GE Healthcare has announced the launch of a new automated whole-breast ultrasound (AWBU) system, designed to enhance cancer screening effectiveness in individuals with dense breast tissue. This advanced imaging technology aims to improve early detection rates and diagnostic accuracy, addressing the challenges posed by dense breasts in traditional mammography. The introduction of GE Healthcare’s new automated whole-breast ultrasound system represents a significant step forward in breast cancer screening, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
AWBU is a medical imaging technique that automates the acquisition of volumetric ultrasound data of the entire breast. Unlike traditional hand-held ultrasound, AWBU standardizes the imaging process, reducing operator dependency and allowing for consistent and reproducible results. This method enables the visualization of selected scan planes and the display of data as a volumetric image, facilitating comprehensive analysis.
Graysen Vigneux, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “For patients with dense breast tissue, where mammography alone may be insufficient, this technology provides a critical additional layer of detection, improving diagnostic accuracy and potentially saving lives.”
Studies have consistently demonstrated that supplementary ultrasound screening, when added to mammography, increases the detection rate of breast cancer, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. Dense breasts can obscure tumors on mammograms, making additional imaging modalities like AWBU crucial for effective screening.
GE Healthcare’s new AWBU system offers several advantages over traditional hand-held ultrasound, including standardized imaging and reduced operator dependency. However, it is important to note that some AWBU techniques may employ lower frequency transducers, potentially resulting in lower spatial and contrast resolution compared to hand-held devices.
Vigneux concludes: “Early detection remains the cornerstone of improving breast cancer outcomes, and for women with dense breast tissue, automated whole-breast ultrasound offers a promising advancement. This technology enhances the ability to identify tumors that might otherwise be missed, leading to earlier intervention and better treatment options.”
