Mammogram Biopsy Chair or Prone Table for a Breast Centre

Upright stereotactic biopsy with a mammogram biopsy chair

In the upright approach a stereotactic add-on is attached to the gantry of a mammography unit, and the patient is seated in a biopsy chair or positioned standing or seated at the unit. The same machine therefore serves screening, diagnostic imaging and biopsy.

The main advantage is that no separate room or second machine is needed. Villa offers an optional stereotactic biopsy system for the Melody IIID and the optional SBD DMD 3D device for tomo-guided biopsy on the Melody IIID TS; confirm with the supplier which patient positions and chairs the add-on supports.

• Uses the existing mammography unit
• Smaller overall footprint
• Lower capital outlay than a dedicated table
• Same technologists and software as routine imaging

Prone breast biopsy table: what it offers

A prone table is a dedicated device on which the patient lies face down and the breast hangs through an aperture, with the imaging and needle assembly beneath. The patient is stable and cannot see the procedure, which many centres find helpful.

A prone breast biopsy table typically gives good access to posterior lesions and suits high procedure volumes, but it occupies its own room, adds a second system to maintain and cannot be used for screening. Some patients with limited mobility may find it harder to climb on the table.

• Stable position, patient does not watch the procedure
• Often easier access to posterior or axillary lesions
• Dedicated room and extra service contract
• Cannot replace the screening mammography unit

Comparing the two: access, footprint, workflow, cost

Patient access and comfort differ by approach and by patient: some tolerate sitting upright, others prefer lying down. Check the supplier's positioning options for patients who have difficulty sitting still, those who feel faint and those in wheelchairs.

Capital cost is usually lower for an add-on, but total cost depends on procedure volume. A busy breast centre may justify a table; a low-volume centre often cannot. Consider also how the choice fits your plans for tomosynthesis-guided biopsy and the wider stereotactic biopsy workflow.

Room layout and radiation protection

An upright add-on is installed in the mammography room, which must already be shielded and have a sterile-capable area for biopsy. A table needs additional floor space for the patient, operator and storage, and the room design must keep line of sight and emergency access.

Discuss layouts with the supplier early. Our note on mammography room design and shielding explains what a room needs, and Beckfinity can arrange installation for supplied equipment in the UAE.

How to decide

Estimate procedures per month, available rooms, the mix of patients and how many technologists and radiologists are trained. If volume is low or moderate and a good mammography unit is already in place, an add-on is usually the efficient route. If volume is high or the case mix includes difficult lesions, evaluate a table.

For help comparing configurations, contact Beckfinity's specialists with your volumes and room plan.