Sonographic Visibility of Novel Volumetric Breast Markers: A Phantom-Based Study With Multi-modality Imaging Correlation
Tomoyuki Fujioka, Kazunori Kubota, Yuka Yashima, Yosuke Kaga, Kazunori Ohashi, Anna Tabei, Emi Yamaga, Toshiyuki Ishiba, Tomoyuki Aruga, Tsuyoshi NakagawaObjective:
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has increased the number of patients achieving pathological complete response, making primary tumors and axillary lymph nodes difficult to identify on imaging. Accurate localization is therefore important for surgery, and breast markers play a key role. The aim of this study was to test recently developed volumetric breast markers to ascertain if they provide improved visibility, with sonograph.
Materials and Methods:
Three configurations of the UltraCor Twirl Breast Tissue Marker (BD) were evaluated: (1) Ring, a conventional planar configuration; (2) Curls, a novel volumetric configuration; and (3) Clover, a novel volumetric configuration. Markers were placed into a chicken breast phantom under sonographic guidance. Marker visibility was evaluated based on imaging completed with sonography, mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by experienced breast radiologists.
Results:
All breast markers were successfully deployed. Curls showed the highest visibility with sonography, while Clover was also clearly visualized. All markers were well visualized on mammography. On MRI, visibility increased with marker size, with Curls showing the highest visibility.
Conclusion:
Volumetric breast markers demonstrated good visibility across all imaging techniques, especially sonography. Curls showed the highest visibility, while Clover may be suitable for small lesions or axillary lymph nodes.