Derriford breast centre finds work flows with biopsy system
The Primrose Breast Care Centre at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, has replaced an old biopsy table with a Hologic Affirm prone breast biopsy system. Having offered prone biopsy for more than 10 years, the Derriford team was keen to opt for prone again for its improved patient comfort and easy positioning.
The centre sees assessment and symptomatic patients in a dedicated breast unit, with the catchment area covering Plymouth, much of east Cornwall and west and south Devon. Part of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, the West Devon and East Cornwall Breast Screening Service is also organised from the Primrose Breast Care Centre.
Radiographer Kayleigh Luckett said: “The Hologic Affirm prone breast biopsy system is so simple and intuitive to use, everything just seems to flow. We like the large field of view and the integrated lateral needle approach; it allows us to switch from a standard to lateral approach in seconds. Our procedures are significantly quicker, sometimes shaving 15 minutes off previous procedure times. QA is also quicker, so our general work efficiency is improved.”
The fully integrated C-arm with bi-directional patient positioning provides 360 degree access to the breast, aiding approach to some of the most challenging lesions.
Consultant radiologist Dr Karen Paisley added: “Image quality is significantly improved from our old technology and having tomosynthesis biopsy capability immediately increases confidence in accuracy. Our quicker procedures certainly reduce patient stress.”
Picture: Radiographer Kayleigh Luckett, consultant radiologist Dr Karen Paisley, Hologic breast health sales specialist Kathryn Cooke, radiographer Kirsty Hall and consultant radiographer Maggie Jenkin.
Published on page 3 of the May 2019 issue of RAD Magazine.
