Abstract: A method for imaging includes acquiring surface image data for a target using a first imaging modality. A visual representation of the target based on the surface image data is generated. Internal image data for the target is acquired using a second imaging modality. During acquisition of the internal image data, the visual representation of the target based on the acquired internal image data is updated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing X-ray scatter during breast imaging, and more specifically during tomosynthesis imaging. In one embodiment, an anti-scatter grid having a plurality of septa may be configured to be positioned relative to an X-ray imaging device such that each septum of the plurality of septa extends along a direction substantially parallel to a coronal plane of a subject during imaging of the subject using the X-ray imaging device. The X-ray imaging device may be operable in a tomosynthesis mode for imaging of a breast of the subject and may include the anti-scatter grid disposed between a breast platform and the X-ray detector. The anti-scatter grid may be configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of the subject during tomosynthesis imaging.

Abstract: A station for tomotactic-guided biopsy in prone includes a table with an aperture, and a tomosynthesis imaging system. A biopsy gun can be mounted on a stage arm assembly disposed below the table. The imaging system and stage arm assembly can be independently rotated and linearly repositioned in one or more dimensions, thereby allowing the tomotactic scan axis to be located relative to a breast being imaged.

Abstract: The table for performing breast biopsies is characterized by features that enhance patient comfort and facilitate performance of the biopsy. An opening in the table allowing the breast to extend below the table top is formed in a removable insert. An area of the insert includes padding. An alternate insert, having a different diameter opening may be selected based on patient breast size. Another insert having an asymmetrical opening may accommodate the patient's arm when it is desirable to position both the arm and breast of the patient below the table top. The table top is contoured such that symmetrical distal end sections are elevated relative to a central section to support the patient in multiple positions. A removable pad may be placed over the insert. An end portion for padding the hip of the patient is thicker than an end portion for padding the head/neck of the patient.

Abstract: A station for tomotactic-guided biopsy in prone includes a table with an aperture, and a tomosynthesis imaging system. A biopsy gun can be mounted on a stage arm assembly disposed below the table. The imaging system and stage arm assembly can be independently rotated and linearly repositioned in one or more dimensions, thereby allowing the tomotactic scan axis to be located relative to a breast being imaged.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a lateral member; a gun mount configured to support a biopsy gun, the gun mount being connected to the lateral member and movable along a first axis with respect to the lateral member, and a sensor which detects a position of the gun mount along the first axis with respect to the lateral member and generates positional data which is provided to an interface module. The gun mount can also be reconfigured in orientations which are offset in a dimension which is orthogonal to the first axis, orientations rotationally offset about the first axis or an axis parallel to the first axis. The lateral member can be in right hand and left hand orientations. Various sensors detect these reconfigurations and provide corresponding data to the interface module for additional calculations and display.

Abstract: A multi-modality cancer screening and diagnosis system is provided that allows cancer screening and diagnosis of a patient using at least two different and sequential three-dimensional imaging techniques without patient repositioning. The system includes a first three-dimensional image acquisition device, a second three-dimensional image acquisition device having a probe with a transmitter mounted thereon, and a positioning paddle for positioning and immobilizing an object to be imaged during the cancer screening and diagnosis procedure. The positioning paddle is designed to facilitate visualization of the breast in both three-dimensional modalities without movement of the patient, and preferably is designed to position the patient with comfort during a diagnosis procedure which uses both imaging modalities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing X-ray scatter during breast imaging, and more specifically during tomosynthesis imaging. In one embodiment, an anti-scatter grid having a plurality of septa may be configured to he positioned relative to an X-ray imaging device such that each septum of the plurality of septa extends along a direction substantially parallel to a coronal plane of a subject during imaging of the subject using the X-ray imaging device. The X-ray imaging device may be operable in a tomosynthesis mode for imaging of a breast of the subject and may include the anti-scatter grid disposed between a breast platform and the X-ray detector. The anti-scatter grid may be configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of the subject during tomosynthesis imaging.

Abstract: An x-ray breast imaging system comprising a compression paddle in which the compression paddle comprises a front wall and a bottom wall. The front wall is configured to be adjacent and face a chest wall of a patient during imaging and the bottom wall configured to be adjacent a length of a top of a compressed breast. The bottom wall extends away from the patient's chest wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a first portion and a second portion such that the second portion is between the front wall and the first portion. The first portion is generally non-coplanar to the second portion, wherein the compression paddle is movable along a craniocaudal axis. The x-ray breast imaging system also comprises a non-rigid jacket releasably secured to the compression paddle, the non-rigid jacket positioned between the compression paddle and the patient.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a lateral member; a gun mount configured to support a biopsy gun, the gun mount being connected to the lateral member and movable along a first axis with respect to the lateral member, and a sensor which detects a position of the gun mount along the first axis with respect to the lateral member and generates positional data which is provided to an interface module. The gun mount can also be reconfigured in orientations which are offset in a dimension which is orthogonal to the first axis, orientations rotationally offset about the first axis or an axis parallel to the first axis. The lateral member can be in right hand and left hand orientations. Various sensors detect these reconfigurations and provide corresponding data to the interface module for additional calculations and display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing X-ray scatter during breast imaging, and more specifically during tomosynthesis imaging. In one embodiment, an anti-scatter grid having a plurality of septa may be configured to be positioned relative to an X-ray imaging device such that each septum of the plurality of septa extends along a direction substantially parallel to a coronal plane of a subject during imaging of the subject using the X-ray imaging device. The X-ray imaging device may be operable in a tomosynthesis mode for imaging of a breast of the subject and may include the anti-scatter grid disposed between a breast platform and the X-ray detector. The anti-scatter grid may be configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of the subject during tomosynthesis imaging.

Abstract: A multi-modality cancer screening and diagnosis system is provided that allows cancer screening and diagnosis of a patient using at least two different and sequential three-dimensional imaging techniques without patient repositioning. The system includes a first three-dimensional image acquisition device, a second three-dimensional image acquisition device having a probe with a transmitter mounted thereon, and a positioning paddle for positioning and immobilizing an object to be imaged during the cancer screening and diagnosis procedure. The positioning paddle is designed to facilitate visualization of the breast in both three-dimensional modalities without movement of the patient, and preferably is designed to position the patient with comfort during a diagnosis procedure which uses both imaging modalities.

Abstract: An x-ray breast imaging system comprising a compression paddle in which the compression paddle comprises a front wall and a bottom wall. The front wall is configured to be adjacent and face a chest wall of a patient during imaging and the bottom wall configured to be adjacent a length of a top of a compressed breast. The bottom wall extends away from the patient's chest wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a first portion and a second portion such that the second portion is between the front wall and the first portion. The first portion is generally non- coplanar to the second portion, wherein the compression paddle is movable along a craniocaudal axis. The x-ray breast imaging system also comprises a non-rigid jacket releasably secured to the compression paddle, the non-rigid jacket positioned between the compression paddle and the patient.

Abstract: The table for performing breast biopsies is characterized by features that enhance patient comfort and facilitate performance of the biopsy. An opening in the table allowing the breast to extend below the table top is formed in a removable insert. An area of the insert includes padding. An alternate insert, having a different diameter opening may be selected based on patient breast size. Another insert having an asymmetrical opening may accommodate the patient's arm when it is desirable to position both the arm and breast of the patient below the table top. The table top is contoured such that symmetrical distal end sections are elevated relative to a central section to support the patient in multiple positions. A removable pad may be placed over the insert. An end portion for padding the hip of the patient is thicker than an end portion for padding the head/neck of the patient.

Abstract: The table for performing breast biopsies is characterized by features that enhance patient comfort and facilitate performance of the biopsy. An opening in the table allowing the breast to extend below the table top is formed in a removable insert. An area of the insert includes padding. An alternate insert having a different diameter opening may be selected based on patient breast size. Another insert having an asymmetrical opening may accommodate the patient's arm when it is desirable to position both the arm and breast of the patient below the table top. The table top is contoured such that symmetrical distal end sections are elevated relative to a central section to support the patient in multiple positions. A removable pad may be placed over the insert. An end portion for padding the hip of the patient is thicker than an end portion for padding the head/neck of the patient.

Abstract: A system for analysis of biopsy samples includes a tissue sample transport mechanism linking a biopsy sample excision tool to a tissue sample holder disposed in a staging area of an analysis unit. The tissue sample is automatically transported from the excision tool to the specimen holder, where the tissue sample is analyzed in the staging area of the analysis unit. The transport mechanism may include tubing and a vacuum source. The tissue sample holder may be configured to slow or temporarily stop a tissue sample for individual analysis, or collect multiple tissue samples for analysis as a group. A tissue sample sorting mechanism may be employed that allows separation of specimens that can be correlated to the analysis.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a lateral member; a gun mount configured to support a biopsy gun, the gun mount being connected to the lateral member and movable along a first axis with respect to the lateral member, and a sensor which detects a position of the gun mount along the first axis with respect to the lateral member and generates positional data which is provided to an interface module. The gun mount can also be reconfigured in orientations which are offset in a dimension which is orthogonal to the first axis, orientations rotationally offset about the first axis or an axis parallel to the first axis. The lateral member can be in right hand and left hand orientations. Various sensors detect these reconfigurations and provide corresponding data to the interface module for additional calculations and display.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a lateral member; a gun mount configured to support a biopsy gun, the gun mount being connected to the lateral member and movable along a first axis with respect to the lateral member, and a sensor which detects a position of the gun mount along the first axis with respect to the lateral member and generates positional data which is provided to an interface module. The gun mount can also be reconfigured in orientations which are offset in a dimension which is orthogonal to the first axis, orientations rotationally offset about the first axis or an axis parallel to the first axis. The lateral member can be in right hand and left hand orientations. Various sensors detect these reconfigurations and provide corresponding data to the interface module for additional calculations and display.