Abstract: The method is for aiding an operator to determine a position of a region of interest in a breast so as to subsequently guide a biopsy procedure; the method is adapted to be implemented in a mammography apparatus; the method provides performing a 2D imaging procedure of the dual energy mammography type and generating a composite 2D image, and performing a 3D imaging procedure of the tomosynthesis type, firstly generating a 3D image and then a virtual 2D image; based, for example, on the composite 2D image and the virtual 2D image, a two-dimensional mapping and transformation are determined which allow the same marking elements to be accurately displayed on different images, in particular on a 2D section of the 3D image and on a recorded 2D image derived from the composite 2D image.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for analysing samples taken by biopsy, which make it possible to perform the analysis of these samples whilst the patient is still positioned in the position for taking samples, in such a way as to make the overall procedure for taking and analysing the samples faster, reducing the inconvenience for the patient and the risk of a new examination, and also reducing in the majority of cases exposure of the patient to X-rays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calibrating a collimator of X-rays and an apparatus for X-ray analysis which comprises the collimator and can carry out the method automatically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calibrating a collimator of X-rays and an apparatus for X-ray analysis which comprises the collimator and can carry out the method automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for analysing samples taken by biopsy, which make it possible to perform the analysis of these samples whilst the patient is still positioned in the position for taking samples, in such a way as to make the overall procedure for taking and analysing the samples faster, reducing the inconvenience for the patient and the risk of a new examination, and also reducing in the majority of cases exposure of the patient to X-rays.

Abstract: A device for supporting a patient to allow an exam to be performed on the patient's breast, including a supporting table which has a longitudinal axis of extension and on which the patient can lie in a reclining position; the supporting table is provided, in proximity to one end of it, with a through hole for receiving the breast to be examined; a mounting frame for mounting the supporting table and equipped with at least one actuator for adjusting the supporting table in height; the supporting table is divided into a first portion and second portion along an axis; the first portion is smaller in extension along the longitudinal axis than the second portion and is provided with the through hole; the two portions are movably connected to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for biopsy examination on the breast of a patient, includes: an analysis head including a radiation detection device for detecting X-rays on a detection plane, and a source of X-rays to emit X-rays towards the detector, the source and the detection device being mobile with respect to each other so that they can be placed in a plurality of different working acquisition positions. A biopsy probe can be fixed to a support base includes a needle for extracting a sample of breast tissue and a housing for the needle. The housing is rotatably mounted on the support base to allow modification of the angle of the needle with respect to the breast support surface. A computerized unit is connected to the detector and configured to produce at least one reconstructed image of a cross-section of the breast.

Abstract: An apparatus for biopsy examination on the breast of a patient, includes: an analysis head including a radiation detection device for detecting X-rays on a detection plane, and source of X-rays to emit X-rays towards the detector, the source and the detection device being mobile with respect to each other so that they can be placed in a plurality of different working acquisition positions. A biopsy probe can be fixed to a support base includes a needle for extracting a sample of breast tissue and a housing for the needle. The housing is rotatably mounted on the support base to allow modification of the angle of the needle with respect to the breast support surface. A computerized unit is, connected to the detector and configured to produce at least one reconstructed image of a cross-section of the breast.

Abstract: A device for supporting a patient to allow an exam to be performed on the patient's breast, including a supporting table which has a longitudinal axis of extension and on which the patient can lie in a reclining position; the supporting table is provided, in proximity to one end of it, with a through hole for receiving the breast to be examined; a mounting frame for mounting the supporting table and equipped with at least one actuator for adjusting the supporting table in height; the supporting table is divided into a first portion and second portion along an axis; the first portion is smaller in extension along the longitudinal axis than the second portion and is provided with the through hole; the two portions are movably connected to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for tomosynthesis and/or mammography includes: an X-ray detector, for receiving and detecting X-rays in a first, detection plane; an X-ray source, which can be activated individually and is positioned to emit a corresponding X-ray beam towards the first, detection plane; a processing and control unit, for activating the X-ray source and receiving a signal relating to X-rays which passed through the breast and were detected by the detector to derive a radiographic image representative of the internal structure of the breast; a grille for removing diffuse radiation, interposed between the source and the detector to receive X-rays which passed through the breast. The grille including plates positioned opposite the chest of the patient when the breast is positioned in a positioning region, and which are angled to converge towards the same region proximal to the X-ray source.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing-tomosynthesis and mammography includes an X-ray detector for receiving and detecting X-rays in a first, detection plane; a plurality of X-ray sources are positioned in a second plane substantially at a right angle to the first plane and which can be individually activated for emitting a corresponding X-ray beam towards the first, detection plane, at least a first part of the sources movable relative to the detector and including a first source mobile in a first direction of movement parallel with the first, detection plane for emitting X-rays from a plurality of operating positions along said first direction of movement; a region for positioning the breast; a processing and control unit, for controlling the X-ray sources and receiving a signal relating to the detected X-rays passed through the breast to derive radiographic image representative of the internal structure of the breast.

Abstract: An apparatus for tomosynthesis and/or mammography includes: an X-ray detector, for receiving and detecting X-rays in a first, detection plane; an X-ray source, which can be activated individually and is positioned to emit a corresponding X-ray beam towards the first, detection plane; a processing and control unit, for activating the X-ray source and receiving a signal relating to X rays which passed through the breast and were detected by the detector to derive a radiographic image representative of the internal structure of the breast; a grille for removing diffuse radiation, interposed between the source and the detector to receive X-rays which passed through the breast. The grille including plates positioned opposite the chest of the patient when the breast is positioned in a positioning region, and which are angled to converge towards the same region proximal to the X-ray source.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing tomosynthesis and mammography of a breast of a patient, comprises: an X-ray detector device, designed to receive and detect X-rays in a first, detection plane; a plurality of X-ray sources, stably positioned in a second plane which is substantially at a right angle to the first, detection plane in a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the detector device, each of the sources being individually activatable for emitting a corresponding X-ray beam towards the first, detection plane; a region for positioning the breast; a processing and control unit, connected to the X-ray sources for activating them individually and connected to the detector device for receiving a signal relating to the X-rays which passed through the breast and were detected by the detector device, the unit being designed to derive from the signal at least one radiographic image representative of the internal structure of the patient's breast.