Breast Biopsy Device

The Mammotome Hand Held is a minimally invasive breast biopsy device designed to help doctors diagnose whether or not breast abnormalities are cancerous. The FDA-approved device offers women a minimally invasive alternative to an open surgical biopsy, which can leave scarring and result in disfigurement of the breast. With this device, biopsies are performed in less than an hour, require no stitches, and save women a trip to the operating room.

The device can biopsy a wide range of breast abnormalities from microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium within the breast), to palpable lumps within the breast, both of which may indicate cancer is present. Procedures involve the one-time insertion of a probe directly into the area of the breast that appeared suspicious based on a physical exam or mammogram finding. With ultrasound guidance, a doctor uses the device to gently vacuum out suspicious tissue for examination.

The technology behind the device is the SmartVac computer-controlled vacuum system. This system has a high-speed rotating cutter that gives doctors control throughout the procedure to obtain tissue samples for a thorough biopsy. In addition, at the end of the biopsy procedure, a radiographic MicroMark tissue marker can be placed directly into the biopsied area of the breast to help manage follow-up care, including future mammograms and biopsies.

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., 4545 Creek Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242. Tel: 513-786-7000; Fax: 513-483-8113.