Improved localization wire for breast lesions

The purpose of this work is to provide an improved needle localization system that facilitates removal, by surgeons, of nonpalpable mamographically detected breast lesions. The improved localization wire consists of the classic hookwire on which we have placed two or three radiopaque markers that are easily felt by the hand through a surgical glove. The markers are located at 1-cm intervals from the hook end of the wire. In patients where excisional breast biopsy was indicated, the improved localization wire was used for localization of the breast abnormalities. The surgeon performing the excisional biopsy was then asked to grade several aspects of the procedure on a five-point scale (in comparison with the classic hook wire procedure). Thirteen patients under went excisional biopsy of breast lesions where the improved localization wire was used. Initial reports from the surgeons indicated that the new wire improved technical ease and distance judgment