Clinical implications of clip migration after stereotactic-assisted vacuum-assisted breast biopsies

A stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) is used to assess non-palpable breast lesions. The current study aims to identify possible influencing factors for clip migration and the impact of clip migration on surgery. In a retrospective study, clip migration in post-biopsy mammograms was evaluated (using a cut-off of ≥10 mm vs. <10 mm). Clip migration of ≥10 mm occurred in 35 patients (20.5 %). Breast density, type of clip, and bleeding did not influence the risk of clip migration. Clip migration along the access path (z-axis) and lower breast thickness were the only significant factors in relevant clip migration. Surgery was performed on 57 patients (33.3 %), including seven cases of clip migration ≥10 mm. A wire-guided localization was possible in all cases of pre-invasive or invasive lesions due to residual microcalcifications. Clip migration immediately after a VABB is common but has little negative impact on subsequent procedures.