CTMC offers new, more comfortable mammogram

Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) is making women’s comfort and breast health a priority by offering the SmartCurve breast stabilization system. The state-of-the-art system is clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable mammogram without compromising image quality, workflow or dose. It also includes the new Clarity HD high-resolution 3D™ imaging technology, which provides radiologists with the highest resolution 3D images to help identify cancers early.

These innovations come as part of CTMC’s ongoing commitment to superior breast cancer detection and providing an improved mammogram experience for their patients. The technology increases diagnostic confidence with its exceptional images and has the potential to increase screening volume and compliance for the countless women who have reported avoiding regular mammograms due in large part to the fear of discomfort associated with breast compression.

“These technologies not only enable us to improve the experience for our patients by providing them with a more comfortable mammogram, but more importantly allow us to do so while maintaining clinical accuracy with the industry’s fastest, highest resolution 3D images to accelerate screening and analysis,” CTMC President/CEO Anthony Stahl said. “Being able to arm doctors with the advanced ability to identify subtle lesions to help pinpoint cancers in early stages, while also keeping patients more comfortable than ever before, is priceless.”

The SmartCurve system and Clarity HD high-resolution 3D imaging technology are available exclusively with Hologic’s Genius 3D Mammography exam, which is currently in use by CTMC and detects more invasive cancers, reduces false positives, and is FDA approved as superior, compared to conventional 2D mammography for all women, including those with dense breasts.

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. In a recent clinical study comparing the SmartCurve breast stabilization system to traditional flat paddle compression, the SmartCurve system improved comfort in 93 percent of women who reported moderate to severe discomfort with standard compression. In addition, 95 percent of those surveyed would recommend facilities that use the system.

“We’re excited to provide these technologies for all of our patients and remain committed to offering the women of our community the most advanced breast care possible alongside an improved mammogram experience,” CTMC Director of Radiology Shayne Musick said.

For more information about CTMC and its breast health services, visit CTMC's website. To schedule a mammogram, visit CTMC's Online Mammography form or call 512-753-3661.

Central Texas Medical Center, which originated in 1923 as Hays County Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Memorial Hospital, opened at its current Wonder World Drive location in 1983. The CTMC staff of more than 700 employees works with more than 300 active and consulting physicians to provide quality services to patients and their families.  

In addition to interventional cardiac services, CTMC is a Certified Chest Pain Center and an accredited Primary Stroke Center. CTMC leads the region in da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery and offers a variety of specialty care services including medical imaging, rehabilitation, hospice, women’s services and more. 

CTMC is a member of the AdventHealth. AdventHealth is a connected system of care for every stage of life and health. More than 80,000 skilled and compassionate caregivers in physician practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities and hospice centers provide individualized, wholistic care. A shared vision, common values, focus on whole-person health and commitment to making communities healthier unify the system’s 46 hospital campuses and hundreds of care sites in diverse markets throughout nine states.