title: Percutaneous removal of benign breast masses using a vacuum-assisted hand-held device with ultrasound guidance.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: The Breast Center, Marietta, GA 30060, USA. Rfinemd@aol.com
authors.forename: Richard E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Fine
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Boyd
authors.forename: Pat W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Whitworth
authors.forename: Julian A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jay K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Harness
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Burak
mesh_terms: 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