HealthSeptember 4, 2026

stereotactic

STEHR-ee-uh-TAK-tik

Definition

Relating to a medical procedure, such as a biopsy, that uses a three-dimensional coordinate system to precisely locate a target, like a suspicious lesion, within the body.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek 'stereos' (solid/three-dimensional) and 'taktikos' (arranging or ordering), combining to describe the technology used to navigate in 3D space.

In the news

The term is used here to describe the specialized biopsy needles and systems that have been in short supply, which are essential for precisely guiding clinicians during breast care diagnostics.

Mammotome Accelerates Production as Public Health Response to Nationwide Breast Biopsy Needle Shortage

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BioSpace

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