The Advanced Breast Biopsy Instrumentation (ABBI) system combines a cylindrical single-use biopsy device with digital stereotactic
imaging that achieves targeting of radiographic lesions to ± 1 mm. This allows complete removal of specimens in a one-step
procedure that does not involve separate trips to radiology and then surgery. The ABBI system improves on core needle biopsy
and fine-needle aspiration and may reduce the need for open biopsy. The authors' initial 34 cases utilizing the ABBI system
were reviewed. The accuracy of specimen targeting, the success rate of lesion removal, and operative complications were some
of the issues assessed. Six cases were not suitable for the procedure: the mammographic lesion was not visualized in four,
and the breast was too thin on compression in two. There was successful removal of the lesion in 27 of the remaining 28 cases.
There were no local wound complications, and patient satisfaction was high in all completed biopsies. The ABBI system is an
effective new form of minimally invasive breast surgery. It provides complete excision of mammographic abnormalities. Its
use of the most direct path to these lesions allows for minimal removal of adjacent normal tissue. In this study there were
no complications and very little patient pain.
Key words: Advanced Breast Biopsy Instrumentation — ABBI
Received: 23 August 1996/Accepted: 14 October 1996