Initial experience with breast biopsy utilizing the advanced breast biopsy instrumentation (ABBI)

The Advanced Breast Biopsy Instrumentation (ABBI) system combines a cylindrical single-use biopsy device with digital stereotactic imaging that achieves targeting of radiographic lesions to +/- 1 mm. This allows complete removal of specimens in a one-step procedure that does not involve separate trips to radiology and then surgery. The ABBI system improves on core needle biopsy and fine-needle aspiration and may reduce the need for open biopsy. The authors' initial 34 cases utilizing the ABBI system were reviewed. The accuracy of specimen targeting, the success rate of lesion removal, and operative complications were some of the issues assessed. Six cases were not suitable for the procedure: the mammographic lesion was not visualized in four, and the breast was too thin on compression in two. There was successful removal of the lesion in 27 of the remaining 28 cases. There were no local wound complications, and patient satisfaction was high in all completed biopsies. The ABBI system is an effective new form of minimally invasive breast surgery. It provides complete excision of mammographic abnormalities. Its use of the most direct path to these lesions allows for minimal removal of adjacent normal tissue. In this study there were no complications and very little patient pain.