What is a Mammotome?
The Mammotome is a new instrument for breast biopsy that was approved by the FDA in 1995. It is a mini scalpel (surgical knife blade) that is within the core biopsy equipment. The Mammotome has a very sharp blade on its edge that whirrs around. The desired specimen is then suctioned out by a vacuum system. The advantage of the Mammotone over the traditional core biopsy is that the Mammotome can obtain bigger samples. The Mammotome biopsy is also performed faster and with only one needle insertion which aids in the comfort of the patient.
