Abstract: The present invention provides a partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque marker and a method for using such a marker for radiographic examination. The marker and the disclosed method may be employed for the examination of tissue structures of various densities. The radiographic density and thickness of the marker are selected so that when the marker and an underlying tissue structure are exposed to x-ray radiation of a specified energy, the marker casts a legible shadow without obscuring anatomical detail present in the underlying tissue structure. The invention also provides a system of partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque markers for use in the method of radiographic examination taught by the invention.

Abstract: Markers, methods of marking, and marking systems for use in association with images are disclosed. One marker is removable with a targeted design and metric dimensions inscribed on a clear plastic flap. This marker is attached adjacent to an area of interest with the target placed in such a manner to precisely pin point out an observed abnormality. A paper label at one edge is available for written comments and directions for further studies. The marker can be removed without damage to the image(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque marker and a method for using such a marker for radiographic examination. The marker and the disclosed method may be employed for the examination of tissue structures of various densities. The radiographic density and thickness of the marker are selected so that when the marker and an underlying tissue structure are exposed to xray radiation of a specified energy, the marker casts a legible shadow without obscuring anatomical detail present in the underlying tissue structure. The invention also provides a system of partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque markers for use in the method of radiographic examination taught by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque marker and a method for using such a marker for radiographic examination. The marker and the disclosed method may be employed for the examination of tissue structures of various densities. The radiographic density and thickness of the marker are selected so that when the marker and an underlying tissue structure are exposed to xray radiation of a specified energy, the marker casts a legible shadow without obscuring anatomical detail present in the underlying tissue structure. The invention also provides a system of partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque markers for use in the method of radiographic examination taught by the invention.

Abstract: A support device for controlling breast thickness during stereotactic guided needle biopsy is provided. The support device includes a compressible support having an inner surface which extends adjacent to a substantial portion of a peripheral surface of a patient's breast when the breast and the support are disposed between the fixed and pressure plates of an apparatus for performing stereotactic guided needle biopsy. The compressible support restricts the inferior and lateral excursion of the breast as the plates are moved toward one another and the patient's breast and the compressible support are pressed between the plates. A method for controlling breast thickness during stereotactic guided needle biopsy is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a surface marker for use in ultrasonography. The marker comprises a material which attenuates a portion of the ultrasound energy applied to an ultrasound field including the marker and tissue underlying the marker. When placed on the surface of the skin above a particular tissue structure and then imaged, the marker projects a shadow of reduced sonic energy into the underlying tissue structure. The shadow provides direct visual evidence that the tissue beneath the marker has been imaged. The shadow projected by the marker may also be used to locate the image of an area of particular clinical interest within the tissue structure, such as a tumor or cyst.

Abstract: A biopsy specimen container has a bottom surface and an outer wall extending from the bottom surface. A sheet of absorbent material lines the bottom surface. A container cover engages with the outer wall. The cover, wall and bottom define an internal chamber. A divider is mounted within the chamber to form a central compartment and a plurality of peripheral compartments. Radiographically, readable indicia identify each compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying the artifactual radiographic images caused by epithelial protuberances. The claimed method employs a partially radiolucent, faintly radiopaque marker which is secured around an epithelial protuberance. The marker is designed so that when secured it not only preserves the generally cylindrical shape and vertical boundaries of the protuberance, but also ensures that a thin layer or film of air is maintained surrounding the protuberance. After the marker is secured, the preserved vertical boundaries of the protuberance are presented tangentially to an xray beam to produce a radiographic shadow of both the protuberance and the marker. The artifactual radiographic image caused by the protuberance can then be readily identified by detecting the radiographic shadow cast by the protuberance in association with the shadow cast by the surrounding, faintly opaque marker.

Abstract: A marker system for use in radiography. The marker system includes an elongated base tape, a bendable, fabric covered wire containing a material that is opaque to imaging radiation, such as lead, and a continuous row of adhesive pads fixedly aligned along the wire. The adhesive pads are releasably adhered to the base tape and are manually removable from the base tape together with the wire for releasable adherence to a subject The marker system is dispensed in a convenient handy dispensing package which holds a roll of the marker system and ejects a line of wire with markers attached thereto as the base tape is pulled. Wire clippers are attached to the dispenser for cutting the markers.

Abstract: A protective sheath for encasing a hypodermic needle before and after use includes a funnel-shaped guard at one end to guide a needle into the sheath and protect the user's fingers in the process. The sheath is composed of a tubular sleeve having relatively rigid tube sections at each end and a flexible intermediate section. After a hypodermic needle has been used, the needle is inserted into the protective sheath and the sheath with the encased needle is bent to decommission the needle and capture the needle within the sheath for disposal.

Abstract: A marker system for use in radiography. The marker system includes an elongated base tape, a bendable, fabric covered wire containing a material that is opaque to imaging radiation, such as lead, and a continuous row of adhesive pads fixedly aligned along the wire. The adhesive pads are releasably adhered to the base tape and are manually removable from the base tape together with the wire for releasable adherence to a subject The marker system is dispensed in a convenient handy dispensing package which holds a roll of the marker system and ejects a line of wire with markers attached thereto as the base tape is pulled. Wire clippers are attached to the dispenser for cutting the markers.