Abstract: A curved compression element, such as a breast compression paddle, and imaging systems and methods for use with curved compression elements. A system may include a radiation source, a detector, and a curved compression element. Operations are performed that include receiving image data from the detector; accessing a correction map for the at least one compression paddle; correcting the image data based on the correction map to generate a corrected image data; and generating an image of the breast based on the corrected image data. The breast compression element generally has no sharp edges, but rather has smooth edges and transitions between surfaces. The breast compression paddle also includes a flexible material that spans a portion of a curved bottom surface of the breast compression paddle to define a gap. The flexible material may be a thin-film material such as a shrink wrap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for breast x-ray tomosynthesis that enhance spatial resolution in the direction in which the breast is flattened for examination. In addition to x-ray data acquisition of 2D projection tomosynthesis images ETp1 over a shorter source trajectory similar to known breast tomosynthesis, supplemental 2D images ETp2 are taken over a longer source trajectory and the two sets of projection images are processed into breast slice images ETr that exhibit enhanced spatial resolution, including in the thickness direction of the breast. Additional features include breast CT of an upright patient's flattened breast, multi-mode tomosynthesis, and shielding the patient from moving equipment.

Abstract: A curved compression element, such as a breast compression paddle, and imaging systems and methods for use with curved compression elements. A system may include a radiation source, a detector, and a curved compression element. Operations are performed that include receiving image data from the detector; accessing a correction map for the at least one compression paddle; correcting the image data based on the correction map to generate a corrected image data; and generating an image of the breast based on the corrected image data. The breast compression element generally has no sharp edges, but rather has smooth edges and transitions between surfaces. The breast compression paddle also includes a flexible material that spans a portion of a curved bottom surface of the breast compression paddle to define a gap. The flexible material may be a thin-film material such as a shrink wrap.

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 method of imaging a breast compressed with a foam paddle includes emitting an x-ray energy from an x-ray source towards the breast and the foam paddle having a plurality of upper markers and a plurality of lower markers, wherein the plurality of lower markers are movable relative to the upper markers. The x-ray energy is detected at a detector disposed opposite the breast from the x-ray source. An image of the compressed breast is generated based on the detected x-ray energy. At least one of the plurality of upper markers and at least one of the plurality of lower markers is identified in the image. A thickness of the compressed breast at a plurality of thickness locations is determined, wherein each of the plurality of thickness locations corresponds to at least one of the plurality of lower markers.

Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.

Abstract: The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity.

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: The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes.

Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.

Abstract: A curved compression element, such as a breast compression paddle, and imaging systems and methods for use with curved compression elements. A system may include a radiation source, a detector, and a curved compression element. Operations are performed that include receiving image data from the detector; accessing a correction map for the at least one compression paddle; correcting the image data based on the correction map to generate a corrected image data; and generating an image of the breast based on the corrected image data. The breast compression element generally has no sharp edges, but rather has smooth edges and transitions between surfaces. The breast compression paddle also includes a flexible material that spans a portion of a curved bottom surface of the breast compression paddle to define a gap. The flexible material may be a thin-film material such as a shrink wrap.

Abstract: A curved compression element, such as a breast compression paddle, and imaging systems and methods for use with curved compression elements. A system may include a radiation source, a detector, and a curved compression element. Operations are performed that include receiving image data from the detector; accessing a correction map for the at least one compression paddle; correcting the image data based on the correction map to generate a corrected image data; and generating an image of the breast based on the corrected image data. The breast compression element generally has no sharp edges, but rather has smooth edges and transitions between surfaces. The breast compression paddle also includes a flexible material that spans a portion of a curved bottom surface of the breast compression paddle to define a gap. The flexible material may be a thin-film material such as a shrink wrap.

Abstract: The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes.

Abstract: The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes.

Abstract: A curved compression element, such as a breast compression paddle, and imaging systems and methods for use with curved compression elements. A system may include a radiation source, a detector, and a curved compression element. Operations are performed that include receiving image data from the detector; accessing a correction map for the at least one compression paddle; correcting the image data based on the correction map to generate a corrected image data; and generating an image of the breast based on the corrected image data. The breast compression element generally has no sharp edges, but rather has smooth edges and transitions between surfaces. The breast compression paddle also includes a flexible material that spans a portion of a curved bottom surface of the breast compression paddle to define a gap. The flexible material may be a thin-film material such as a shrink wrap.

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 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 curved compression element, such as a breast compression paddle, and imaging systems and methods for use with curved compression elements. A system may include a radiation source, a detector, and a curved compression element. Operations are performed that include receiving image data from the detector; accessing a correction map for the at least one compression paddle; correcting the image data based on the correction map to generate a corrected image data; and generating an image of the breast based on the corrected image data. The breast compression element generally has no sharp edges, but rather has smooth edges and transitions between surfaces. The breast compression paddle also includes a flexible material that spans a portion of a curved bottom surface of the breast compression paddle to define a gap. The flexible material may be a thin-film material such as a shrink wrap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for breast x-ray tomosynthesis that enhance spatial resolution in the direction in which the breast is flattened for examination. In addition to x-ray data acquisition of 2D projection tomosynthesis images ETp1 over a shorter source trajectory similar to known breast tomosynthesis, supplemental 2D images ETp2 are taken over a longer source trajectory and the two sets of projection images are processed into breast slice images ETr that exhibit enhanced spatial resolution, including in the thickness direction of the breast. Additional features include breast CT of an upright patient's flattened breast, multi-mode tomosynthesis, and shielding the patient from moving equipment.