Covenant Health LeConte Breast Center Acquires New Biopsy Machine to Enhance Mammography Services

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$800,000 Investment Will Help Care for Sevier County Women

Covenant Health LeConte has recently expanded its mammography capabilities to help care for women in the greater Sevier County area. As the first stage of a nearly $800,000 investment to expand technology and breast health services, the medical center has acquired a GE Healthcare Pristina Serena™, an innovative biopsy machine designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy. A substantial portion of funding for the investment was generously provided by the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation and its donors through the Paint the Mountains Pink fundraising initiative. The foundation is instrumental in supporting LeConte and advancing its mission to improve the quality of life through better health.

With the addition of a new mammogram machine, we’re not only allowing room for patient growth, we’re also introducing a new biopsy technology that we haven’t been able to offer before,” said Candace Wedlock, supervisor of LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center.

A biopsy procedure removes samples of the breast tissue or tumor if a mammogram identifies a suspicious area or mass in the breast. The samples are often collected using a needle (a “needle biopsy”). A follow-up lab examination of the samples determines whether they contain cancer cells.

Three female staff members in black scrubs standing near new biopsy machine at LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center
Left to right, Candace Wedlock, breast center supervisor; Kelsey Rolen, mammography tech; and Courtney McFall, ultrasound tech, with the new biopsy machine at LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center 

New Biopsy Machine Benefits Both Patients and Clinicians

The new biopsy equipment at LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center has unique features that improve the procedure experience for both patients and clinicians:

Patient Features

  • The new technology performs biopsies in just 15 minutes, facilitating quicker examinations and expediting test results.
  • Biopsies can be performed in the same room as a mammography screening for a more comfortable and efficient patient experience.
  • The new biopsy machine’s advanced capabilities and 3D imaging provide faster diagnosis of breast abnormalities. Finding breast cancer early is important for more effective treatment and better patient outcomes.   

Clinical Features

  • The biopsy machine’s guidance technology provides precision targeting with laser-guided pinpoint entry to help radiologists obtain more accurate needle placement.  
  • Advanced 3D imaging provides high-resolution, high-quality images for better visualization and diagnostic accuracy.

“This latest investment represents a major advancement in our technology. It’s the most recent example of Covenant Health LeConte’s commitment to LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center, said Margaret Brown, MD, radiologist. “Over the last five years, a second mammography machine, a dedicated breast ultrasound staff member, an additional mammography technologist and upgraded breast MRI and MR biopsy guidance have been added to our toolbox, allowing us to better serve our patients.”

Meeting the Community’s Need for Breast Care Services

According to the 2020 Census, nearly one-third of Sevier County’s 98,000+ residents (about 30,000) are women over 40. That’s the recommended age for women at average risk for breast cancer to begin regular screening mammograms. The LeConte Comprehensive Breast Center is designated by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence®. This designation signifies clinical excellence and the highest standards of quality and patient safety.

Covenant Health LeConte provides clinical and service excellence through innovation and strives to always put patients first. With its most recent investment in cutting-edge mammography equipment, the hospital supports early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

“We want to ensure the Sevier County community has access to advanced medical care and services. The addition of this innovative new biopsy machine and other technology upgrades will allow us to lead the way in providing excellent care,” said Aaron Burns, Covenant Health LeConte president and chief administrative officer.   

No Insurance? No Problem

Free screening mammograms are available for those in need in Sevier County through LeConte’s Paint the Mountains Pink Program. To learn more or apply for a free mammogram, please visit lecontemedicalcenter.com.

Schedule an Appointment

To self-schedule an appointment and learn more about LeConte’s Comprehensive Breast Center, please visit our webpage.

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About the Author

Covenant Health

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Covenant Health is a not-for-profit, community-owned, healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers.