Siemens Healthcare has introduced its new biopsy unit to the market, enhancing the Mammomat Inspiration digital mammography platform with stereotactic breast biopsy. The digital system with basic functions for screening has been on the market since the end of 2007. Since then, it has been installed in countless hospitals and private practices worldwide. The new device with its supplemental biopsy function recently went into operation in Copenhagen and Dortmund. Using the new system, all workflows are performed faster and easier than ever before.
The biopsy unit is easy to install; it simply slides on the full-field detector of the mammography platform. Using the same detector ensures that the radiographic image quality remains high. The mammography system detects the biopsy unit and automatically switches all hardware and software configuration settings to the biopsy mode. A preconfigured examination workflow and a well-defined user interface intuitively guide clinical personnel through the intervention.
Dr. Ilse Vejborg, Head of Radiology at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, is impressed by the system advantages: "Performing stereotactic biopsy on Mammomat Inspiration, we found the system easy to learn and easy to use. Our first impression is that the new system is very efficient to tackle microcalcifications, which are clearly depicted on the stereo images and accurately collected by the biopsy unit."
The system enables vertical or lateral needle access to lesions. Another advantage is that only one space-saving, ergonomic workstation is required for all applications of the mammography platform.
With Mammomat Inspiration, screening, diagnostics, biopsy, and tomosynthesis (in the future) are all based on one digital platform for the first time. A hospital or private practice can purchase a screening device as needed, and enhance this basic system with the biopsy unit and, eventually, with 3D tomosynthesis currently in development.
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The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the worlds largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2008 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of 11.17 billion, orders of 11.78 billion, and group profit of 1.23 billion (preliminary figures). Further information can be found by visiting www.siemens.com/healthcare.