Hologic Developing 3-D Mammography
One of the largest manufacturers of mammography equipment, Hologic, is developing a three dimensional iteration of the traditional, 2-D based x-ray tool. The company intends to launch the new product line by 2009, two years later than the initially targeted launch date as reported in the Boston Globe.
The new machine under development employs digital tomosynthesis to procure images of breast tissue. This approach allows multiple images to be procured from a series of angles that vary slightly. Executives from Hologic suggest that the technologic advancements of 3-D mammography are on par with the improvements noted when CT scanning became available.
This imaging approach provides clinicians with approximately 100 different views of the breast. Traditional mammography yields only two images. Radiologists note the advantages of this imaging approach. Most importantly is the broader array of views available with 3-D mammography. Conventional mammography can miss lesions hidden behind other tissue; less likely with so many images from different angles.
The additional views should also cut down on the number of additional studies required due to studies which yield inconclusive or potentially suspicious findings in patients who are, in fact, without disease. Hologic speculates that the number of patients called back for additional studies may be halved once 3-D is launched.
The new technology, of course, has a significant price tag attached. Existing mammography machines from Hologic are in the $375,000 range. The new 3-D systems are expected to start around 30 percent more; the price tag will increase with incorporation of high-end workstations. The company hopes to have approval from the FDA before this year is over.
Other imaging manufacturers are developing their own 3-D mammography machines, most notably including General Electric. GE is Hologic’s biggest competitor in the mammography market and was the first to introduce digital mammography. GE hopes to launch their own 3-D system within the next two to three years. Siemens has a product under development as well.
June 3, 2008 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Imaging, Diagnostic