In an effort to offer maximum flexibility for physicians and added comfort for patients, Siemens Medical Solutions recently introduced its MammoTest® table for biopsies in the prone position. The technology enables 360-degree access to lesions. In addition, biopsies can be performed more accurately using Polar Coordinate Targeting and a high-resolution charged coupled device (CCD) camera. This improves workflow while reducing the examination time. In summer 2006, Siemens acquired the rights to produce and market the prone biopsy table MammoTest from Fischer Imaging. With MammoTest and the syngo® Opdima biopsy unit, Siemens now offers a comprehensive biopsy portfolio that provides the physicians with the choice of two stereotactic systems.
syngo Opdima already represents the gold standard for digital biopsy and spot imaging. It is designed for fast, efficient stereotactic needle and core biopsies and localization procedures. The system is compatible with most of the products of the Siemens MAMMOMAT® range.

In accordance with an agreement between U-Systems, Inc., and Siemens Medical Solutions Ultrasound Division, Siemens will distribute U-Systems‘ automated breast ultrasound system worldwide. The system is a fast, cost-effective, and patient-friendly solution for scanning the breast and serves as a complement to mammography. The system is designed specifically for patients with dense breast tissue, where mammography is less effective. According to The New England Journal of Medicine [Study from Boyd and Colleagues, January 2007: Volume 356], women with dense breast tissue have a three to five times higher risk of breast cancer than women with fatty breast tissue. Up to now, the challenge with ultrasound has always been to produce standardized, repeatable images much like mammography does. The automated breast scanner is changing the way breast examinations are performed by increasing specificity and enhancing efficiency. Klaus Hambüchen, President of Siemens Medical Solutions Ultrasound Division, adds, “Automated image acquisition makes ultrasound studies less user-dependent, which increases reproducibility. The automated breast scanner is only the beginning. Siemens Medical Solutions is already working on automated ultrasound acquisition techniques for other applications as well.”

Siemens Medical Solutions offers a break¬through in breast ultrasound technology with a revolutionary elastography breast imaging technology package. It is expected to enable physicians to accurately distin¬guish characteristics of breast lesions by more clearly demonstrating relative tissue stiffness or hardness, infiltration, and cystic regions.
The technology, known as eSie Touch™ Elasticity Imaging, is a byproduct of a stan¬dard ultrasound exam and may reduce reliance on invasive breast biopsy proce¬dures, based on initial research conducted by Richard G. Barr, MD, PhD, Professor of Radiology at Northeastern Ohio University’s College of Medicine and radiologist at Southwoods X-ray and Open MRI in Youngstown, OH, USA. Using Siemens real-time, free-hand elasticity imaging technique, Dr. Barr studied 166 breast lesions identified in 99 patients that were already scheduled for biopsy, and found the technology delivered sensitivity to the highest degree. Initial findings indi¬cate that elasticity technology has high specificity for the investigation of breast lesions. The technique is a modification of a routine ultrasound exam, yet with no noticeable difference to the patient. It still offers diagnostic confidence to both the physician and the patient.
The imaging technology is offered with the ACUSON Antares™ 5.0 ultrasound system and is part of a comprehensive software package for breast diagnosis. Elasticity Imaging has emerged as a sen¬sitive and very specific method of detect¬ing breast cancer and has the potential to drastically reduce the number of biopsies. The American Cancer Society reports that nearly 80 percent of biopsies performed are negative.

For more information about Elasticity Imaging and a video including case studies, please click picture.