What is a clip placement?

A clip placement is a marker placed in the breast, lymph node, or both. It locates and marks an area of concern that a doctor found on a mammogram or ultrasound. After chemotherapy shrinks the tumour and lymph node, the doctor can still find these areas of concern and remove them.

What should I know before a clip placement?

• You may eat before the appointment.
• The procedure will take about 1 hour.

Please tell the radiologist or technologists if you:

• have a history of bleeding problems
• take blood thinners (such as aspirin, warfarin/Coumadin, Xarelto)
• take an anti-inflammatory (such as NSAIDS, aspirin, or ibuprofen like Advil and Motrin)
• are allergic to local freezing, tape, latex, or pain medicine
• take herbal products (such as glucosamine sulphate, vitamin E, ginko biloba)

What happens during a clip placement?

For the clip placement:

• You will lie on your back on a padded table.
• You will have an ultrasound of your breast, lymph node, or both to find the area of concern.
• Your skin will be cleaned with a cool antiseptic solution.
• Local anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be injected to freeze the area where the clip will be put in. This may sting for 5 to 10 seconds.
• The clip will be guided into the breast or armpit while the radiologist is doing the ultrasound. You may feel some pressure as the clip is being put in.

What happens after the procedure?

• The clip placement site will be covered with a light gauze dressing or a bandage that you can take off in 24 hours.
• A gentle mammogram will be done after the clip placement.
• You may take acetaminophen for discomfort if you need to.
• Take it easy for the rest of the day.
• You can go back to your regular activities after the clip placement if you feel up to it.