Abstract: A 2D mammogram image is synthesized from at least one of tomosynthesis projection images and/or the tomosynthesis reconstructed image data. In a simplest form, the mammogram may be synthesized by selecting one of the tomosynthesis projection images for display as a synthesized mammogram. Other methods of synthesizing a mammogram include re-projecting and filtering projection data and/or reconstructed data. The synthesized mammogram is advantageously displayed together with at least a portion of the reconstructed data to aid in review of the reconstructed data. The present invention thus provides a familiar image which may be used to facilitate review of a tomosynthesis data set.

Abstract: The present invention is methods for processing medical images so as to remove certain effects of the physical characteristics of the object being imaged and/or of the apparatus used to form the images. The invention further provides for the formation of a standardized image from the processed image and for the use of the standardized image or the processed image in the training of computer-aided detection/diagnosis algorithms. These algorithms may then be used to detect abnormalities in other standardized or processed images derived from any of a variety of image acquisition systems.

Abstract: A distributed architecture allows for decoupling of mammographic image acquisition and review, thereby enabling more efficient use of resources and enhanced processing. In one embodiment, the system (100) includes a number of image acquisition stations (102) and a number of image review stations (110) all associated with a central server (104). The server (104) is operative to access an image repository (106), a patient information data base (108) and a number of DICOM tools (112). The invention allows for more efficient and/or more convenient use of the image acquisition equipment and image processing stations. Moreover, the distributed architecture including the central image repository provides certain processing and analysis advantages. The invention also provides certain processing and workflow enhancements that allow for a more full realization of potential digital mammography advantages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting for a distortion in a mammogram. The method comprises classifying pixels as either likely fat or likely not-fat. The method further comprises identifying a candidate distortion and calculating a histogram of the likely fat and the likely not-fat pixels at the candidate distortion. The method further comprises evaluating a quality of the candidate distortion based on features of the histograms of pixel values in the fat and dense tissue classes. The distortion may be a two dimensional tilt of the plates or a three dimensional deformation of the plates as in a bend.

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: A method for increasing the distance between outer surface of tissue proximate to a surgical extraction site and a patient's sensitive body tissues comprising the infusion of a solution at a location of minimum distance between the extraction site and the sensitive body tissue until the accumulation of fluid distends the sensitive body tissue away from the extraction site.

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.