Ethicon widens distribution of biopsy product

The Lorad division of Hologic and Ethicon Endo-Surgery have struck a nonexclusive distribution agreement for Ethicon’s minimally invasive breast biopsy system, the Mammotome ST. Under terms of the agreement, which pertains only to the U.S., Hologic may offer the Mammotome ST for purchase with Lorad’s MultiCare and StereoLoc II stereotactic breast biopsy systems. The Mammotome ST is complementary to and compatible with Lorad’s two breast biopsy systems, which use digital imaging to pinpoint the location of suspicious lesions. The Mammotome ST can be used to obtain multiple tissue samples through a single, relatively small incision in the skin, using only local anesthesia. Open surgical biopsy removes a large section of tissue through a 1 to 3-inch incision, often under general anesthesia.