Bibliogr. s. 47

Increasing interest in precise pre-treatment diagnostics of solid tumors by immunohistochemical and molecular techniques requires from the clinicians to search for the methods of large core biopsy allowing to obtain specimens with intact morphological structure. Minimum tissue damage, low cost of the technique and optimal adjustment to the patient's needs are the primary concerns. Spirotome is a large core biopsy system with (single-use) and without (reusable) vacuum assistance, designed for obtaining soft tissue bioptates. Its good performance under clinical conditions, causing no damage to the breast tissue nor artifacts of the collected specimen has been proven. The first prospective analysis of the group of patients who were proposed to undergo biopsy performed with Spirotome or automatic version of the device (Coramate) has been reported. The biopsies were performed in 31 cases, and in 30 of them the examination goals were achieved. The system is a safe diagnostic device with excellent characteristics. Spirotome/Coramate covers a broad spectrum of large core biopsy from Gauge 14 to 8. The system guarantees high specimen quality, the patients' safety and the clinicians' satisfaction.