When Ard den Heeten, professor of Radiology teamed up with his AMC colleague Kees Grimbergen, professor of Medical Technology, a new
approach to mammography was born. It has been developed upon Grimbergen’s observation of a serious flaw in the current mammogram procedure: the establishment of a standard force of the so-called “paddle” compressing the breasts. “Applying the same force throughout means that the experience greatly varies among differently proportioned women”, says Grimbergen. “The smaller their breasts, the larger the exerted pressure. Not force, but pressure should be the relevant parameter here.” Den Heeten explains that the varying pressure among patients also implies that mammograms currently are not obtained under comparable, standard conditions. “This impedes comparative scientific research.”
The new Sensitive Sigma Paddle, developed by the two professors and co-workers, changes all that. It features capacitive sensors measuring the breast’s contact surface, so that a 75 mmHg compression pressure can be maintained for breasts of all sizes. Its “retrofit” design fits with all major mammography apparatus and to ensure brand independent, maximum availability, AMC spin-off company Sigmascreening was founded. Clinical studies in ten hospitals are now underway, the first device has been sold, and – if all goes well – within a few years the new minimal force
mammography will be widely available.
There is not yet a vaccine against the second deadliest infection in the world after tuberculosis: HIV. Rogier Sanders and Godelieve de Bree of the Amsterdam UMC are optimistic about the possibility of developing one now. It’s for the first time that a vaccine is being developed in one hospital (Amsterdam UMC) from the design […]
Could an innovative cancer treatment be used as a preventative vaccine? Arjan Griffioen and his team are determined to find out. These scientists have been developing proteins that specifically target cancer cells in the blood, leaving healthy tissue untouched. Every step of this journey—from vision to execution—has relied on the team’s dedication, as well as essential […]
What is it like to participate in the Amsterdam Science & Innovation Award? We spoke to Dr Monalisa Goswami about her participation in 2017. The Amsterdam Science and Innovation Award is “a celebration of innovation coming out from scientists,” says Monalisa. “It makes you feel special.” The Amsterdam Science and Innovation Award (AmSIA) is the […]