Hologic's tomosynthesis system was the first on the market and has been installed in Europe for nearly a year. Culley noted that tomosynthesis has been talked about for many years but only recently did it become commercially viable to produce. Advances in processing and reconstruction algorithms have a lot to do with its new-found feasibility.

"Two years ago it took more than an hour of heavy-duty compression processing to get one image reconstructed," said Culley. "Now we can do it in a couple of seconds."


In addition, Hologic's SecurView workstations provide R2 computer-aided detection (CAD), a sophisticated tool that can help clinicians detect cancer at its earliest stage, noted Culley.

Hologic also offers the MammoPad breast cushion, a soft foam pad designed to help minimize discomfort and to enable technologists to get the best possible image during a mammography screening. It's not just a simple pad.

"You don't want anything to show up in that X-ray image, so you've got to have a radiolucent cushion. That's not easy to do," said Culley. "The MammoPad has a lot of technology behind it."

Unfortunately it is not reimbursed by CMS, but a lot of customers have picked up on it and some are even offering it as an inexpensive self-pay option to patients.

"If a suspicious lesion is detected, Hologic supports the next clinical steps," stated Culley. "Hologic ATEC, Eviva and Celero breast biopsy systems, coupled with their MultiCare Platinum prone biopsy table and StereoLoc II upright biopsy platform, are designed to facilitate highly precise, image-guided procedures under minimally invasive conditions and provide compassionate care for every woman facing a breast cancer diagnosis."

In the case that early-stage cancer is detected, many women could be candidates for Hologic's MammoSite five-day targeted radiation therapy system, which offers a patient-friendly alternative to traditional whole breast radiation.

"Our focus and concentration on breast cancer is unparalleled," Culley said. "No other major healthcare company devotes a higher percentage of its resources to the development and deployment of screening, diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to meet the diverse challenges of this disease. As a result, breast surgeons, radiation oncologists, and related healthcare professionals alike have come to rely on our continued advancements in digital mammography, biopsy technologies, and radiation-focused breast conservation therapy."

Established in 1985 and with centers of operation in North America, Europe, Central America, Australia and Asia, Culley said Hologic is focused on extending its medical systems and solutions to benefit women around the world.

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