The most powerful way to fight breast cancer today? Early detection and accurate diagnostics. This is exactly what we at Siemens are aiming for with True 3D Breast Tomosynthesis. Using our experience in diagnostic excellence and state-of-the-art clinical solutions, we’ve developed this technology to support your daily battle against breast cancer. Detecting malignant tumors at an earlier stage helps you reduce treatment time and cost. But most importantly, you can help to save more women’s lives.

Unclear mammography results are one of the most upsetting examination experiences for women, causing anxiety, stress and – often unnecessary – worry. With True 3D Breast Tomosynthesis, you can provide excellent care in mammography while minimizing the emotional strain for your patients. By reducing the number of recalls and biopsies, you can offer your patients more certainty instead of having them wait for the results. Give your patients the feeling of being in the very best hands.

Although it is currently the state-of-the-art technology, mammography suffers from decreasing sensitivity with the increase of tissue density. This can result in unclear images which can lead to missed cancers, especially in patients with dense breasts.
Mammograms also present certain challenges in image reading and interpretation. A 3D object like the breast displayed as a 2D X-ray image forcibly leads to a loss of image depth information. Due to image superimposition, lesions may be masked by the tissue above or underneath, or normal structures may mimic a lesion. True 3D Breast Tomosynthesis helps reduce these challenges.

With tomosynthesis, a full-field digital mammography system acquires multiple projection images of the breast. The X-ray tube moves through an isocentric arc above the stationary detector. It acquires several images of the breast in various angles. The projection images are then reconstructed into a 3D volume in DICOM format for flexible display on reading and reporting workstations. Reviewing physicians can scroll through the slices for a comprehensive overview. The 3D image quality and depth resolution directly depend on the number of projections as well as the reconstruction algorithm.

Imaging has always been a core competence at Siemens. Channelling our innovation leadership and interdisciplinary know-how, we have evolved the current diagnostic approach for breast cancer to a new level. Our new solution, derived from Siemens CT technology, allows both physicians and patients to feel confident. It can reduce unnecessary recalls and improves the early stage detection rate.

With True 3D Breast Tomosynthesis, Siemens has opened up a new chapter of diagnostics in mammography. High spatial resolution and the largest acquisition angle allow for excellent resolution depth and superior reconstruction results. This leads to fewer artefacts and greater image detail, thereby improving diagnostic capabilities immensely.

The number of projection images and the angular range of the tomosynthesis system directly affect the quality of the resulting 3D image. Optimizing both criteria, Siemens offers physicians the best possible diagnostic basis. The innovative system acquires an image every two degrees while moving through an angular range of 50°. This results in 25 projections for 3D reconstruction that allow for outstanding image quality.

MAMMOMAT Inspiration is a highly flexible platform for advanced mammography examinations. The all-in-one solution supports not only screening and diagnostics, but also stereotactic biopsy, and True 3D Breast Tomosynthesis. Its diagnostic efficiency and confidence help improve the early detection rate of breast cancer.

True 3D Breast Tomosynthesis with the largest angular range (50°) and the highest number of projections (25) of all mammography systems in the market, adds both sensitivity and specificity to diagnostic imaging.
The innovative imaging approach allows for:

• Reduced tissue overlap and contrast enhancement of lesions
• 3D visualization of micro-calcifications, shape and size of lesions
• High depth and contrast resolution

The isocentric design of MAMMOMAT Inspiration enables a wide isocentric movement of the tube and the detector. Cranio-caudal, medio-lateral oblique, and all other common projection views can be performed quickly and conveniently while guaranteeing a high level of patient comfort.

The acquistion and reconstruction of high-quality images are the first two steps towards a precise and secure diagnosis. Our dedicated breast care workstation syngo MammoReport has been designed to streamline the diagnostic workflow.

TomoViewer quickly displays the acquired images in the preferred order and in consistent size. It simplifies the comparison of tomosynthesis with pre-existing 2D images.

Dedicated features support ease and comfort:

• Scrolling functionality or CineMode for fast and easy image review
• Correct sizing for comparison of individual 2D and reconstructed 3D volume
• True 3D multi-modality viewing for comprehensive diagnostic work-up
• Configurable workflow for individual needs

3D Breast Tomosynthesis – a Problem Solver for Difficult Cases in Clinical Routine
Prof. Dr. Joerg Barkhausen, Luebeck, Germany

Breast Tomosynthesis – a Feasible Breast Cancer Screening Modality?
Dr. Sophia Zackrisson, Malmoe, Sweden

3D Breast Tomosynthesis and Contrast Enhanced Dual Energy – a Prototype Report
Prof. Dr. Thomas Helbich, Vienna, Austria

Potential Role of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) in Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Dr. Nachiko Uchiyama, Tokyo, Japan

Prof. Dr. Joerg Barkhausen, Luebeck, Germany, provides in-depth insight into the technical principles of tomosynthesis. He compares tomosynthesis to conventional mammography methods and discusses which patients may benefit from it.

Prof. Dr. Sylvia Heywang-Koebrunner, Munich, Germany, focuses on the results of her clinical study of tomosynthesis* compared to 2D mammography. Learn more about the technical principles and potential clinical applications of tomosynthesis.

Prof. Dr. Joerg Barkhausen, Luebeck, Germany, focuses on tomosynthesis and the combined advantages of mammography with 3D imaging capabilities.

Dr. Thomas Mertelmeier, Jutta Speitel and Claudia Frumento provide a technical assessment of physical parameters which have a major impact on the image quality of tomosynthesis.
  Download Whitepaper[323 KB]

Dr. Finn Lindhardt, Viborg, Denmark, offers a clinical assessment of tomosynthesis based on literature.
  Whitepaper Download[1.85 MB]

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