Through-Wave Ultrasound Shown To Be Effective for Breast Imaging and Biopsy

A real-time through-wave ultrasound imaging system that uses the diffractive properties of sound combined with holography (HU) to create highly-detailed, three-dimensional images of breast tissue, is now equipped for image-guided biopsy.

Advanced Imaging Technologies (Richland, WA, USA) reported that the Aria Breast Imaging system (BIS) has been clinically proven to provide superior views of the breast tissue, especially dense tissue, while providing better data for enhanced diagnostic decision-making. The automated system's image-guidance for biopsy was recently demonstrated at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) November 25-29, 2007, in Chicago, IL, USA.

Until now, women with dense breast tissue have had few options, as mammography is ineffective for dense tissue. This is significant given the link between tissue density and breast cancer documented in a study published in the January 18, 2007, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

The Aria BIS effectively penetrates dense tissue, is automated with whole-breast presentation capabilities, and provides high spatial and contrast resolution. Moreover, the system allows for retrieval of earlier comparative studies for quick cross-correlation with known landmarks for year-to-year comparison.

"Our technology has proven to have superior spatial and contrast resolution, especially in dense tissue,” said Jeanette Griscavage-Ennis, Ph.D., manager, clinical applications. "The data we capture is saturated with critical information that is important for diagnostic procedures such as biopsy. Our real-time image-guidance capabilities provide physicians with precision for improved biopsy accuracy.”

Breast imaging has become a multimodality process intended to improve detection, diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. The result is earlier detection and improved outcomes for thousands of women. However, use of multiple modalities has real economic implications for workflow and efficiency. Low reimbursement rates make it difficult for imaging centers to stay financially sound and although demand for breast imaging services has increased, the numbers of imaging clinics has decreased.

Minimally operator dependent, the system combines the critical elements of multiple modalities into a single system that integrates easily into the patient work-up while improving workflow and efficiency. The system is picture archiving and communication system (PACS)/Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine
(DiCOM)-compliant and features a flexible workstation that interfaces easily with multiple imaging and reporting systems.

The Aria BIS is U.S. Food and Drug Demonstration- (FDA)-cleared for breast imaging and image-guided breast biopsy.


Related Links:
Advanced Imaging Technologies