Abstract: A marking system for implantation into tissue comprises a marker body having an outer surface, the marker body including a transponder configured to respond to electromagnetic radiation from an external source, and a microchip operatively connected to the transponder and configured to activate in response to the electromagnetic radiation; and an anti-migration device configured to receive at least a portion of the marker body and to engage tissue in which the marker body is implanted to resist movement of the marker body after implantation. A deployment device, system, and method for implanting the marking system includes the use of a device having handle portion and a cannula within which the marking system is disposed.

Abstract: Disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as localization markers during a surgical procedure. Adaptation includes incorporation of materials detectable under ultrasound during surgery, as well as features for co-registration with image guidance or other real-time imaging technologies during surgery. Such biopsy markers, when used as localization markers, improve patient comfort and reduce challenges in surgical coordination and surgery time. Additional disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as monitoring and/or detection apparatuses. Localization of an implanted marker may be done with ultrasound technology. Ultrasound image data is analyzed to identify the implanted marker. A distance to the marker or a lesion may be determined and displayed. The determined distance may be a distance between the ultrasound probe and the marker or lesion, a distance between the marker or lesion and an incision instrument, and/or a distance between the ultrasound probe and the incision instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-modality (MMI) imaging of a specimen are disclosed. A specimen may be imaged with a first modality at a first plurality of imaging angles and imaged with a second modality at a second plurality of imaging angles. The first modality may be associated with a different x-ray dose than the second modality. Additionally, one or more angles of the first plurality of imaging angles may be different from the second plurality of imaging angles. Image data obtained from imaging with each modality is used to compile reconstructed images of the specimen. A portion of the reconstructed images that includes a micro-calcification may be reconstructed based on image data from the modality associated with a higher dose.

Abstract: Techniques for patient positioning quality assurance prior to mammographic image acquisition are described. A system may include an x-ray source configured to expose human tissue to radiation. An x-ray detector module may be configured to detect the radiation and generate a pre-diagnostic image of the human tissue. A position analysis module may be configured to receive the pre-diagnostic image and determine whether the human tissue is positioned correctly based upon one or more predefined positioning criteria. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be configured to store the results of the positional analysis module determination. A display may be configured to display the determination of the position analysis module within a user interface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: In some examples, anthropometric parameters of a subject are ascertained from radiographic image data. Radiograph image data is transformed to a representation of a lower dimensionality than the dimensionality of the image data by an machine learning processor. The representation of the radio graph image data is mapped to anthropometric parameters, directly or first to an intermediate three-dimensional optical image of the subject, and then from the intermediate three-dimensional optical image to anthropometric parameters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing multi-plane viewing of a digital image of a subject matter which do not require viewing multiple images taken at multiple image planes. Pseudo-focus images are generated from a flattened, merged image of a three-dimensional subject matter. The merged image is generated by merging a plurality of images taken at different focal planes of the subject matter which form a through-focus image stack. The merged image comprises the best focus pixels originating from different respective image planes. A depth map is also generated from the multiple images which associates each best focus pixel with a pixel depth value. A plane of interest (POI) is selected from the image planes. A pseudo-focus image is then generated using the merged image and pixel depth map by generating a blurred focus value for each best focus pixel based on the focus offset of each pixel from the POI.

Abstract: Intrauterine devices and methods for facilitating deployment thereof using a bumper are disclosed. In one embodiment, an intrauterine device comprises a structure including a first central support member and a deployment mechanism coupled to the first central support member. The intrauterine device further comprises a bumper positioned at a distal end of a second central support member and at a more distal position relative to a distal end of the structure so as to prevent the distal end of the structure from contacting the fundus of the uterus of a patient during deployment of the deployment mechanism. In another embodiment, the intrauterine device comprises a bumper coupled to the deployment mechanism and configured to move from a more distal to a more proximal position relative to a distal end of the structure.

Abstract: A laparoscopic tissue suturing instrument comprises a shaft and a tissue grasper coupled to the shaft. The tissue grasper defines a tissue receiving gap and defining a shuttling element retention cavity. The instrument further comprises a suture shuttling element configured for being removably retained at least partially within the shuttling element retention cavity, and a needle having a needle shaft, a shuttling element coupler disposed at a distal end of the needle shaft, and a shuttling element release mechanism disposed on the needle shaft proximal to the shuttling element coupler. The instrument further comprises a shuttling element retainer mechanism adjacent to the shuttling element retention cavity.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for placement in surgically created soft tissue spaces, potential spaces, or cavities. The implantable devices generally include a bioabsorbable body having an open framework that facilitates attachment of tissue thereto in a manner that helps avoid post-surgical deformities. Methods for using the implantable devices in oncoplastic surgery are further described.

Abstract: A method of generating a visual representation of a complex medical diagnosis includes receiving a first signal corresponding to a measurement of a patient biological condition. A second signal corresponding to a measurement of a patient performance condition is also received. The first and second signals are processed and a visual representation of a diagnostic assessment is generated. The diagnostic assessment is based at least in part on the patient biological condition and the patient performance condition. The visual representation is marked with the measurement of the patient biological condition and the measurement of the patient performance condition.

Abstract: The present application discloses a tomosynthesis system and method that combines high dose gain maps directly, or high-resolution components of high dose gain maps, with low resolution components of low dose gain maps at a plurality of imaging parameters, to produce high quality gain map efficiently at the plurality of imaging parameters, to perform gain corrections to x-ray images.

Abstract: A colpotomy device includes a shaft assembly having a hollow outer shaft and an inner shaft disposed within, and rotatable and translatable relative to, the outer shaft, a handle assembly operably coupled to a proximal end of the shaft assembly, and configured to selectively rotate the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft, a colpotomy cup assembly including an outer cup and an inner cup disposed within the outer cup, wherein the inner cup is fixedly coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft, and the outer cup is fixedly coupled to a distal end of the outer shaft, and a cutting element coupled to the inner cup, such that the inner shaft the shaft assembly, inner cup, and cutting element rotate together relative to the outer shaft.

Abstract: The present application discloses a system and method to calculate the automatic exposure control (AEC) calibrated dosage for tomosynthesis sweeps. For example, reference images may be acquired, and corresponding reference detector count maps may be generated and stored for a plurality of projection angles using the tomosynthesis imaging system. The tomosynthesis imaging system may then acquire a scout image using a scout dosage, identify the densest region within the scout image, and calculated the average detector count values associated with the densest region. The AEC calibrated dosage can be calculated based on a ratio of the average reference detector count values, corresponding to the detector count values of pixels with a corresponding densest region of the reference image, and the calculated average detector count values.

Abstract: A tilted needle biopsy assembly is provided for mounting on an x-ray system. Because the biopsy needle is angled relative to at least one of the detector and the x-ray source, x-ray imaging may be performed during the biopsy procedure without interference by the biopsy device. The angled biopsy needle additionally allows improved access to the axilla and chest wall of the patient. The stereotactic biopsy device of the present invention may be coupled to any x-ray system, whether upright or prone, including but not limited to mammography systems, tomosynthesis systems, and combination mammography/tomosynthesis systems. The system flexibly supports the use of any mode of image capture (i.e., scout, two dimensional mammogram, three-dimensional reconstructed volume) for either or both target visualization and target localization. With such an arrangement, a needle biopsy assembly having improved patient coverage is provided for use with a variety of different x-ray imaging platforms.

Abstract: A system for delivering a biopsy marker includes a biopsy device having an inner lumen. The inner lumen is configured to provide continuous access to a biopsy site to both collect a tissue sample from the biopsy site and to mark the biopsy site. The system also includes a biopsy marker configured to permit identification of the biopsy site. The biopsy marker comprises a hypoechoic region and a hyperechoic region. The hypoechoic region is distinguishable from the hyperechoic region under ultrasound imaging of the biopsy marker. The system additionally comprises a push rod configured to convey the biopsy marker through the inner lumen of the biopsy device and into the biopsy site.

Abstract: A tissue holder cap for covering a tissue holder includes a cover having a perimeter, the cover having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite from the outer surface. The cover includes a central portion having an opening configured for receiving a central post of the tissue holder, a first latch extending from the perimeter of the cover, and a second latch extending from the perimeter of the cover, circumferentially spaced apart from the first latch. The cover also includes a first protrusion configured to engage the post of the tissue holder. When the first protrusion engages with the post, each of the first latch and the second latch automatically aligns with one or more of a plurality of tabs on located on a circumferential sidewall of the tissue holder to thereby securely fasten the tissue holder cap onto the tissue holder.

Abstract: A tissue holder assembly includes: a base comprising a bottom member, a central hub extending upwardly from the bottom member, and a circumferential sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom member radially spaced apart from the hub, the circumferential sidewall surrounding the hub and defining an interior region configured for accommodating a cylindrical tissue holder; the base further comprising a raised platform spaced upwardly apart from the bottom member, the central hub extending through a central opening of the platform and configured for supporting the tissue holder; the bottom member, the hub, and the circumferential sidewall collectively defining an annular fluid channel underlying the platform; wherein the fluid channel extends around the hub from an opening in the platform to a fluid exit port in the circumferential sidewall; the base further comprising a flow comb underlying the platform opening and extending into the fluid channel.