Ethicon Endo-Surgery (EES) has released its new Mammotome MR, an MRI-guided breast biopsy device available throughout the U.S. to help doctors accurately diagnose women who are at high risk for breast cancer and have lesions that cannot be accurately detected with mammography or ultrasound, according to a release from the company.

“The Mammotome MR with vacuum assistance helps doctors obtain sufficient tissue to accurately diagnose the smallest of breast abnormalities without open surgery,” said Kathy Schilling, MD, medical director of Imaging and Intervention Women's Center/Center for Breast Care at Boca Raton Radiology Group. “This is an important new option for high risk women,” Schilling added.

A procedure with the Mammotome MR involves the single insertion of a needle equipped with a vacuum device into a tiny _-inch incision (about the size of a match head). Under MRI guidance, the device gently vacuums, cuts and partially or completely removes suspicious breast tissue for evaluation. The outpatient procedure can be performed in an MRI suite and typically takes less than an hour. 

“The Mammotome can now be used with all three imaging modalities including stereotactic, ultrasound and MRI, to detect and diagnose breast abnormalities,” said Lucia Buehler, group product director, Ethicon Endo-Surgery.  “Radiologists have been waiting to use the Mammotome MR and now they have a truly dependable device for complex breast abnormalities from a company that offers tremendous product support and training with both the health professional and patient in mind.”

The Mammotome MR also has a hands-free holster with feedback display for procedural focus, and the device’s targeting sleeve allows physicians to visualize the sampling area/aperture in MR.