MU–Varna has made a new investment to support scientific innovation for the benefit of society, and now boasts modern research equipment for X-ray imaging diagnostics. It is targeted at developing, testing, and optimising new techniques for screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer.
The mammography system was officially opened by the Rector of MU-Varna Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov and the Executive Director of UMHAT "St. Marina"–Varna Prof. Dr. Silva Andonova, and the consecration ceremony was performed by Father Yasen Shinev from the Varna and Veliko Preslav Metropolis.
"This is the most advanced mammography centre in Bulgaria, which provides extensive opportunities for the development of science and education of young doctors, postgraduate and doctoral students," emphasised Prof. Raykov. Prof. Andonova pointed out that the joint project between the University and the Hospital would contribute to the early diagnosis of the disease, including in genetically predisposed patients.
The new equipment will enable the development and testing of innovative methods and experimental models for more accurate and timely detection of malignant breast diseases, with a view to their implementation in clinical practice. The system is envisioned to lay the foundation for a research centre for breast imaging diagnostics, where unique studies in the field of planar and three-dimensional contrast mammography will be conducted, both for disease monitoring and as a screening method.
Algorithms and techniques will be optimised through modelling, simulations and implementation of innovative physical models – the so-called phantoms, developed by ELPIDA team. "These are test samples that allow numerous measurements to be taken," explained Assoc. Prof. Eng. Zhivko Bliznakov from the Department of Medical Equipment, Electronic and Information Technologies in Health at MU-Varna.
The investment is worth more than BGN 700 000 and was implemented with the participation of Scientific Group Early Diagnosis and Prevention of Oncological Breast Diseases by Using New Technologies (ELPIDA), headed by Prof. Eng. Kristina Bliznakova, under project No. BG-RRP-2.004-0009-C02 of Medical University – Varna "Enhancement of Translational Excellence Achievement in Medicine (MUVE-TEAM)", funded by the European Union–NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria.
