MRI-Compatible and Cost-Effective Clipping of Breast Carcinoma Using Titanium-Based Surgical Ligating Clips.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Accurate breast tumor localization is crucial for effective neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).
• Titanium-based clips (TBC) are increasingly used for tumor marking due to their biocompatibility and radiopacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the MRI compatibility, safety, and effectiveness of titanium-based surgical ligating clips (TBC) for breast tumor localization in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Main Methods:

• A prospective study included ten female patients with Stage I or II unifocal breast carcinoma.
• TBC were placed under ultrasound guidance and assessed via mammography, ultrasound, and MRI before and after NAC.
• Exclusion criteria included advanced tumors, disease progression during NAC, or MRI contraindications.

Main Results:

• Mammography and ultrasound confirmed clip visibility immediately after placement in all cases.
• MRI revealed no significant artifacts or adverse effects associated with the TBC.
• TBC demonstrated MRI compatibility and reliability for tumor localization throughout NAC.

Conclusions:

• Titanium-based clips are a cost-effective, MRI-compatible, and reliable method for breast tumor localization during NAC.
• This technique is particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings.
• TBC are safe and do not interfere with MRI imaging or treatment monitoring.