Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Image-guided percutaneous biopsy of mammographically-detected microcalcifications or masses not well seen on ultrasound. Performed on dedicated prone stereotactic table or upright add-on to a standard mammography unit. Vacuum-assisted core biopsy device (8–11 gauge typical) samples the lesion after stereotactic triangulation.
Clinical pathway
- Positioning — prone on dedicated table with breast through aperture, or upright with compression paddle.
- Scout mammogram + stereo pairs — two views at ±15° to triangulate lesion in 3D.
- Local anesthesia + skin nick.
- Needle placement — vacuum-assisted core biopsy system advanced to target; confirmation stereo pair.
- Sampling — 8–12 cores typically; specimen radiograph to confirm calcifications captured.
- Clip deployment — marker clip left at biopsy site for future localization.
- Post-procedure mammogram in two views.
Typical systems
- Hologic Affirm Prone table
- Hologic Selenia Dimensions with upright stereo add-on
- Siemens MAMMOMAT Revelation with stereo package
Room + procedure characteristics
- Procedure time: 45–60 min
- Team: breast imager + mammographer
- Imaging: 2D mammography; tomosynthesis-guided stereo increasingly common (reduces table time, improves calcification localization)