Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining mammographic images of a human patient's breast and subsequently obtaining tissue samples for biopsy includes a deck having one or more of access sites, with the deck elevated above a floor or other supporting surface and capable of supporting the patient thereon. The deck includes a frame and may include one or more filler sections occupying respective access sites when closed. The filler sections are preferably positioned to provide one or more access sites on each side of the deck when opened, the access sites being sized to accommodate a technician or mammography device therein. The deck may include a central, longitudinally extending spine with cross-members extending perpendicular thereto. The filler sections can be removably or pivotally mounted on hinges or pivot pins to selectively shift out of the openings, such as by dropping or raising to a vertical orientation, to accommodate a mammography device or examiner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining mammographic images of a human patient's breast and subsequently obtaining tissue samples for biopsy includes a deck having one or more of access sites, with the deck elevated above a floor or other supporting surface and capable of supporting the patient thereon. The deck includes a frame and may include one or more filler sections occupying respective access sites when closed. The filler sections are preferably positioned to provide one or more access sites on each side of the deck when opened, the access sites being sized to accommodate a technician or mammography device therein. The deck may include a central, longitudinally extending spine with cross-members extending perpendicular thereto. The filler sections can be removably or pivotally mounted on hinges or pivot pins to selectively shift out of the openings, such as by dropping or raising to a vertical orientation, to accommodate a mammography device or examiner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining mammographic images of a human patient's breast and subsequently obtaining tissue samples for biopsy includes a deck having one or more of access sites, with the deck elevated above a floor or other supporting surface and capable of supporting the patient thereon. The deck includes a frame and may include one or more filler sections occupying respective access sites when closed. The filler sections are preferably positioned to provide one or more access sites on each side of the deck when opened, the access sites being sized to accommodate a technician or mammography device therein. The deck may include a central, longitudinally extending spine with cross-members extending perpendicular thereto. The filler sections can be removably or pivotally mounted on hinges or pivot pins to selectively shift out of the openings, such as by dropping or raising to a vertical orientation, to accommodate a mammography device or examiner.

Abstract: A biopsy guide device and method for obtaining multiple biopsies at a target area without having to withdraw the biopsy guide device from the target area and reinsert the device. The biopsy guide device contains at least one means for receiving a biopsy obtaining instrument and a means for guiding the biopsy guide device to the target area. The biopsy guide device is secured internally at the target area by a guide mandrel. The biopsy guide device can be rotated about the guide mandrel to obtain multiple biopsies of the target area.

Abstract: A portable viewing tunnel for transparencies, medical radiographs, mammograms and other trans-illuminated materials is presented. Its proper use provokes human physiologic darkness adaptation primarily by means of an elastic neoprene rubber laminate cylinder with a malleable distal aperture which can be manually shaped to fit the form of the dark or detailed areas of interest being viewed. This characteristic prevents light which is emanating from bright sources within or next to the trans-illuminated image from reaching the eyes and spoiling physiologic darkness adaptation. Additional steps to exclude stray light include a soft, form fitting goggle on the proximal end to contact the face around the eyes forming a light tight junction between viewing tunnel and the eyes. An intermediate lens board is included for easy changes in binocular magnifier lenses. This device replaces most of the need for bright lighting or masking for viewing dark areas on transparencies and other trans-illuminated materials.