The newly cleared contrast-enhanced mammography and biopsy capabilities aim to help radiologists characterize suspicious findings and perform targeted biopsies more efficiently.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared new contrast-enhanced mammography and contrast-enhanced biopsy capabilities for the Mammomat B.brilliant system from Siemens Healthineers.
The system’s new image-reconstruction technique for contrast-enhanced exams provides clarity and consistency to assist radiologists, even when examining dense breast tissue, according to a release from Siemens Healthineers. The company says these capabilities build on the system’s existing ability to generate high-resolution 3D mammograms using 50-degree tomosynthesis in less than five seconds.
“These new contrast-enhanced mammography capabilities for the Mammomat B.brilliant reinforce our commitment to delivering greater diagnostic confidence and expanding access to advanced breast imaging techniques,” says Philipp Schmidt, head of x-ray products at Siemens Healthineers North America, in a release.
Improving Diagnostic Confidence
Contrast-enhanced mammography is an adjunct breast imaging technique that provides additional information beyond traditional mammography. The technology measures different levels of contrast uptake between healthy and malignant breast tissue to clarify inconclusive findings, help assess the extent of disease, and identify suspicious areas.
The system’s ClearCEM image reconstruction technique provides improved lesion enhancement and consistent image quality for detection. Advanced algorithms suppress image noise, generating a more uniform background to help radiologists better identify suspicious areas in breast tissue. This level of image quality supports clinical decision-making and may enable clinicians to initiate treatment more quickly, while also reducing the need for additional imaging or unnecessary biopsies.
Streamlining the Biopsy Process
If a patient requires a biopsy following a contrast-enhanced finding, the procedure is typically performed using contrast. The ClearCEM technology provides a scout image for tomosynthesis-guided biopsy that permits targeting accuracy within 1 mm, which may reduce the time to diagnosis.
The combination of scout imaging and tomosynthesis-based targeting within the same breast compression sequence simplifies the biopsy procedure. According to Siemens Healthineers, this integration can improve diagnostic confidence and streamline the clinical workflow for healthcare providers.
Photo caption: Mammomat B.brilliant system
Photo credit: Siemens Healthineers
