St. Clair Hospital has further enhanced the quality of care at its state-of-the-art Breast Care Center with the addition of an advanced diagnostic technology that offers women who need breast biopsies a more comfortable experience and more accurate imaging. The new medical device, the Hologic Affirm Prone Breast Biopsy System, allows radiologists to use 3-D imaging to precisely locate and target breast lesions, including those that are challenging to detect, for biopsy.

There are numerous advantages for the patient, says Andrea M. Sanfilippo, M.D., a board certified radiologist and the Director of Breast Imaging at St. Clair. “With this superior system, the patient has an easier and faster experience. There is less breast compression and less exposure to radiation. The system is designed for comfort: the patient can recline, with the instruments out of view, positioned with cushions that our staff manipulates to create maximum patient comfort.”

To obtain a breast biopsy, the patient lies prone on a table that has an opening for the breast; the table is elevated to give the radiologist 360-degree access. With the advanced system, both 2-D stereotactic and 3-D guided imaging are used to locate the lesion and guide the biopsy needle. According to Darrie Cosban, R.T. (R)(M)(BD), A.R.R.T., C.B.D.T., Breast Care Center supervisor, patients experience less anxiety with the system. “The feedback from patients is strongly positive, and the radiologists and techs appreciate the capabilities of this system. It’s another way that St. Clair is caring for the women of our community and demonstrating our commitment to the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team at the Breast Care Center, located at the St. Clair Outpatient Center, Village Square, 2000 Oxford Drive, Bethel Park, urges women to schedule their mammograms by calling (412) 942-8150.