Use of the lateral arm in tomosynthesis-guided SCOUT Reflector placement procedures

Preoperative localization procedures are important for guiding surgical excision of non-palpable findings in the breast. The SCOUT Reflector (Merit Medical, South Jordan UT, USA) is a non-wire-based localization device that has been incorporated into clinical use with great success. SCOUT Reflectors can be placed using several imaging modalities, including tomosynthesis. One drawback to SCOUT Reflector placement under tomosynthesis guidance is an inability to directly visualize the introducer needle tip, a factor that limits precision. In this brief communication, we describe the use of a lateral arm attachment for tomosynthesis guided SCOUT Reflector placement. Precise SCOUT Reflector placement can be achieved using the lateral arm due to the ability to clearly visualize the introducer needle and the SCOUT Reflector within the introducer needle bore prior to deployment.