Planmed connects European medical experts at digital mammography seminar in Helsinki

Blog post

In June, Planmed gathered medical experts from four European countries at Planmed headquarters in Helsinki to hear about the latest advances in mammographic imaging from EUSOBI President, Dr. Gabor Forrai.

Planmed connects European medical experts at digital mammography seminar in Helsinki

In the beginning of June, Planmed was honored to host the President of the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI), Dr. Gabor Forrai in Helsinki, Finland. To commemorate the occasion, Planmed invited medical professionals from Finland, Bulgaria, Hungary and Montenegro to hear about the latest advances in digital mammography at the company headquarters in Helsinki.

Titled “New Era in Screening & Digital Mammography,” the seminar saw Dr. Forrai present on the advantages of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) alongside digital mammography in breast cancer detection and diagnosis as well as the progress that has been made in the field since DBT technology was introduced. According to Dr. Forrai, the statistics show a significant improvement in cancer detection rates while recalls are on the decline. This seems to correlate with the increased use of digital mammography and DBT in breast cancer screenings.

Dr. Forrai further stated that he believes DBT will be replacing standard 2D mammography in the future. Although the radiation dose associated with one-view DBT acquisition is slightly higher than for corresponding 2D acquisition, the dose is well below the current diagnostic reference levels for one-view mammography. Should DBT also prove successful in reducing interval cancer rates, there is no reason why DBT should not be the way of the future for mammographic imaging.

In addition to these latest technological and research developments, Dr. Forrai shared his own experiences of the protocols for screening and diagnosis. The esteemed guests at the event listened with interest as he described his experience of the techniques and procedures of mammography while also exchanging their own knowledge of the field.

Guests listen as Planmed’s Managing Director Jan Moed opens the seminar.
Guests listen as Planmed’s Managing Director Jan Moed opens the seminar.

Dr. Gabor Forrai lectures on digital mammography and DBT.
Dr. Gabor Forrai lectures on digital mammography and DBT.

Jan Moed, Managing Director of Planmed, was also very pleased with the current direction of mammographic imaging. “We are proud to be forerunners in the development of mammographic imaging technology. DBT represents a significant milestone in cancer detection and diagnosis and is a testament to the cooperation on research and development between manufacturers like Planmed and the medical profession,” said Moed after the event. “At Planmed we listen to our customers’ needs, and the feedback we get from the field continues to play a key role in our product development.”

Moed also commended the event itself. “Planmed was delighted to host some of the leading experts in breast imaging from both Finland and Central and Eastern Europe. The R&D that goes into technology such as DBT demands a lot from manufacturers and medical experts alike. It was a pleasure to hear from Dr. Forrai that this work is also bearing fruit,” Moed stated.

Planmed develops and manufactures high quality imaging equipment for mammography and orthopedic imaging and is a part of the Finnish Planmeca Group. Planmed Clarity™ 3D is Planmed’s award-winning digital mammography unit which incorporates advanced DBT technology. The unit’s patented tomosynthesis method significantly improves image accuracy, offering high quality 3D reconstructions of breast tissue which reveal even the smallest detail.

The Clarity product family also includes the Planmed Clarity™ 2D digital mammography unit, which can be easily upgraded to the 3D digital breast tomosynthesis system at any time. Both units allow imaging with a low effective patient dose and feature a durable digital detector which is suitable even for mobile screenings. The units’ functional and stylish design meets any patient and clinic needs, creating a positive user experience which is a reflection of Planmed’s entire design philosophy.

The highly successful event in Helsinki brought together imaging experts from four different countries in Europe, laying the groundwork for information sharing and networking across the continent. The event further cemented Planmed’s strong commitment to international cooperation on research and development, building customer relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of the needs of healthcare professionals around the world.

Planmed’s Product Manager Jukka Erkkilä (left), Dr. Gabor Forrai and Planmed’s Managing Director Jan Moed.
Planmed’s Product Manager Jukka Erkkilä (left), Dr. Gabor Forrai and Planmed’s Managing Director Jan Moed.