MR-guided biopsy of the breast after lumpectomy and radiation therapy using two methods of immobilization in the lateral decubitus position.

We describe two methods of breast immobilization using the lateral decubitus position to increase patient comfort and access to the axillary tail for MR-guided biopsy in the postsurgical or irradiated breast. The first method uses a compression device with good immobilization but poor patient tolerance. The second approach uses a thermoplastic mesh material to form a rigid exoskeleton around the breast: immobilization is adequate and patient acceptability is good. The latter method is preferred and requires formal evaluation in larger scale trials.