Abstract: A mouth held plate for use in tomography is divided into two portions, a gum-shaped inner plate and an arc-shaped symmetric outer plate that are integrally connected to each other. A plurality of cavities for holding a molding substance are disposed on the inner plate, and the inner plate is connected to the outer plate at the middle point thereof. The outer plate is provided with a horizontally calibrated x-axis and a vertically calibrated y-axis are accompanied with a grid-marked area respectively. A square hole is disposed adjacent the x-axis on the outer plate for mounting a camera which can take tomograms by consecutive exposures under X-rays. The inner plate is held by the mouth of a patient and bitten by the teeth of the patient at the same time so as to keep the dental data of the patient recorded on the molding substance when it becomes solidified.

Abstract: In medical imaging in which a plurality of images of an object under examination are formed, image distortions are corrected using a phantom body which is present in the examination zone of the imaging device when the images of the object are acquired. It is known that image distortions in computer tomography apparatus are caused, for example, by calibration errors, by deviations from the adjusted table displacement speed, or by bending of the table under the weight of the patient. These image distortions are detected in the image of the phantom body in an acquired image and a correction rule is derived for the correction of image distortions in the entire acquired image. The phantom body is in the form of a frame of three elements of X or N shape, two of which extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to the third.

Abstract: A method for detecting grids in a digital image having a plurality of pixels for capturing an image, comprises the steps of performing a high pass filter operation on a sample of pixels for filtering out the image from the sampled pixels; and performing a statistical F-test operation on the results of the high pass filter operation for determining when the digital image contains grids.

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: A self contained set of imaging apparatus which permit an excised tissue to be handled, inked, imaged in radiology and transported to pathology untouched by human hands. Absolute margins of tissue are inked by solution injected into sealed, disposable bag from syringe attached to the bag. Inked tissue is removed from bag and placed upon fluid-absorbent blotter inscribed with radiographically opaque grid, inside of transparent container. Hinged top and bottom panels of liquid-tight container secure tissue in place. Tissue is visible from outside of container during transport, x-ray imaging, and subsequent pathologic evaluation. Further, the image presented to the pathologist with the inked tissue permits extremely accurate identification of locations of suspect element. The pathologist can easily view the enclosed, undisturbed sample and associated radiograph prior to dissection which can be done within said apparatus if so desired.

Abstract: A radiation therapy skin marking device which may be used to delineate a radiation therapy portal area on a patient's skin surface. The device is a set of radiation therapy skin markers which are releasably attached to a backing liner and include an adhesive surface such that the markers may be releasably attached to a patient's skin surface. The markers include printed lines so as to facilitate radiation therapy treatments by more obviously defining a radiation therapy portal area. The shape of the markers may vary including, for example, a marker of substantially circular shape with a ninety degree wedge cut therefrom such that the marker may be used to outline a ninety degree corner and a marker of substantially circular shape with a circular cut-out center such that the marker is defined by a circular outer edge and a circular inner edge both of which circular edges share a common center point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting in the location and surgical removal of foreign bodies embedded in the human or animal body. A calibrated grid-forming screen, of a material opaque to X-radiation, is located over the injury site, with accurate reference to a targeting mark naturally or artificially formed near the site. An X-ray image is formed, showing the body part, the foreign object, and a calibrated grid overlay image. Two such images, taken from different angles, typically 90.degree., enable the precise location of the object to be determined in three dimensions by triangulation. With the location of the foreign body in three dimensions, the surgeon is then able to exactly locate the site for incision and to know in advance the depth to which to extend the incision, and to exactly reach the foreign body.

Abstract: A conforming biopsy grid and control apparatus consists of a flat transparent adhesive pliable sheet of material with imprinted radiopaque and visible grid lines which are numbered and lettered in more than one axis and applied to a structure. An adjustable perforated box-like apparatus is applied to stabilize compliant and/or elastic structures and placed about the grid applied structure fixing compliant and/or plastic structures tightly to conform to the shape of the box-like apparatus. A calibrated, perforated stylet is placed through the composite, i.e., compliant and/or elastic structure, conforming biopsy grid, and containing box-like apparatus, and stabilized by locking devices as it enters and exits the containing box-like apparatus. Electromagnetic and/or visible means are used to determine placement of this stylet through the perforated box-like apparatus to localize internal structures in more than one plane indicating location and depth of structures to be biopsied.

Abstract: A hand portable aid for use in the real time radiographic analysis of bones and comprising a substantially rigid sheet of x-ray pervious material at least as large as the bone and carrying a radio-opaque marker against which alignment of the bone may be checked.

Abstract: Tape which is used to mark the location of arterial blockage or other medical problems on x-ray film. The tape has a T-shaped configuration and includes a flat main body and a rib projecting from the main body. The main body of the tape strip has an adhesive layer on one side which is initially covered by a cover strip. When the cover strip is removed, the strip can be adhesively attached to a patient who is to be x-rayed. The rib has graduation marks that are opaque to x-rays and are thus reproduced on the x-ray film to correlate the location of the medical problem with the marks during subsequent treatment. The rib can be folded flatly against the main body of the tape strip and held adhesively in that position so that the graduation marks are useful when x-rays are taken in two different dimensions.

Abstract: Subsurface regions of an X-ray transparent but optically opaque object are targeted along a visible line of sight obtained by the use of two radiation sources (an X-ray and light beam source, preferably a laser). The central ray from the X-ray source and the light beam are aligned using a calibration fixture, one to the other and both with respect to structures internal to the object being imaged to provide the visible line of sight. The system (method and apparatus) may be used in surgical applications for selective illumination and sighting to reach specific subsurface members of a patients anatomy by guiding an incision.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to realize a radiotherapeutic system whereby the process from the stage of making a diagnosis of a body to be examined for obtaining information of position, size, shape etc. of the diseased part and making up a therapeutic plan of such items as the area to be irradiated by a radiation to the stage of positioning of the area to be irradiated on the body being examined and applying the radiation to the body can be reasonably executed with little trouble.

Abstract: A device for assisting a fluoroscope operator in orienting a fluoroscope on an object during a fluoroscope examination, and thereby reduce the time of use and exposure to radiation, which device consists of a sheet transparent to x-ray radiation, preferably disc shaped, possessing orientation indication means, such as radiopaque symbols, numbers and letters which may be combined in any combination. The orientation device is mounted on the fluoroscope's receiver, thereby positioning the sheet and orientation indicators between the receiver tube and the object being examined. The orientation indicators are visible on the fluoroscope's monitor, clearly indicating direction and providing guidance for the fluoroscope operator during the examination.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which is capable of the multiple functions that are necessary for the quality control of teleradiotherapy machines such a high energy medical accelerators, cobalt 60 machines, and low energy x-ray machines. The assembly includes a detector which is isocentrically rotatable about a pair of horizontal axes. Photodetectors or a luminescent screen are provided within the detector for detecting light and/or radiation. Tests which may be performed with the assembly include determining the position and size of a light field, the mechanical isocentricity of the gantry and of the collimator, positioning of the lasers in the treatment room, the optical distance indicator, and coincidence, symmetry, flatness and uniformity of the radiation and light fields. The multifunctionality of the assembly is based upon the isocentricity of the detector, this invariant point in space being positioned to coincide with that of the treatment machine.

Abstract: A linear detector selectively detects successive line images from different angles while the linear detector and a radiation source are rotated about a patient. Radiation-transmission images are generated and detected and converted to computer-grabbed images by a computer which acquires, processes, stores and reconstructs the images. A visual monitor display reconstructs video images including a planar image and tomographic images representing sections orthogonal to the planar image. Selectively-positionable field-delineating lines corresponding to intersectional outlines between a simulation beam and the planar image are overlaid on the planar image. Beam-delineating lines are updated by the computer to correspond to intersectional outlines as the field-delineating lines are positioned.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for efficiently and quickly determining the exact location of spicules of calcium within a test specimen of human tissue removed from a woman's breast. By exactly locating the clusters of calcification, a pathologist can dissect the portion of the test specimen containing the calcifications and quickly analyze the same to determine whether or not malignancy exists. A pair of grid plates is provided, one on top of the other, with clamping means to compress a test specimen therebetween in the present invention. The plates include a grid system which is opaque to radiographic filming which allows the determination of the exact location of the clusters of calcifications.

Abstract: A catheter position indicator for use with leveling devices adapted for use in hemodynamic monitoring. The indicator includes a radio transparent sheet material containing a plurality of spaced apart radio opaque material portions. Also included is a means for fastening the sheet material to a human body. An X-ray may be taken so that the location of a catheter may be determined in relation to the radio opaque portions of the radio transparent sheet material. Once the location of the catheter is determined a simple bubble level device may be utilized to bring a hemodynamic transducer assembly into level with the inserted catheter.

Abstract: A device for producing plural lines on a film bearing a radiographic image of a portion of the body of a living being to facilitate the location of a part of the being's body within that image. The device comprises a flexible substrate formed of a porous, translucent or transparent material having lines of a radio-opaque material disposed thereon and is made by the application a slurry of a plastisol material and lead particles in the line pattern on the substrate and then drying the slurry. The device is used by applying it over a selected portion of the body of a being, disposing a radiosensitive film under the selected portion of the being's body, exposing the film to radiation, and thereafter developing the film. The resulting radiographic image of the selected portion of the being's body thus has indicator lines crossing it which facilitates the demarcation of a desired portion of that image. A marking instrument, e.g.

Abstract: A tissue sample localizer device comprises a tissue holder having a target region constructed and arranged for selective receipt of a tissue sample to be analyzed thereon. A reference grid defines a grid pattern suitable for formation of a grid pattern image on an image taken of the reference grid. Structure is provided so that the reference grid is operably positioned over the tissue holder target region so that the grid pattern image appears on an image taken of the target region.

Abstract: The invention is a specimen support comprising a specimen board with an absorbent square attached thereto, radio-opaque indicia attached to the specimen board, a compression sheet hingedly attached to the specimen board and means for attaching the board and sheet together at a location remote from the hinge. The apparatus may be used for radiographically localizing internal structure of a specimen carried by the board.

Abstract: An adhesively applied marker for use in determining the location of where a spinal marker needle is to be placed is disclosed. The markers have a radiopaque grid pattern and other indicia on the surface of the marker so that when adhesively applied to the patient, they will clearly show the location of the markers in relationship to the body of the patient. A central opening for a marker needle is also provided. The discs are made in various sizes, for different applications.

Abstract: A device for producing plural lines on a film bearing a radiographic image of a portion of the body of a living being to facilitate the location of a part of the being's body within that image. The device comprises a flexible substrate having lines of a radio-opaque material disposed thereon and is made by the application a slurry of a plastisol material and lead particles in the line pattern on the substrate and then drying the slurry. The device is used by applying it over a selected portion of the body of a being, disposing a radiosensitive film under the selected portion of the being's body, exposing the film to radiation, and thereafter developing the film. The resulting radiographic image of the selected portion of the being's body thus has indicator lines crossing it which facilitate the demarcation of a desired portion of that image. In one preferred embodiment the substrate of the device includes plural openings in the lines so that a marking instrument, e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented here which allow for easy quantitative determination of a position on a patient's skin as seen in CT scanner images. It is based on a device which is a lattice of fiducial rods that can be placed on or near the patient's skin. The images from this device then enable specific points on the skin itself to be readily identified by the operator. It requires a minimum of complication or calculation, and can be used in a variety of procedures which involve placing a probe through the patient's skin to a target, such as a tumor, as seen on the CT scan. The localizaing ladder, as it will be called, can be quickly placed in an aligned fashion on the patient's body, and, depending on several embodiments of the invention, coordinate points on the skin can be determined thereafter by either CT scanner software output, a simple off-line numerical calculation, or, even simpler, counting of the ladder localizer points.

Abstract: A device for holding a tissue specimen for radiographic exposure and assisting in the location of an abnormality in the specimen as detected by said radiographic exposure. The device comprises first and second platen members of radiolucent material, a radiopaque grid dividing one platen member into a plurality of regions, and a mechanism for drawing the two platen members toward one another thereby to compress a tissue specimen and flatten it to a substantially uniform thickness prior to radiographic exposure. An improved biopsy procedure utilizing the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A breast compression plate is connected to a cartridge sleeve for containing a mammographic film cartridge with adjustable tension in a range of positions with detachable straps. The plate is a semi-rigid planar member having a plurality of perforations disposed in a matrix for locating a needle used to determine the position of breast lesions. The plate has spaced buckles which are secured to the straps. The straps have a series of loops formed on one side which are gripped by a plurality of closely spaced hooks secured to spaced ends of the cartridge sleeve. The series of loops extend along the length of the straps to permit changing the length of the straps extending between the plate and the cartridge sleeve, thereby permitting lateral positioning and tension adjustment. The plurality of hooks extend across the cartridge sleeve generally perpendicular to the length of the straps on opposite ends of the sleeve to permit positioning of the plate perpendicularly relative to the length of the straps.

Abstract: A localizer system is described which enables determination of the coordinates of a target located inside the human body and visualized on a tomographic scan image for essentially any arbitrary scan plane through the body. It involves a means of fixing a frame in a known relationship to the body and placing the localizer system in a fixed position relative to the frame. There is an axial axis defined for the localizer, and there are both parallel and transverse (perpendicular) rod elements as well as diagonal rod elements on the localizer. These appear as spot images on the scan plane image and are sufficient in number and location to enable accurate calculation of a target image on the scan and determination of the target coordinates in space relative to the localizer. This applies to plane scan cuts which are substantially parallel or perpendicular to the localizer axis.

Abstract: A mammographic device comprises an X-ray source for emitting X-rays along a predetermined path, a film holder disposed in the predetermined path of the X-rays for holding film to be exposed to the X-rays, a compression plate disposed in the predetermined path of the X-rays, and positionable for compressing, and holding in position, against the film holder a woman's breast to be X-rayed, and a suspension arrangement disposed between the X-ray source and the compression plate for holding the X-ray source and the compression plate in a fixed relative mutual position so that the distance between the X-ray source and the compression plate remains constant. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression plate holder and compression plate are formed into an integral structure made of plexiglass. Preferably, the compression plate contains a matrix pattern of holes or perforations for facilitating biopsy guidance and needle aspiration cytology.

Abstract: An X-ray package for X-raying an object such as a portion of a human body includes a film which has been pre-exposed to dimensional indicia so that, after the package has been exposed to X-radiation relative to the object and the film has been developed, the image on the film includes both the object and the dimensional indicia. The package is made by unwinding a roll of pre-exposed film while simultaneously unwinding rolls of cover materials to form a composite strip of film and cover materials and forming X-ray packages successively from the end of the composite strip. The film is pre-exposed by unwinding a roll of unexposed film while simultaneously unwinding a control strip and the control strip causes the film to advance in steps of precisely equal lengths. Between each advance of the strips, a portion of the strip of film is exposed to dimensional indicia.

Abstract: A tomographic x-ray machine has camera and film-plane sections which move about a primary axis for imaging a selected cross-section of an anatomical member onto a film. A "scout image" of the member is obtained at right angles to the plane of the desired cross-section to indicate the cross-section's orientation with respect to the primary axis. The anatomical member is then moved to place it on the primary axis and a second film is located at the same angle that the selected cross-section makes with the primary axis. The second film and the cross-section are then maintained in parallel planes throughout motion of the camera and the second film during tomographic radiography.