Hologic Launches RFID-Based Breast Lesion Localizer for Targeted Breast Disease Intervention

VCBeat (WeChat Official Account: vcbeat) learned from foreign media that on March 7, U.S. local time, women's healthcare company Hologic launched a radiofrequency identification (RFID) localization system for breast disease intervention (LOCalizer Identification System). This system can precisely mark breast lesions and guide surgeons in performing breast-conserving surgery.

RFID locators have replaced traditional wire-guided localization methods by employing radio frequency signals to identify and localize, enabling the reading and writing of patient breast data. This advancement makes breast surgery more convenient. Physicians can flexibly choose the timing for implanting the RFID locator, which can be placed within 30 days prior to breast-conserving surgery. After implantation, doctors can use a portable handheld reader to detect the marker within the patient’s body, achieving precise localization at the micrometer level. RFID locators help medical personnel improve existing detection workflows, reduce logistics-related barriers associated with detection, and enhance patient comfort during the procedure.

At the recent European Congress of Radiology (ECR) held in Vienna, Austria, this product showcased its outstanding capabilities in screening, intervention, and ultrasound. Jan Verstreken, Country Manager for Hologic Canada, stated, “We look forward to seeing more new localization systems presented at the ECR. Meanwhile, Hologic is continuously expanding its product portfolio to ensure that patients with breast diseases receive positive support at every step of their breast examination. We are dedicated to developing medical devices that enhance patient comfort during procedures, streamline clinicians’ workflows, and reduce the costs associated with unnecessary repeat tests.”

RFID locators are among the many devices under Hologic used for treating female breast diseases. Founded in 1985, Hologic is a healthcare company established specifically to address women’s medical needs. Its core business areas include breast health, medical diagnostics, minimally invasive surgery, and skeletal health. The company is committed to ensuring that each of its products stands out within its category, bringing greater health, vitality, and hope to more women worldwide.

Hologic has developed and launched more than 40 medical device products. Among them, Hologic’s flagship product, the 3D Mammography System, can significantly increase the detection rate of invasive breast cancer and reduce recall rates, advancing breast cancer detection by 15 months. This helps physicians identify the disease earlier and substantially reduces mortality from breast diseases. The product has been approved by the FDA for use in screening dense breasts.

In addition, Hologic’s ThinPrep liquid-based cytology test for cervical cancer screening has been used to screen more than 650 million individuals worldwide to date. Since its launch over a decade ago, NovaSure, developed for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women, has been used in more than 2.5 million procedures globally. The procedure takes approximately 90 seconds, with the entire treatment process lasting only four minutes.

Hologic has consistently focused on women’s healthcare needs, with its product portfolio encompassing both gynecological conditions and medical aesthetics. Currently, Hologic offers 24 products for breast and skeletal health, 7 medical diagnostic products, 4 minimally invasive surgical products, and 7 medical aesthetic products.

Through strategic acquisitions, Hologic has expanded its business into a comprehensive clinical system for women’s health. To date, it has completed 13 acquisitions, the largest of which was the $1.7 billion purchase of U.S. aesthetic medical device company Cynosure on February 14, 2017. Hologic went public on NASDAQ on March 9, 1990, and currently has a market capitalization of approximately $13.6 billion.

(Editor: Wang Chan)