Ultrasound-Guided Breast Interventions

Abstract

Widely accepted as a minimally invasive, accurate, cost-effective technique, percutaneous image-guided biopsy has largely replaced diagnostic surgical biopsy in the evaluation of breast lesions. The natural curvature of the breast is used to advantage in ultrasound-guided breast interventions. Once mastered, free-hand technique is typically the fastest, most accurate method for ultrasound-guided procedures. Challenging cases require additional planning, however most breast lesions visible on ultrasound are amenable to ultrasound-guided biopsy. Contraindications and complications are few. This chapter focuses primarily on ultrasound-guided breast biopsy using freehand guidance. Many of these concepts can be transferred to other ultrasound-guided interventions.