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

The MRI compatibility, safety, and effectiveness of titanium-based surgical ligating clips (TBC) were evaluated in breast cancer patients. In a prospective study conducted at the Department of Radiology, INMOL Cancer Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from August 2022 to 2023, ten female patients diagnosed with Stage I or II unifocal breast carcinoma, with no prior history of breast cancer recurrence, were included. Patients with advanced tumours (Stage III or IV), disease progression during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), or contraindications to MRI were excluded from the study. TBC were placed under ultrasound guidance, and their visibility was assessed using mammography, ultrasound, and MRI before and after NAC. Mammography and ultrasound performed immediately after the clip placement confirmed the clip visibility in all cases. The MRI showed no significant artefacts or adverse effects. These findings suggest that TBC is cost-effective, MRI-compatible, and reliable method for breast tumour localisation during NAC. This technique may be particularly beneficial in settings with limited resources. Key Words: MRI compatibility, Breast clips, Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Artefacts.