Upright Tomosynthesis-guided Breast Biopsy: Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

The advent and implementation of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) have had a significant effect on breast cancer detection and image-guided breast procedures. DBT has been shown to improve the visualization of architectural distortions and noncalcified masses. With the incorporation of DBT imaging, biopsy of those findings seen only with DBT is feasible, and the need for localization and surgical excision to determine the pathologic diagnosis is avoided. The additional benefits of reduced procedural time, better localization, and increased technical success support the use of DBT for breast biopsy. DBT-guided biopsy can be performed with the patient prone or upright, depending on the table or unit used. Upright positioning enables improved patient comfort, particularly in patients who have restricted mobility, weight-related limitations, and/or difficulty lying prone for an extended period. Upright DBT-guided breast procedures require a cohesive team approach with overlapping radiologist and technologist responsibilities. Since this is a common breast procedure, the radiologist should be familiar with preprocedural considerations, patient preparations, and use of the biopsy equipment. The basic principles of upright DBT-guided breast biopsy are described in this comprehensive review. The various procedural components, including alternative approaches and techniques, are discussed. Tips and tricks for navigating the biopsy procedure to minimize complications, imaging examples of crucial steps, and supporting diagrams are provided. In addition, the challenges of performing upright DBT-guided biopsy, with troubleshooting techniques to ensure a successful procedure, are reviewed. ^©RSNA, 2021.