight feature that emits changing and calming colours 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.

Source
Siemens Healthcare