Ultrasound Guided Biopsy with Vacuum Assistance

During an ultrasound guided biopsy with vacuum assistance procedure, you can expect the following:

• You will be positioned lying face up on the examination table or turned slightly to the side.
• The technologist will perform another ultrasound to find the area of concern.
• A local anesthetic (lidocaine) will be injected into the breast– you will feel a slight pin prick from the needle. Notify the staff if you need additional anesthetic.
• A very small nick is made in the skin at the site where the biopsy needle is to be inserted.
• The radiologist, constantly monitoring the lesion site with the ultrasound probe, will insert the needle and advance it to the area of concern.
• There are sounds associated with the biopsy device.
• Tissue samples are then removed using suction.
• A small marker may be placed at the site so that it can be located in the future, if necessary.
• Once the biopsy is complete, pressure will be applied for approximately 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
• The opening in the skin is covered with a small piece of surgical tape (steri-strip) and a gauze dressing. No sutures are needed.
• A mammogram may be performed to document the area of biopsy.
• You will be awake during your biopsy.

If you are scheduled for an ultrasound guided biopsy with vacuum assistance, please follow the guidelines below before and after your procedure.

Prebiopsy Instructions:

• Prior to a needle biopsy, you should report to your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to local anesthetic such as lidocaine.
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to check in and take care of any co-payments as needed by your insurance company.
• There are no diet restrictions on the date of the biopsy. You may have a light breakfast or a light lunch prior to the procedure.
• If you normally drive, most patients feel comfortable driving home after the procedure. If you prefer, you may bring a driver.
• Do not take any aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, coumadin, or any other blood thinners for seven days prior to biopsy. If you take Plavix, this blood thinning medication would need to be stopped 10 days prior to biopsy. If any of these medications have been prescribed to you by your doctor, you will need to get that doctor's approval prior to stopping the medications.
• Other than blood thinning medication, you should continue with all other scheduled medications, including blood pressure, diabetic, cholesterol, thyroid medication, etc.
• Wear a loose top to make room for an ice pack and ACE wrap that will be placed over the biopsy area after the procedure.

Post-Biopsy Instructions:

• Expect written instructions after the procedure.
• You may experience some bruising and tenderness after the biopsy. The previously discussed blood thinning medications should be avoided 24 hours after procedure to avoid risks for complications.
• You should avoid heavy lifting (10 pounds or over) and strenuous activity for 24 hours after procedure.
• Use an ice pack over area for several hours (30 minutes on and 30 minutes off). Place the ice pack in the freezer when not in use. Use the ACE bandage provided to minimize breast movement for 12 to 24 hours, as directed.
• Keep the biopsy site dry for 48 hours. You may shower after 48 hours, but do not submerge biopsy area until the steri-strips fall off. This usually occurs in five to six days.
• If desired, you may use topical antibiotic at the biopsy site.
• You should receive your biopsy results within 10 days. If you have not received your results within 10 days, please contact your doctor.

If you have any questions or concerns or begin to have any serious issues after the biopsy, please contact your physician. You can also call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0427.