Hologic - Clarity of Vision

The Hologic Detector Was a Crucial Part of the Decision

A key factor affecting the decision to go with Hologic was its ability to accommodate different breast sizes easily. Selenia offered not only a large detector, but also a shifting compression paddle that enables accurate positioning and imaging of small breasts. “One of the reasons for deciding to go with Selenia was the larger imaging detector plate,” said Deborah Lockhart. “The size of the imaging plate detector was important in our decision.”

The larger image plate means that women with larger breasts can be imaged in one exposure, more easily.“We really like the ability to care for all patients regardless of size,” said Cain, “and without having to change image receptors. The compression paddle is all you need to switch.”

DMIST Results Reinforced the Hospital Decision to Go Digital

“As DMIST [Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial] pointed out, digital technology makes imaging women with denser breast tissue easier and more effective,” said The Technology Solutions Resource for Medical Imaging & Radiation Oncology Professionals Cain. "For patients with very dense breasts, digital enables us to give sharp, high contrast images to the radiologist. The better the image, the better the likelihood of catching a cancer early. If you can find it before you can feel it, your chances are much better."

The findings of the DMIST studies were important for Dr. Semine for other reasons as well. “The DMIST study,” said Dr. Semine, “gave us confirmation that we were right in moving forward with our plans for creating a totally digital environment.”

Fully Digital Now

The Women’s Imaging Center continues its journey of providing quality care to its patients by recently completing its four-year transition process to a fully digital work environment. They now boast a total of seven Selenia digital mammography systems, three dedicated radiologist diagnostic workstations, and eight technologist workstations. “Having the right tools,” Dr. Semine said, “is critical in running a busy department.”

Since beginning the transition to digital, the Center has seen an increase in annual patient volumes averaging twenty percent per year, for each year, since the first Selenia system was installed.

The new digital workflow is allowing the Women’s Imaging Center to improve the patient experience for a growing number of women. “The Center has grown so much in four years,” Dr. Semine said. “Digital has allowed us to continue growing in the same space footprint.”

In fact, since beginning the transition to digital, the Center has seen an increase in annual patient volumes averaging twenty percent per year, for each year, since the first Selenia system was installed. “We want to be able to continue growing, but we don’t want our growth to have a negative effect on the quality of care that women have come to expect at the Center. What attracts patients here is our way of taking care of them.”

“Hologic, because of its leadership,” said Dr. Semine, “has been very capable in terms of recognizing the technologies that do need to be pursued. One of the most exciting advances in mammography – one that is only possible with digital technology – is the development of breast tomosynthesis*.

“I’m eager to use tomosynthesis,” Dr. Semine said, “to see what it can do in a busy clinical environment. Tomosynthesis could prove to be a remarkable tool."

* Note: Breast tomosynthesis is limited by Federal (USA) Law to investigational use only.