Hologic Inc. this week announced it has non-exclusive distribution rights in the United States for Suros Surgical Systems' automated breast biopsy and tissue excision system, Atec.

 Both companies inked a three-year agreement, with automatic one-year renewal options.

 Suros' Atec system is fully compatible with Hologic's stereotactic breast biopsy systems, the MultiCare Platinum and StereoLoc II, which offers digital imaging capabilities to pinpoint the precise location of areas for biopsy.

 Suros promotes Atec as an alternative to open surgical biopsy. Atec is designed to obtain multiple samples through a small incision in the skin, under local anesthesia.