Abstract: An optical localization fiber 20 is provided suitable for preoperative localization of soft tissue lesions by x-ray mammography, CT, MRI, ultrasonography, or nuclear medicine. A hook 28 is carried by the optical fiber for retaining the fiber in soft tissue. The tip 26 of the optical fiber is visible through the soft tissue when the proximal end of the optical fiber is attached to a light source 170. Other embodiments include clad or coated 42 optical fibers, bundled optical fibers 156, hooks which are metallic 82, braided 66, and multiple 128, and a helix 162.

Abstract: Optical localization fiber embodiments (200, 260, 270, 290, 310, 330, and 350) suitable for preoperative localization of soft tissue lesions by X-ray mammography, CT MRI, ultrasonography or nuclear medicine are provided. In these embodiments at least one hook is carried by an optical fiber for retention in soft tissue. The tip of the optical fiber is visible through the soft tissue when the origin of the optical fiber is attached to a light source. Embodiments include dual hooks (224, 226) attached through a hole (214) in the tip portion (206), a hook (262) fused to the tip (264), a hook (272) glued to the tip (274), a hook (292) held on by a cap (294), a hook (312) screwed into the tip (320), a hook (340) held in a bore in the tip portion (336) by cement, and a hook (358) in a groove (352). A supplemental optical fiber probe (250) provides a method for locating the fibers inside soft tissue.

Abstract: Optical localization fiber embodiments (200, 260, 270, 290, 310, 330, and 350) suitable for preoperative localization of soft tissue lesions by X-ray mammography, CT MRI, ultrasonography or nuclear medicine are provided. In these embodiments at least one hook is carried by an optical fiber for retention in soft tissue. The tip of the optical fiber is visible through the soft tissue when the origin of the optical fiber is attached to a light source. Embodiments include dual hooks (224, 226) attached through a hole (214) in the tip portion (206), a hook (262) fused to the tip (264), a hook (272) glued to the tip (274), a hook (292) held on by a cap (294), a hook (312) screwed into the tip (320), a hook (340) held in a bore in the tip portion (336) by cement, and a hook (358) in a groove (352). A supplemental optical fiber probe (250) provides a method for locating the fibers inside soft tissue.

Abstract: A lesion localization system is disclosed which employs imaging visible members (926, 928), and manifested sets of imaging space coordinates to define a retrograde point (1004) that is colinear with a lesion (940) and a selected entry point (946) thereto. Retrograde and antegrade lasers (1014, 1015) are employed to use the retrograde point in guidance of a medical instrument to the lesion. The localization system avoids mechanical calibration of stereotactic frames and is simpler to operate.

Abstract: Localizer embodiments (40, 140, 180, 240, 280) suitable for guidance of medical instrument tips (104) to a breast lesion (79) are provided. In one embodiment (40), the breast is closely fitted within a selected one of a plurality of sized MR transparent cups (44) to reduce movement during imaging and localization. A guide bore (60A) is selected from an array of bores and a medical instrument is guided therethrough in accordance with imaged spacings obtained with the aid of an MR visible coordinate system (46). A medical instrument (300) suitable for use with the localizers is also provided.