Liane Elizabeth Philpotts MD, Presenter: Consultant, Hologic, Inc.

Vivek Bihari Kalra MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jacquelyn Crenshaw RT, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Reni Simov Butler MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To examine patient throughput with 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) versus 2D mammography for screening and diagnostic exams in terms of number of images obtained per exam and room/resource utilization at a dedicated breast center.

The number of mammogram exams for a one year period prior to (8/1/10 – 7/31/11) and after (3/1/12 - 2/28/13) tomosynthesis introduction was retrospectively assessed. The number of screening and diagnostic exams performed on 3 digital mammography units (Selenia, Hologic, Bedford, MA) versus the same 3 digital mammography units plus one tomosynthesis unit (Dimensions, Hologic) were compared to determine volumes for individual units. Given that the number of views per screening case is similar, the number of images obtained per diagnostic case was retrospectively assessed over a one week period for the 2D cases (7/22/11-7/27/11) and the cases performed with tomosynthesis (3/4/13-3/9/13).

For the one year prior to tomosynthesis, 9462 screening and 4611 diagnostic exams were performed on three digital mammography units, for a total of 14,073 exams, or 4,691 exams per unit. After the incorporation of tomosynthesis, 11,101 screening and 5357 diagnostic exams were performed for an overall increase to 16,438 total exams. On the single tomosynthesis unit, 7,913 screening and 3594 diagnostic exams were performed, for a total of 11,507 exams. The remaining 3188 screening and 1763 diagnostic exams were performed on the 3 remaining 2D units. Therefore, the single tomo unit handled 2.5 times more exams than the individual 2D units previously. The total number of views per diagnostic patient decreased 11% with tomosynthesis compared to 2D, from 4.6 to 4.1 views per patient. Spot views decreased 57%, from 0.97 to 0.42 views per patient with tomosynthesis compared to 2D, with a decrease of 67% for bilateral exams and 49% for unilateral exams.

Tomosynthesis results in decreased number of images necessary per diagnostic case. Such expedited work up translates to better patient throughput and resource utilization. Such information is important in factoring equipment purchases and resource scheduling.

Tomosynthesis expedites patient diagnostic workup and results in better patient throughput and resource utilization.

Philpotts, L, Kalra, V, Crenshaw, J, Butler, R, How Tomosynthesis Optimizes Patient Work Up, Throughput, and Resource Utilization.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13016543.html