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WEIRTON -- The Weirton Medical Center BreastCare Center has added to its diagnostic and treatment capabilities, becoming one of the first in the region to offer the Hologic Affirm.
Affirm is the first dedicated, upright biopsy system to offer 2-D and 3-D imaging-guided breast biopsies. The technology can pinpoint subtle lesions and faint calcifications better than before, according to hospital officials, offering faster targeting and fewer X-ray exposures.
The unit also provides WMC increased flexibility in scheduling for patients.
"Adding the Affirm upright biopsy system and a second mammography unit is a game-changer by dramatically increasing capabilities while adding to more flexibility here at the BreastCare Center," said Robin Lemley, radiology manager. "With the Affirm system, we are able to localize lesions often visible only with 3-D tomosynthesis imaging, enabling our radiologists to biopsy even the most challenging cases."
"This technology means we now offer the complete spectrum of breast diagnostics here at WMC," said Dr. John Balzano of the radiology department. "Now we do not need to send out those complicated cases because we can do them right here."
WMC also has added the Clarity HD with 3-DQuorum technology viewing system to its diagnostics tools. This viewing system enhances the way breast radiologists detect lesions, calcifications and other irregularities, officials report. Clarity HD produces high resolution 3-D imaging for the fastest and highest resolution 3-D images in the industry.
"These upgrades truly set WMC even farther apart from others because we have technology that is usually only offered to patients in major metropolitan areas," said Kelli McCoy, director of communications. "We are very excited about offering this to our community."