STEREOTAXIC BREAST BIOPSY OF CLUSTERED MICROCALCIFICATIONS WITH A DIRECTIONAL, VACUUM-ASSISTED DEVICE

The success rate with the traditional 14-gauge, core-biopsy, multiple- pass technique was compared with that of a directional vacuum-assisted device in sampling calcification clusters in the breast. Of the 130 f ocal calcification clusters sampled with the multiple-pass technique, 12 clusters (9.2%) had no particles depicted on radiographs of the spe cimen. Specimens from all 106 (100%) clusters sampled with the directi onal, vacuum-assisted instrument contained calcifications at radiograp hy. The directional, vacuum-assisted device improved the ability to pe rcutaneously sample breast calcifications.