From Thursday, 25 October 2010 issue of “La Vanguardia”

— Special monographic report — In March of 2009, FUJIFILM Espana S.A. installed its first FDR AMULET at the imaging center owned by Dr. Rafael Salvador. Dr. Salvador, an associate professor of radiology at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain, owns IMAGINE Diagnostic Imaging Centre, where he has conducted research indicating that the FDR AMULET offers higher image quality than comparable FDAapproved systems. Dr. Salvador’s research has also focused on how the ergonomics of the unit minimize patient pain and discomfort during mammographic procedures. La Vanguardia, a leading daily newspaper in Catalonia and the fourth-best-selling newspaper in Spain, featured Dr. Salvador’s findings in an interview with him and his brother, Dr. Manuel Salvador.

 

Interview: Doctors Manuel and Rafael Salvador, radiologists and directors of Imagine

The Diagnostic Imaging Centre has added a brand-new mammography unit to its equipment, which reduces the pain some women experience when having a mammogram. To learn more about this equipment and the benefits it offers, we talked to doctors Manuel and Rafael Salvador, the directors of the Centre.

What new features does this new mammography unit bring to your Centre?

Basically, the design of the equipment has been shown to prevent — or at least minimize — the pain that some women experience when having a mammogram done.

How does it work?

M.S.: The mammography unit has a very similar design to the one we have been using in the last few years. The operating mechanism is virtually identical, and is based on compressing the breast to get a better image and a more accurate diagnosis. What makes this equipment different is improved ergonomics, which means the woman does not “react” to the pressure, thus alleviating the pain.

Is it a question of posture?

R.S.: To some extent. The conventional mammography units compress the breast and then move to take various images. The patient’s position means that this movement forces a defense mechanism, which is what ends up causing the pain.

M.S.: In fact, the pressure this new mammography unit exerts is exactly the same as the previous ones, but the patient’s position has been improved so — to put it in simple terms — the patient moves in the same way as the equipment. The comfort and lack of “pull” makes the patient relax, and there is no pain reaction.

After having used it for a year, what has been the reaction from your patients?

R.S.: We carried out a survey and around 60% said they either felt no pain at all, or felt much less pain than on previous occasions. Virtually all of them told us that with this equipment the test is much more comfortable and less traumatic.

Does it also improve the image resolution?

R.S.: Yes, it does. It’s a new evolution in diagnostic imaging systems, and as in every evolution, the resolution is better. Little by little, manufacturers are perfecting their products and managing to combine image quality with the patient’s well-being.

M.S.: Also, the systems we’ve implemented at the Centre mean that every test is given a double reading: one by the computer system, and one by our own radiologists. This allows us to make much more accurate diagnoses, and also means the patient can go home with the results of their test.

Why is the absence of pain so important?

M.S.: Because a high percentage of women had stopped having the regular breast screening recommended by the health authorities to avoid experiencing the pain of the test. If we bear in mind that breast cancer prevention campaigns are based on effective early diagnosis, we must be able to do these tests in a way that is not painful for these women. If we can’t do this, it’s very likely that women will stop coming for screening, and consequently new cases of undetected cancer will increase.

We’ve talked about the mammography unit, but IMAGINE offers many other services...

R.S.: We were the pioneers in Catalonia in the regular use of breast ultrasound and breast biopsies, but we’re equipped to perform any kind of diagnostic imaging. Indeed, we’re constantly investing in new equipment (digital orthopantomographs, 3D ultrasound equipments, CT scanners, etc.), not just for performing tests but also to offer the best possible test conditions for our patients.

Dr. Rafael Salvador’s Clinic:
IMAGINE Diagnostic Imaging Centre
Valencia, 223 - 08007 Barcelona

* The Amulet requires 510(k) clearance and is not yet available for sale in the U.S. Note: The Amulet will be named the Aspire HD in the U.S.