Preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions using a wire marker and perforated mammographic grid

Preoperative wire localization of mammographically identified nonpalpable breast lesions is facilitated by using a perforated mammographic compression plate. This device is used in conjunction with a self-retaining wire, and its use results in accurate placement of the wire-marker tip in close proximity to the mammographically suspicious lesion. In 39 of 47 lesions, the wire tip was within 1.0 cm of the lesion, and in 45 of 47 lesions, the wire tip was within 1.5 cm of the lesion.