Needle localization of nonpalpable breast lesions with a portable dual-grid compression system. Work in progress

A new device and a geometric algorithm facilitate consistent insertion of a needle tip into nonpalpable breast lesions on a single attempt. With the breast compressed by dual grid plates, two oblique exposures are taken. Three intersecting planes through the lesion referenced to the grid markings permit easy determination of the lesion coordinates. In initial trials for preoperative breast lesion localization in 11 patients, the needle tip was within the lesion in nine patients and was within 0.5 cm of the lesion in two patients. The results indicate that this system is very useful for accurate localization and needle aspiration of breast lesions.