Percutaneous removal of benign breast masses using a vacuum-assisted hand-held device with ultrasound guidance.
BACKGROUND
This study evaluates the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptance of a vacuum-assisted, hand-held biopsy device (Mammotome) in percutaneous removal of breast masses using ultrasound guidance.


METHODS
A multicenter, nonrandomized study evaluated 124 women with low-risk palpable lesions. Lesions <or=1.5 cm and those >1.5 cm but <or=3.0 cm were removed using 1-gauge or 8-gauge probes, respectively. Follow-up evaluation was performed at 10 days postbiopsy.


RESULTS
The 8-guage probe was used to obtain biopsies from 75 patients, and the 11-gauge was used for 49 patients. Complete removal of the imaged lesion was similar between groups (99% 8-gauge versus 96% 11-gauge). Most complications were mild and anticipated. Most patients (97%) were satisfied with incision appearance, and 98% of patients would recommend the procedure to others.


CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous removal of palpable benign breast masses using the Mammotome system is feasible, safe, and yields high patient satisfaction. Long-term efficacy is being evaluated in the ongoing study.
Fine
Richard E
RE
The Breast Center, Marietta, GA 30060, USA. Rfinemd@aol.com
Boyd
Beth A
BA
Whitworth
Pat W
PW
Kim
Julian A
JA
Harness
Jay K
JK
Burak
William E
WE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary