Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray source operable to generate an X-ray beam, an X-ray receiver receiving the X-ray beam, a power generator generating power to the X-ray source to generate the X-ray beam, a grid disposed between the X-ray source and the X-ray receiver, a first pulse generator generating a first signal comprising first multiple pulses at a first pulse rate, each of the first multiple pulses having a pulse width, and a second pulse generator coupled to the grid and the power generator. The second pulse generator is configured to generate a second signal including second multiple pulses at a second pulse rate during each pulse width of the first multiple pulses, wherein the second signal is communicated to the grid to cause the X-ray beam to pulse on and off in accordance with the second signal during imaging.

Abstract: Scatter effects are reduced in a radiographic imaging device, such as a digital slot scan mammographic imaging device, by reducing detected scatter and processing detector information to compensate for scatter effects. In one embodiment, a digital mammographic imaging system (10) includes a source (24) for transmitting a narrow beam (28) and a detector assembly (32) for detecting the beam (28). The beam (28) and the detector assembly (32) are synchronously scanned across the patient's breast (48) to obtain an image. Collimator slats (74) are provided at the leading and trailing edges of the detector to reduce detected scatter. Additionally, attenuators (76 and 92) are provided at the ends of the scanned motion and at the anterior edge of the detector array to assist in determining a spatial intensity profile.

Abstract: Scatter effects are reduced in a radiographic imaging device, such as a digital slot scan mammographic imaging device, by reducing detected scatter and processing detector information to compensate for scatter effects. Spatial intensity profile information together with other imaging signal and patient dependent parameters can be used in image processing to estimate and compensate for various scatter effects including single and multiple scatters and Compton and Rayleigh scatter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mammographic imaging system and tools for processing mammographic images to enhance image acquisition and review workflow. The systems and tools enable rapid access to digital image information providing for improved workflow management and identification of images, upon initial review. The system and tools also allow for background processing of image information to reduce workflow delay. Specifically, digital images are processed in the background, i.e., they are automatically processed, free from specific task-orientated direction by a user, using resources that are not otherwise occupied addressing user-directed tasks. Background processing that may be supported includes preprocessing and interim processing. Preprocessing refers to processing of an image that occurs prior to initial review of that image by a physician. Interim processing refers to background processing that occurs during a review session, e.g., in a time period between initial review and a subsequent review of an image.

Abstract: An integrated x-ray and ultrasound medical imaging system is provided, wherein a radiation detection means and ultrasound transducer may be disposed for scanning movement for image acquisition along either the same or substantially coincidental paths. The radiation detection means and ultrasound transducer may be advantageously located on the same side of the imaged body portion. The x-ray and ultrasound imaging operations may be sequential, partially overlapping, or synchronous. By virtue of the noted arrangement, increased accuracy and medical efficiencies can be realized.

Abstract: A stereo radiolocalization and targeting system (100) includes a table assembly (102) for supporting a patient (104), a stereo radiolocalization subsystem (117), a medical instrument support subsystem (119), and an ultrasound imaging subsystem (121). The stereo radiolocalization subsystem (117) provides three-dimensional localization information for an area of interest within the patient's body such as a sentinel node. The medical instrument support subsystem (119) allows for targeting of a medical instrument (118) to the area of interest for treatment, extraction or other procedures. The imaging subsystem (121) provides real-time imaging for use in penetration path selection and monitoring medical instrument insertion. Flexible positioning support mechanisms (120, 122, and 124) provide substantial positioning flexibility for various elements of the system (100).

Abstract: The present invention provides for x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging of a body region of interest in a spatially correlatable manner. The resultant x-ray and ultrasound images may be combinatively employed to provide three-dimensional information regarding a location of interest within the body, and is particularly apt for use in the analysis/biopsy of potential lesions and suspicious masses in a female breast. The invention provides for direct body contact by an ultrasound imaging head, as well as targeted ultrasound imaging of a selected portion of the region from which x-ray images are obtained. A user interface system facilitates various procedures including ultrasound guided needle biopsy procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides for x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging of a body region of interest in a spatially correlatable manner. The resultant x-ray and ultrasound images may be combinatively employed to provide three-dimensional information regarding a location of interest within the body, and is particularly apt for use in the analysis/biopsy of potential lesions and suspicious masses in a female breast. The invention provides for direct body contact by an ultrasound imaging head, as well as targeted ultrasound imaging of a selected portion of the region from which x-ray images are obtained.

Abstract: A motorized biopsy needle positioner employed in a mammographic needle biopsy system receives coordinate information representative of an identified point of interest within a patient's captive breast under examination and automatically positions a biopsy needle in accordance with that coordinate information to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to the identified point of interest. An offset mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner automatically positions the biopsy needle in accordance with coordinate information representative of an offset point within the patient's breast that is offset from the previously identified point of interest to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to that offset point. A manual mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner permits the user to actuate directional keys of a user control unit to position the biopsy needle in one or more directions, as specified by the actuated directional keys.

Abstract: An improved imaging system produces consistent, high resolution digital images of a region of interest within a patient's breast by optimizing the modulation transfer function of the system. The system includes an array of detector elements and a source, positioned in opposing relation to the detector element array, for transmitting an imaging signal to the detector array with the region of interest positioned therebetween such that the detector array receives the imaging signal. The array is configured for scanning movement such that imaging data is detected and accumulated within the elements of the array during the movement. The detector array is further configured for reading out a portion of the accumulated data in response to a drive input and for internally shifting the accumulated imaging data in response to a shifting signal.

Abstract: A motorized biopsy needle positioner employed in a mammographic needle biopsy system receives coordinate information representative of an identified point of interest within a patient's captive breast under examination and automatically positions a biopsy needle in accordance with that coordinate information to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to the identified point of interest. An offset mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner automatically positions the biopsy needle in accordance with coordinate information representative of an offset point within the patient's breast that is offset from the previously identified point of interest to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to that offset point. A manual mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner permits the user to actuate directional keys of a user control unit to position the biopsy needle in one or more directions, as specified by the actuated directional keys.

Abstract: The present invention provides for x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging of a body region of interest in a spatially correlatable manner. The resultant x-ray and ultrasound images may be combinatively employed to provide three-dimensional information regarding a location of interest within the body, and is particularly apt for use in the analysis/biopsy of potential lesions and suspicious masses in a female breast. The invention provides for direct body contact by an ultrasound imaging head, as well as targeted ultrasound imaging of a selected portion of the region from which x-ray images are obtained.

Abstract: A motorized biopsy needle positioner employed in a mammographic needle biopsy system receives coordinate information representative of an identified point of interest within a patient's captive breast under examination and automatically positions a biopsy needle in accordance with that coordinate information to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to the identified point of interest. An offset mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner automatically positions the biopsy needle in accordance with coordinate information representative of an offset point within the patient's breast that is offset from the previously identified point of interest to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to that offset point. A manual mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner permits the user to actuate directional keys of a user control unit to position the biopsy needle in one or more directions, as specified by the actuated directional keys.

Abstract: The disclosed system (10) employs an MRI device to identify the location of an area of interest within a patient's breast (28) and guide a medical instrument (26) for insertion to the identified location. The patient (30) is positioned on a table top (18) having an opening (52) through which the patient's breast (28) pendulantly projects. The pendulant breast (28) is immobilized by a basket (36). The table top (18) and patient (30) are then introduced into magnetic field generator (12) and MRI signals are received by receiver (14). The location of an area of interest within the patient's breast (28) is determined based on the received signals. A guidance assembly (24) can then be used to aim the medical instrument (26) towards the location of interest via a penetration path selected so as to avoid the receiver (14) and basket (36).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for imaging a patient's breast (18) by scanning an imaging signal (58) and a receiver (30) across the patient's breast (18) and then constructing a time-delay integration composite image based on the scan. The receiver (30) includes an array of radiation sensitive detector elements (132). Read out of the array (132) is synchronized with the scanning motion of the receiver (30) based on output from position encoder (104) such that synchronization is maintained despite scan drive variances. A novel assembly (106) is also disclosed for allowing selection of an appropriate radiation filter based on particular imaging conditions.

Abstract: A motorized biopsy needle positioner employed in a mammographic needle biopsy system receives coordinate information representative of an identified point of interest within a patient's captive breast under examination and automatically positions a biopsy needle in accordance with that coordinate information to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to the identified point of interest. An offset mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner automatically positions the biopsy needle in accordance with coordinate information representative of an offset point within the patient's breast that is offset from the previously identified point of interest to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to that offset point. A manual mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner permits the user to actuate directional keys of a user control unit to position the biopsy needle in one or more directions, as specified by the actuated directional keys.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orbital aiming device for aiming a puncturing instrument to a targeted object for use with an isocentric mammo fluoro X-ray apparatus.The device comprises a guide supporting the puncturing instrument so that it aims at the isocenter of the mammo X-ray apparatus, which guide is mounted on an arcuate member orbitally movable and supported by a swiveling arm swiveling about an axis passing through the isocenter so that the puncturing instrument can be pivoted about the isocenter around two rotational axis for real-time selection of the penetration path, which path can be from any direction around a patient's breast.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in performing medical procedures on a breast of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a frame assembly (12) for supporting the patient having an opening (22) therein through which the patient's breasts are permitted to protrude, an imaging system (18) for identifying any suspicious lesions within the patient's breasts, and a biopsy assembly (20) for use in performing a biopsy on the patient's breasts. The frame assembly (12) is tiltable from a vertical position to a non-vertical position to facilitate mammography and the mammographic biopsy procedure. In addition, the imaging system (18) and biopsy assembly (20) are moveable across the patient's chest from one breast to the other. The imaging system (18) is also rotatable and tiltable relative to the patient's breasts to obtain oblique views of the breasts.

Abstract: A medical imaging system (10) which is readily adaptable to suit specific imaging conditions is disclosed. The system comprises an imaging signal source (12) for transmitting a first imaging signal (13) through a patient's body, a signal detector unit (26) for receiving the first signal (13) and transmitting a second signal (22), and a digital camera for processing the second signal (22) so as to-produce an image of an area of interest within the patient's body. The signal detector unit (36) includes a number of signal detector elements (30) each having different performance characteristics. The system (10) further includes a controller (32) for selecting a signal detector element (30) relative to particular imaging conditions.

Abstract: A motorized biopsy needle positioner employed in a mammographic needle biopsy system receives coordinate information representative of a previously identified point of interest within a patient's captive breast under examination and automatically positions a biopsy needle in accordance with that coordinate information to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to the previously identified point of interest. An offset mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner automatically positions the biopsy needle in accordance with coordinate information representative of an offset point within the patient's breast that is offset from the previously identified point of interest to permit insertion of the biopsy needle to that offset point. A manual mode of operation of the motorized biopsy needle positioner permits the user to actuate directional keys of a user control unit to position the biopsy needle in one or more directions, as specified by the actuated directional keys.