Abstract: A scanning assembly for a dual-modality automated biological tissue imaging device having first and second compression surfaces is provided. The assembly comprises a housing defining a scanning/compression surface, an ultrasonic transducer mounted within the housing adjacent the scanning surface for movement in a plane parallel to the scanning surface and imaging the tissue through the scanning surface, an X-ray detector mounted within the housing for forming an X-ray image of the tissue based on X-ray radiation passed through the tissue and scanning surface from an X-ray source, and a drive for moving the transducer across the scanning surface so that the transducer generates a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound tissue images. The housing is hermetically sealed and filled with non-conductive fluid with acoustic impedance resembling that of the tissue. The scanning surface has acoustic impedance resembling that of the tissue and can substantially withstand compression forces applied to the tissue.

Abstract: A scanning assembly for a dual-modality automated biological tissue imaging device having first and second compression surfaces is provided. The system comprises a housing defining a scanning/compression surface, an ultrasonic transducer mounted within the housing adjacent the scanning surface for movement in a plane parallel to the scanning surface and imaging the tissue through the scanning surface, an X-ray detector mounted within the housing for forming an X-ray image of the tissue based on X-ray radiation passed through the tissue and scanning surface from an X-ray source, and a drive for moving the transducer across the scanning surface so that the transducer generates a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound tissue images. The housing is hermetically sealed and filled with non-conductive fluid with acoustic impedance resembling that of the tissue. The scanning surface has acoustic impedance resembling that of the tissue and can substantially withstand compression forces applied to the tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scanning apparatus for imaging the breast that employs both X-ray and ultrasound technologies to enhance the diagnosis of cancer. There is provided a method for acquiring and co-registering the X-ray and ultrasound images in three-dimensional space, so that: the breast is in the same orientation and degree of compression when X-ray and ultrasound images are obtained; both sets of images are acquired simultaneously so as to minimize the time the woman's breast is held stationary; automated breast ultrasound images of the whole breast are acquired in a single scan; both image modalities are acquired in three dimensions; and radiation dose exposure to the woman is minimized. The method incorporates, in a single device, a system for acquiring full-field digital mammography and automated breast ultrasound images, and an algorithm for performing digital tomosynthesis reconstruction using these images.