Breast Imaging

Pre-surgical Wire Localization

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Pre-surgical Wire Location procedure is performed in order to identify the location of the abnormality that may not be palpable to assist the surgeon in finding the area to excise. The procedure is performed with mammography or ultrasound guidance. The modality is pre-determined at the time of the pre-operative workup which may have included a mammogram, ultrasound or needle biopsy.

What to Expect

Mammography Guidance:

  • The procedure will take approximately 60 minutes.
  • You will report to the ambulatory surgical unit and from there you will be escorted to the Breast Imaging department.
  • You will be positioned in the mammogram machine and the area of concern will be localized easily from the microclip placed after the needle biopsy.
  • Mammogram pictures will be taken to confirm the location of the suspected abnormality.
  • The skin on your breast will be cleaned; then a local anesthetic is injected with very fine needle. You may feel a slight sting.
  • A thin, hollow needle is inserted  and guided to the lesion. Because of the local anesthetic, most patients report only a small amount of pressure during the procedure.
  • A mammogram will be taken again to confirm the position of the needle. The needle is adjusted if necessary.
  • A thin wire is threaded into the hollow needle. The end of the wire has a tiny fish hook or curve to hold it in place.
  • The localization device is secured to the skin with gauze and tape.
  • You will return to the surgery center.

Ultrasound Guidance:

  • The procedure will take approximately 60 minutes.
  • You will report to the ambulatory surgical unit and from there you will be escorted to the Breast imaging department.
  • You will be lie on your back and an ultrasound exam will be performed to find the area to be localized.
  • Ultrasound pictures will be taken to confirm the area for localization.
  • The skin on your breast will be cleaned; then a local anesthetic is injected with very fine needle. You may feel a slight sting.
  • A thin, hollow needle is inserted  and guided to the lesion. Because of the local anesthetic, most patients report only a small amount of pressure during the procedure.
  • A thin wire is threaded into the hollow needle. The end of the wire has a tiny fish hook or curve to hold it in place.
  • The localization device is secured to the skin with gauze and tape.
  • A mammogram is taken to provide your surgeon with an image of the localization procedure.
  • You will return to the surgery center.