11-gauge vacuum assisted directional biopsy of breast calcifications, using upright stereotactic guidance

To assess the use of a prototype vacuum assisted biopsy device on a standar d upright mammography unit, using a slightly modified digital stereotactic add-on component. A group comprised of 42 sequential patients, who had been recalled from an asymptomatic mammographic screening programme, were studi ed. All 42 were recalled for assessment of small clusters of microcalcifica tion, graded as indeterminate. Group 1 (21 patients) were biopsied using 14 -gauge automated large core needle biopsy. Group 2 (21 patients) were biops ied using Ii-gauge vacuum assisted biopsy. Both groups had mammographic gui dance on the same upright mammographic unit (Siemens 3000), with Opdima Dig ital Stereotactic add-on. A total of 86% of specimen radiographs in Group 2 patients (vacuum assisted biopsy) showed successful sampling of the calcif ications, compared to 62% of Group 1 patients (14-gauge automated large cor e biopsies). This study shows that vacuum assisted biopsy is possible using upright stereotactic mammography units. The technique shows promise as a b iopsy tool, offering larger cores compared to 14-gauge automated large con biopsy, while requiring less space and lower purchase price compared to ded icated prone biopsy tables. The technique also offers access to biopsy in p atients with posterior lesions and for patients who cannot tolerate prone p ositioning. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.