What to Know About Breast Biopsy Devices in Modern Oncology

Breast biopsy devices are essential tools for early detection and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer. The type of device used can influence not only the biopsy outcome, but also the entire course of treatment. In this article, we explain the different types of breast biopsy devices used today, how they fit into the oncology care pathway, and why localization remains crucial, especially in the surgical phase.

Why Biopsy Devices Matter

Biopsy procedures are typically performed after a suspicious lesion is detected through mammography, ultrasound or MRI. The biopsy confirms whether a lesion is malignant and informs subsequent treatment. Devices used in breast biopsy procedures help ensure:

• Accurate tissue sampling
• Minimal invasiveness
• Consistent marker placement for future localization
• Reduced risk of repeat procedures

A well-performed biopsy not only confirms a diagnosis but often leads to placement of a clip or marker that is later used for tumor localization during surgery.

Types of Breast Biopsy Devices

There are several biopsy methods, each with its own device types:

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) – Thin needle for cytology, often used for cysts
• Core Needle Biopsy (CNB) – Spring-loaded needle for small tissue samples
• Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy (VAB) – Uses suction for larger, multiple tissue samples
• Stereotactic Biopsy Systems – Image-guided, often used in microcalcifications
• MRI-Guided Biopsy Systems – For lesions visible only on MRI
• Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Devices – The most widely used method in palpable or sonographically visible lesions

These devices are not only diagnostic tools but also the starting point for surgical planning. For example, most include a clip deployment mechanism, enabling future localization via magnetic seed or other systems like the Pintuition Marker®.

Clip Placement and Surgical Localization

In many cases, especially when patients receive neoadjuvant systemic therapy, the lesion is no longer visible at time of surgery. This makes the clip placed during biopsy the only anatomical reference. To locate it intraoperatively, devices such as magnetic seeds, radioactive seeds or wire guidance are used.

Magnetic seed systems like Pintuition® allow for:

• Non-radioactive, flexible scheduling
• Real-time directional navigation in the OR
• Use in both breast tumors and lymph nodes
• Accurate re-identification of biopsy-confirmed targets

This seamless transition from biopsy to surgery improves workflow between radiology and surgery, and supports oncologic safety.

Quality Considerations in Device Selection

When choosing a biopsy device, clinicians consider:

• Accuracy of sampling, especially in small or deep lesions
• Patient comfort and procedure time
• Clip visibility on different imaging modalities
• Compatibility with future localization tools

In high-volume breast units, standardizing devices that integrate well with localization workflows leads to more predictable care and fewer complications.

See also our related blog: Seed Localization vs Wire-Guided: What Surgeons Need to Know.

How Sirius Medical Complements Biopsy Pathways

While Sirius Medical does not provide the biopsy device itself, our technology directly supports the next step: accurate lesion localization based on the clip placed during biopsy.

The Pintuition Marker® can be inserted days or weeks before surgery. The Pintuition System® provides audio-visual guidance for lesion and node targeting. The setup is compact and easy to implement, with no radiation safety constraints.

This means a more predictable surgical day, fewer delays, and more confidence for both surgeon and patient.

Want to learn more?

Request a demo or download the brochure for clinical case examples and implementation support.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While Sirius Medical is dedicated to improving breast cancer treatment through innovative localization technology, we do not provide medical diagnoses or treatment recommendations. If you experience any symptoms or changes in your breast health, consult a qualified healthcare professional promptly. Early medical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Always seek professional guidance for concerns regarding your health.