A prospective study of the removal rate of imaged breast lesions by an 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy probe system

Background: More than 1,000,000 breast biopsies are performed each year as a result of abnormalities identified by imaging techniques. This prospectiv e study was designed to determine whether complete removal of the imaged ev idence of an abnormal mammogram. or ultrasonogram could be achieved with pe rcutaneous image-guided procedures using an 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy probe. Methods: Forty-five women over the age of 18 years entered the study; 50 br east lesions were identified by ultrasonography or mammography. Biopsies we re obtained using an 11-gauge vacuum-assisted probe. At 6 months after biop sy, ultrasonography or mammography examinations of the biopsy site were per formed. Results: Forty-five lesions (90%) were completely removed. At 6 months afte r biopsy, 82% of the sites were lesion free. The percentage of nonrecurring lesions at 6 months after surgery was inversely related to the size of the original lesion. Conclusion: This device allows biopsies to be successfully combined with co mplete removal of the imaged lesion in a one-step minimally invasive proced ure. (C) 2001 Excerpta Medica, Inc. All rights reserved.