Mercy introduces new, advanced technology for breast biopsies
Mercy is first in Iowa to offer the 2D/3D system
Mercy Medical Center has added a new 2D/3D system for breast biopsies, making it the first hospital in Iowa to use the Affirm™ prone biopsy system by Hologic™. This technology, the first dedicated stereotactic prone biopsy system offering 2D and 3D imaging-guided breast biopsies, is now available at Mercy’s Women’s Center.
The system, which allows patients to lie face-down, or prone, on the specially designed exam table, gives doctors better access to the breast and allows them to more precisely target lesions or calcifications found during 3D mammography exams, as well as other screening procedures.
The system is designed to increase patient satisfaction through comfortable prone positioning that eliminates a direct view of the biopsy needle, reduced need for surgery in many cases, and faster procedure times. Improved efficiency means less time under compression for patients.
For physicians, using the system’s cutting-edge targeting and guidance technology offers superior image quality, improved workflow, and 360-degree access to the breast with both standard and lateral needle approaches, using a built-in lateral arm. Angles can be varied with minimal movement on the patient's part, as the patient is supported stably throughout the procedure.
This new system further expands Mercy’s comprehensive breast cancer care program, which consists of top technologies and services from detection to diagnosis and treatment. Mercy’s arsenal of cancer-fighting tools and technologies include: 3D mammography, Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), Savi Scout®, Hidden Scar® surgery, MammoSite®, MarginProbe®, walk-in mammograms, a fellowship-trained oncologic surgeon, nurse navigators, medical and radiation technology, and other cancer care experts and technology.
