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The

MAMMOGRAPHYCENTER of MONTEREYCASE STUDY

THE CHALLENGE: Imaging Dense Breast Tissue

An ACR-accredited breast imaging center, The Mammography Center of Monterey has been in business for nearly three decades. Since its opening in 1989 in Monterey, CA, the center quickly earned a reputation as an innovator. After all, they were the first provider to use film-screen technology in the area.

Recently, The Mammography Center of Monterey faced two critical challenges. As a small business, the center continually relied on one digital mammography unit. In 2016, the aging system malfunctioned and the center had to cease performing exams for five weeks –putting a significant strain on the business.

While the hiatus and drop in procedure volume was one problem, Mary Lou Catania, RN, president and founder, realized there was another issue. Because digital mammography was the only modality the center offered, each month her radiologists were sending 25-30 patients with dense breast tissue to another provider so that they could have adjunctive breast ultrasounds.

In short, The Mammography Center of Monterey was losing the opportunity to offer comprehensive services to their patients with dense breast tissue.

THE SOLUTION: Best of Breed Technology,Best Team in the Business

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) provides valuable enhanced clinical efficiency compared to using FFDM alone.

After evaluating competitive breast tomosynthesis units—and speaking with both a technologist and a radiologist familiar with Fujifilm’s ASPIRE Cristalle FFDM system with Digital Breast Tomosynthesis —Catania opted for Fujifilm’s innovative technology.

Moreover, Catania herself took the maiden voyage. “I was the first one to have my own mammogram taken with the ASPIRE Cristalle with DBT and I was blown away,” said Catania. “I’ve been through many systems and they always say they are ‘comfortable’ and none of them are comfortable. But this one has the comfort paddle – it was like a soft pillow—I could hardly believe it.”

Catania knew she had invested wisely. “The ASPIRE Cristalle is easier and simpler, and the comfort paddle makes a big difference. Now every patient walks out telling me the machine is amazing and so comfortable,” said Catania, RN.

According to Catania, both Fujifilm’s product and people have exceeded expectations. Radiologists at the center are impressed with the technology and their ability to clearly see details, especially in images of dense breast tissue. Since they began using ASPIRE Cristalle with DBT, recall rates at The Mammography Center of Monterey have dropped. In fact, zero

patients have been recalled due to dense breast tissue (in non-cancer cases).

Catania also credits the manufacturer with a smooth installation and excellent training.

The Fujifilm professionals responsible for training were top-notch, too. “Our technologists quickly got up to speed on the ASPIRE Cristalle and were able to rapidly get back on track, performing a backlog of patient exams,” said Catania. “They love the system. In fact, one of our techs actually shows the patients the difference between what 2D and 3D looks like on the left screen and right screen. Patients are really impressed with what the radiologists can see.”

RESULTS & NEXT STEPS: Volume Building,Word Spreading

Word is spreading, says Catania. The center has already received several patient referrals direct from other patients based on their endorsement of Fujifilm’s comfort paddle. Moreover, after experiencing the ASPIRE Cristalle many patients have told Catania they’ll never fear their mammogram again and won’t postpone their annual screening.

The Mammography Center of Monterey is also getting great feedback from local physicians and radiologists. It’s the first 3D system in the community. “But seeing is believing,” said Catania, who is planning an Open House for physicians to come and see the ASPIRE Cristalle in action, first-hand.

Exam volume is building since the installation. In fact, Catania plans to expand the center’s hours of operation to include evenings and Saturdays, so that more women have access to digital beast tomosynthesis exams.

An innovator herself—she’s the first on her block to offer breast tomosyn-thesis—it’s no surprise that Catania chose Fujifilm. After all, ‘like attracts like,’ as the adage goes. And, Fujifilm’s reputation for innovative technolo-gy is unprecedented.

But technology is only one part of the equation. A great system is essential, but the human touch is even more significant. “The people at Fujifilm are some of the best people I have ever worked with,” said Catania.

The Mammography Center of Monterey

XBUSMA099FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. 419 West Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902-6348www.fujimed.com, 866-879-0006, ©2018 FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A, Inc.