Imaging for early stage breast cancer

Balloon-based techniques: MammoSite, Axxent, Contura

Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy FDA approved 2006 Quite similar to MammaSite Differences:

-Through a third port drainage of seromen or air is possible -Wall of balloon is covered in radiolucent material – visible on CT -Potential for less skin dose compared to MammoSite -Uses an electronic 50 kV x-ray source rather than Ir-192 HDR source Therefore a specifically shielded radiation room for an after-loader is not needed, this gives potential for wider usage