New research presented at the American Society of Breast Surgeons Annual Conference in Las Vegas indicates that intraoperative use of 3-D specimen tomosynthesis enables breast surgeons and radiologists to significantly reduce their re-excision rates compared to traditional 2-D imaging.  

The study, led by Cary S. Kaufman, MD, of the University of Washington Department of Surgery and Bellingham Regional Breast Center, was conducted over an 18 month period and compared 200 patients who had image guided lumpectomies using both intraoperative 2-D imaging and intraoperative 3-D Tomosynthesis.  

In the 18 months since they adopted the routine use of intraoperative 3-D tomosynthesis, the authors observed a significant reduction in the surgical re-excision rate, from 16% to 9%.  

This is remarkable as the average re-excision rate for this procedure in the US is generally considered to be 30%. Driving a reduction of this magnitude will have a positive impact on health care costs and patient satisfaction.  

In addition, the authors concluded that in 70% of the densities, the specimen tomosynthesis images provided more information than 2-D specimen X-ray and that overall, tomosynthesis was more precise in 43% of lesions.  

To request a free copy of this most recent study, "View for View, 3-D Specimen Tomosynthesis Provides More Data Than 2-D Specimen Mammography," follow this link: http://www.kubtec.com/mozart-email.  

The MOZART System from KUBTEC is the only specimen radiography system to use 3-D tomosynthesis to enable healthcare professionals to obtain the best view of their surgical margins.  

Rather than producing a single 2-D planar view of multiple tissue layers, the MOZART System uses 3-D Tomosynthesis technology to eliminate tissue interference by digitally removing overlying or underlying tissue in 1mm slices. This means that potential extensions of the cancer, radiating laterally or deep to the lesion, can be seen with greater clarity, helping to decrease the risk of positive margins and optimizing the cosmetic outcome of the procedure.