Cost-effectiveness analysis of two vacuum-assisted breast biopsy systems: Mammotome and Vacora

Abstract

Purpose: This study was undertaken to compare the cost effectiveness of two vacuum-assisted breast biopsy devices, the Mammotome and Vacora systems.

Materials and methods: Between January and June 2006, 238 vacuum-assisted breast biopsies were performed at our radiology department. Five out of 238 lesions were excluded because of inadequate sampling. The Mammotome system was used in 108/233 lesions and the Vacora system in 125/233. Fifty-eight lesions underwent ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, and 50 lesions underwent mammography-guided biopsy with both Mammotome and Vacora devices. Magnetic-resonance-guided biopsy was possible with the Vacora system only (17/125 lesions).

Results: All procedures were successfully completed. No significant differences were found between the results of the Mammotome and Vacora biopsies in terms of effectiveness: sensitivity was 84.4% and 86.2%, respectively, and specificity 100%. In terms of cost, the Mammotome system has higher costs per procedure compared with the Vacora.

Conclusions: Our clinical results confirm the diagnostic accuracy of both the Mammotome and Vacora systems, whereas our cost analysis shows that there is a considerable difference, mostly related to the initial investment.