MRI-guided vacuum biopsy

In a few cases, the tumor-suspicious finding can only be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cannot be reproduced by mammography or ultrasound. In this case, magnetic resonance imaging must be used for image-guided sampling.

The patient is positioned in the prone position. The breast is fixed under slight compression. MRI images are first taken again to localize the findings.

The biopsy itself is performed outside the MRI "tube".

The area to be biopsied is anaesthetized with a local anaesthetic. The biopsy needle is then inserted into the correct position and several small tissue samples are taken. The position of the needle is repeatedly checked in between by taking MRI images.

Following the procedure, the biopsy site is marked with a small marker (clip) so that further procedures can be carried out without MRI imaging in the event of pathological findings.

The procedure takes about 30 minutes in total, as multiple MRI images are taken. The actual biopsy procedure only takes 30-60 seconds.

The puncture site is treated with a plaster bandage and a pressure bandage. Apart from a small bruise (hematoma), no complications are generally to be expected. In most cases, the hematoma subsides on its own after a few days.