Hologic’s SmartCurve Device makes mammography comfortable and less painful for women

Hologic today commercially launched its SmartCurve breast stabilization system, that makes mammography experience less painful for women without compromising on image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

SmartCurve breast stabilization system is compatible with FDA approved Hologic's Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam, which detects cancers at early stage, reduces false positive results in normal and dense breast.

Women are afraid of getting a mammogram because of pain and discomfort associated with the procedure as the breast are compressed during the procedure. A recent survey of 10,000 women reported that fear of physical discomfort was the number one reason cited for avoiding the annual examination. 

Pain felt during the procedure depends upon the time spent undergoing compression and distribution of the pressure applied. While, time spent is not modifiable, the pressure distribution can be modified. 

The team of engineers at Hologic precisely worked upon distributing the pressure in a smart way to lessen the pain.

The SmartCurve system features a proprietary curved surface that mirrors the shape of a woman's breast to reduce pinching and allow better distribution of force over the entire breast. The system is equipped with image processing algorithms that ensures that quality of image is not compromised.

In a clinical study, 93% women reported that using the new system lessened the pain and discomfort as compared to the traditional flat paddle compression. The system can accommodate a variety of breast sizes can be paired with Hologic's MammoPad® breast cushion for even greater comfort. 

Ninety-five percent of women in the same study said they would recommend it to others.

The new system is also radiologist and technologist friendly and does not affect the workflow and ensures that efficacy is maintained in busy environment.

Pete Valenti, Hologic's Division President, Breast and Skeletal Health Solutions said, "Hologic is the world leader in breast cancer screening technology, and with that leadership comes a responsibility to develop products that provide optimal patient satisfaction without sacrificing clinical performance. We are thrilled to introduce the new SmartCurve system which, when used with the Genius exam, is the first and only 3D mammography system that is clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable and more accurate mammogram, compared to 2D mammography alone. This game-changing product is yet another example of our dedication to innovation designed to meet the needs of our customers and their patients."

The SmartCurve system is available standard on Hologic's new 3Dimensions™ mammography system and as an enhancement option to existing Hologic Selenia® Dimensions® systems.

Here’s is singer Sheryl Crow speaking about her experience with SmartCurve system and just how she thinks SmartCurve can help women.

Hologic News Release.