Breast biopsy procedures have come a long way in recent years with the development of new technologies. One of the most significant advancements in the field is stereotaxis.

Stereotaxis is the use of advanced imaging technology to guide a biopsy needle to the site of a suspicious lesion within the breast tissue. This technology has revolutionized breast biopsy procedures by providing a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical biopsies.

What Is Stereotaxis?

Stereotaxis is a method of guiding a biopsy needle to the site of a suspicious lesion within the breast tissue. The procedure uses advanced imaging technology, such as mammography or ultrasound, to create a 3D map of the breast.

The map is then used to guide the biopsy needle to the precise location of the lesion.

The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning that it requires only a small incision in the skin to insert the biopsy needle.

This is in contrast to traditional surgical biopsies, which require a larger incision and often require the use of general anesthesia.

The Benefits of Stereotaxis

There are several key benefits of stereotaxis over traditional surgical biopsies.

Minimally Invasive

Stereotaxis is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that it requires only a small incision in the skin to insert the biopsy needle.

This is in contrast to traditional surgical biopsies, which require a larger incision and often require the use of general anesthesia. This means that stereotaxis is less painful and has a shorter recovery time than traditional surgical biopsies.

Accuracy

Stereotaxis is an extremely accurate method of guiding a biopsy needle to a suspicious lesion within the breast tissue. The imaging technology used in stereotaxis can accurately locate lesions that are as small as a few millimeters in diameter.

This means that doctors can be confident that they are taking a biopsy sample from the exact location of the suspicious lesion.

Speed

Stereotaxis is a relatively quick procedure, often taking only 30-60 minutes to complete. This is in contrast to traditional surgical biopsies, which can take several hours to complete.

Cost-Effective

Stereotaxis is typically less expensive than traditional surgical biopsies because it does not require the use of general anesthesia or an overnight hospital stay.

How Is Stereotaxis Performed?

The stereotaxis procedure begins with the patient lying on a specially designed table that allows the breast to be immobilized. The breast is then compressed to ensure that it is as still as possible during the procedure.

The imaging technology used in stereotaxis is then used to create a 3D map of the breast tissue. This map is used to guide the biopsy needle to the site of the suspicious lesion.

Once the biopsy needle is in place, a small sample of the suspicious tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The entire procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes to complete.

Who Is a Candidate for Stereotaxis?

Not everyone is a candidate for stereotaxis. In general, stereotaxis is recommended for patients who have a suspicious lesion within the breast tissue that needs to be biopsied.

Patients who are pregnant or who have pacemakers may not be candidates for stereotaxis because of the risks associated with the imaging technology used in the procedure.

What Are the Risks of Stereotaxis?

Like all medical procedures, stereotaxis does come with some risks. Some of these risks include:.

Bleeding

There is a risk of bleeding during the stereotaxis procedure, as with any biopsy procedure.

Infection

There is a risk of infection at the biopsy site, although this is rare.

Pain

Patients may experience some pain or discomfort during and after the procedure, although this is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Conclusion

Stereotaxis has revolutionized breast biopsy procedures by providing a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical biopsies. The procedure is accurate, quick, and cost-effective, making it an attractive option for many patients.

If you have a suspicious lesion within your breast tissue, talk to your doctor about whether stereotaxis could be right for you.