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.

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: System and method for determining a predetermined ramp value for an x-ray tube using a sharpness test object positioned between the x-ray tube and an x-ray detector by applying a plurality of ramp values to the x-ray tube; for each applied ramp value, emitting an x-ray energy from the x-ray tube so as to obtain an x-ray image; calculating a figure of merit (FOM) to quantify a motion blur in each x-ray image; and identifying a highest FOM, wherein the highest FOM corresponds to the predetermined ramp value.

Abstract: A method of detecting motion of a patient's breast tissue during medical imaging, including obtaining image data of the patient's breast tissue; processing the image data to generate a set of image slices that collectively depict the patient's breast tissue; detecting a high contrast object on one or more image slices of the set of image slices; identifying an artifact, associated with the high contrast object, on one or more image slices of the set of image slices; measuring a physical attribute of the artifact; measuring a deviation of the physical attribute from a baseline; determining the deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold; and generating, in response to determining the deviation exceeds the predetermined threshold, a motion indicator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-modality (MMI) imaging of a specimen (136) 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: A bracket body releasably secures a compression element to the compression arm of a breast imaging system. A pair of parallel lateral arms extends from a rigid frame which extends from the bracket. A span connects the ends of the lateral arms opposite the bracket and a flexible membrane extends from the span towards the bracket body.

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: A method of identifying a location of a region of interest within a breast utilizes compressed location coordinates for the region of interest recorded while the breast is under compression during an x-ray imaging procedure such as mammography or tomosynthesis. The compressed location coordinates are converted to uncompressed location coordinates using a mathematical tissue deformation model. The volume and density of the breast affects how the coordinates are translated for use with an ultrasound imaging system. A system including a computing system in communication with an ultrasound imaging system is utilized to perform the method. The resultant predicted location coordinates of the region of interest are used to guide a healthcare provider to potential lesions that are to be examined using ultrasound, where the potential lesions had been previously identified during a screening mammogram.

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: Methods and systems for identifying a region of interest in breast tissue utilize artificial intelligence to confirm that a target lesion identified during imaging the breast tissue using a first imaging modality (e.g. x-ray imaging) has been identified using a second imaging modality (e.g. ultrasound imaging). A computing system operating a lesion matching engine utilizes a machine learning classifier algorithm trained on cases of x-ray images and corresponding ultrasound images in which lesions were identified for further analysis. The lesion matching engine analyzes a target lesion identified with x-ray imaging and a potential lesion identified with ultrasound imaging to determine a likelihood that the target lesion is the same as the potential lesion. A confidence level indicator for the lesion match is presented on a display of a computing device to aid a healthcare provider in locating a lesion in breast tissue.

Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a gantry (126) and a compression arm assembly (104). The compression arm assembly (104) including a support arm (122) supporting a compression paddle (108), a platform (106), and an x-ray receptor (114). An x-ray tube head (124) includes an x-ray source (120). A patient shield system (138) is disposed between the compression paddle (108) and the x-ray source (120). The patient shield system (138) includes an arm (142), a carrier (144), a shield (140), and at least one leg (416, 450, 475, 502) supporting the shield (140) on the carrier (144). A 0° tube head angle is defined as the x-ray source (120) being orthogonal to the support platform (106), and the at least one leg (416, 450, 475, 502) is positioned on the support arm (122) such that the at least one leg (416, 450, 475, 502) is between a ±8° and ±15° tube head angle.

Abstract: X-ray images generated by a biopsy tissue handling apparatus are selectively modified to emphasize areas of interest and deemphasize or eliminate image areas that are distracting, impair view attention and/or contribute to eye fatigue, An image processor executes image masks based on a geometric configuration of a portion of a specimen tray including a storage compartment with tissue specimen, A compartment mask executes on a portion of X-ray image depicting storage compartment including tissue specimen. Compartment mask boundary substantially corresponds to a contour of compartment. Partial structure mask executes on a portion of X-ray image depicting respective walls of specimen tray and storage compartment. Partial structure mask boundary extends along respective lengths and partially through respective walls of specimen tray.

Abstract: A compression paddle with a plurality of markers is advanced towards a patient's breast which has been positioned on a support platform for an imaging procedure. An initial position of the compression paddle is detected relative to the support platform when a portion of the breast is contacted. An initial marker is identified which is associated with a feature of the breast when the compression paddle is in the initial position. A compression target marker is based at least in part on the initial position and the initial marker.

Abstract: A method for processing breast tissue image data includes processing the image data to generate a set of image slices collectively depicting the patient's breast; for each image slice, applying one or more filters associated with a plurality of multi-level feature modules, each configured to represent and recognize an assigned characteristic or feature of a high-dimensional object; generating at each multi-level feature module a feature map depicting regions of the image slice having the assigned feature; combining the feature maps generated from the plurality of multi-level feature modules into a combined image object map indicating a probability that the high-dimensional object is present at a particular location of the image slice; and creating a 2D synthesized image identifying one or more high-dimensional objects based at least in part on object maps generated for a plurality of image slices.

Abstract: An automated system for processing a sample contained in a liquid sample container includes an automated tool head configured to rotate about a first axis, and to translate along a second axis different than the first axis, a pipettor carried by the tool head, the pipettor having a pipette tip engaging member configured to releasably engage pipette tips, and a supplemental container holder configured for holding a supplemental container, the tool head configured to automatically position the pipette tip engaging member into a position in which an engaged pipette tip is inserted into a sample container held in the sample container holder, and into a position in which an engaged pipette tip is inserted into a supplemental container held in the supplemental container holder, through one or both of rotation of the tool head about the first axis and translation of the tool head along the second axis.

Abstract: An adapter for securing a biopsy guidance module to a breast imaging system includes an adapter body which includes a first side and an opposite second side. An armature extends from the first side of the body. A latch mechanism is disposed proximate an end of the armature distal from the first side of the body. The latch mechanism includes an adapter latch and an actuator. The adapter latch is configured to engage an interface on the breast imaging system. The actuator is engaged with the adapter latch to move the adapter latch from an unlocked position to a locked position. In the locked position, the adapter latch is releasably engaged with the interface. A keeper is disposed on the second side of the body. The keeper is configured to receive a module latch from the biopsy guidance module.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a dynamic self-learning medical image network system, wherein the method includes receiving, from a first node initial user interaction data pertaining to one or more user interactions with the one or more initially obtained medical images; training a deep learning algorithm based at least in part on the initial user interaction data received from the node; and transmitting an instance of the trained deep learning algorithm to the first node and/or to one or more additional nodes, wherein at each respective node to which the instance of the trained deep learning algorithm is transmitted, the trained deep learning algorithm is applied to respective one or more subsequently obtained medical images in order to obtain a result.