Abstract: An imaging system utilizes 2D DXA images obtained in a tomographic imaging process or mode in order to provide more detailed information to the operator of the bone structure of the patient. The imaging system obtains multiple 2D DXA images at different angles with regard to the patient in a number of passes across the body of the patient. These 2D DXA images can then be utilized to reconstruct at least one 2D slice of the body of the patient, such as in a plane parallel to the plane of a patient support surface, such as a scanner table. The information provided by the tomographic reconstruction provides enhancements to the process of modifying a 3D FEA model associated to an already available set of tomographic reconstructed slices selected from the comparison with the current tomographic reconstructed slices. In this manner, the system and method provide a significant reduction in the error of the resulting modified 3D FEA model for review and analysis compared to a 2D approach.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for computer-aided detection are disclosed and described. An example apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory. The example memory includes instructions which, when executed, cause the at least one processor to at least: associate first patient data and first outcome data according to a set of association rules; train a processing model using machine learning and the associated first patient data and first outcome data; generate a computer-aided decision processing algorithm using the processing model; update the computer-aided decision processing algorithm based on at least one of second patient data or second outcome data received from a cloud infrastructure; and deploy the updated computer-aided decision processing algorithm to be applied to third patient data.

Abstract: A method of contrast enhanced breast imaging, comprising injecting a contrast agent in a breast of a patient, imaging at the same time both said breast and a reference insert containing at least one known concentration of said contrast agent, quantifying enhancement of contrast enhanced breast image by comparing said breast image and reference insert image.

Abstract: A system for performing a bone density scan of a patient is provided. The system includes a radiation source operative to emit a radiation beam, a radiation detector operative to receive the radiation beam and generate an output signal based at least in part on the received radiation beam, and a controller in electronic communication with the radiation source and the radiation detector and operative to generate at least one of a bone mineral content measurement of the patient, a bone mineral density measurement of the patient, a body composition measurement of the patient, and a body thickness measurement of the patient. The controller is further operative to regulate the radiation beam such that a flux of the radiation beam at the radiation detector is within a target flux range.

Abstract: A system for assessing muscle function of a patient is provided. The system includes: a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device operative to scan the patient so as to generate a lean mass measurement; a bioelectrical impedance analysis device operative to scan the patient so as to generate an extracellular water volume measurement; and a controller that includes at least one processor and a memory device, the controller in electrical communication with the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device and the bioelectrical impedance device. The controller is adapted to: receive the lean mass measurement and the extracellular water volume measurement; store the lean mass measurement and the extracellular water volume measurement in the memory device; and generate a muscle assessment indicator of the patient based at least in part on the lean mass measurement and the extracellular water volume measurement stored in the memory device.

Abstract: In the present invention, an image review method and system for performing the method is provided to facilitate the review of image volumes obtained in different imaging modalities and to evaluate the correlation between findings in the respective volumes in an easy to review manner compared with prior art systems and processes. The method and system of the invention provides simulated or actual combined or fused images or representations of registered images obtained in each imaging modality to simplify and accelerate the review of multi-modal breast imaging volumes, in particular when correlation of information between the two modes, including but not limited to, LE and DE, DBT and ABUS, DE and ABUS, etc., is important to evaluate.

Abstract: An imaging system, such as a DBT system, is provided that is capable of providing processing of an image from initial generation/reconstruction of the image through the review of the image by a radiologist or other practitioner that produces images optimized for the particular task/process performed using the images. The task/review that the radiologist is performing on the processed or reconstructed image can be modeled with regard to the initial generation of the processed or reconstructed images from the raw images or the model considerations can be retroactively applied and back propagated through the image processing performed by the system. These modeling considerations that can take the form of an indicator of clinical performance is/are used by the system to optimize and produce an image(s) that best represents the items in the image necessary for an accurate diagnosis of the patient when reviewed by the radiologist.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for computer-aided detection are disclosed and described. An example apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory. The example memory includes instructions which, when executed, cause the at least one processor to at least: associate first patient data and first outcome data according to a set of association rules; train a processing model using machine learning and the associated first patient data and first outcome data; generate a computer-aided decision processing algorithm using the processing model; update the computer-aided decision processing algorithm based on at least one of second patient data or second outcome data received from a cloud infrastructure; and deploy the updated computer-aided decision processing algorithm to be applied to third patient data.

Abstract: An imaging system utilizes 2D DXA images obtained in a tomographic imaging process or mode in order to provide more detailed information to the operator of the bone structure of the patient. The imaging system obtains multiple 2D DXA images at different angles with regard to the patient in a number of passes across the body of the patient. These 2D DXA images can then be utilized to reconstruct at least one 2D slice of the body of the patient, such as in a plane parallel to the plane of a patient support surface, such as a scanner table. The information provided by the tomographic reconstruction provides enhancements to the process of modifying a 3D FEA model associated to an already available set of tomographic reconstructed slices selected from the comparison with the current tomographic reconstructed slices. In this manner, the system and method provide a significant reduction in the error of the resulting modified 3D FEA model for review and analysis compared to a 2D approach.

Abstract: A system for imaging includes a gantry movable relative to a subject. A source is configured to emit radiation during an imaging procedure. A detector is configured to receive attenuated radiation from the source during an imaging procedure, at least one of the source and the detector movably secured to the gantry by an adjustable joint. An imaging controller is operably connected to at least the gantry and to the adjustable joint, wherein the gantry controller receives a priori patient information and imaging system geometry information, the imaging controller determines an imaging geometry and operates the gantry and the adjustable joint to vary a source to image-receptor distance (SID) according to the imaging geometry.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an amount of a contrast agent within an object is provided. The method includes obtaining contrast data from one or more images of an object via an imaging device. The contrast data corresponds to the contrast agent. The method further includes calculating a measured amount of the contrast agent for each of the one or more images by applying a kinetic model to the contrast data, and generating a predictive curve of the amount of the contrast agent via the kinetic model. The kinetic model generates the predictive curve based at least in part on the measured amount of the contrast agent for each of the one or more images.

Abstract: In the present invention, an image review method and system for performing the method is provided that enriches the information displayed in the reference image or synthetic views and/or slabs reviewed by the physician with colored layers of information obtained from an image volume and merged with the reference image, slabs and/or synthetic views. The colored layer enhancement of the reference image, slabs and/or synthetic views highlights the colored areas of interest or features from the image volume in the slabs and/or synthetic views in a manner that prevents the features from becoming lost due to tissue superposition effects or other issues with the combination of the colored layers and reference image to form the displayed combined images.

Abstract: A system for assessing muscle function of a patient is provided. The system includes: a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device operative to scan the patient so as to generate a lean mass measurement; a bioelectrical impedance analysis device operative to scan the patient so as to generate an extracellular water volume measurement; and a controller that includes at least one processor and a memory device, the controller in electrical communication with the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device and the bioelectrical impedance device. The controller is adapted to: receive the lean mass measurement and the extracellular water volume measurement; store the lean mass measurement and the extracellular water volume measurement in the memory device; and generate a muscle assessment indicator of the patient based at least in part on the lean mass measurement and the extracellular water volume measurement stored in the memory device.

Abstract: In the present invention, an image review method and system for performing the method is provided to facilitate the review of image volumes obtained in different imaging modalities and to evaluate the correlation between findings in the respective volumes in an easy to review manner compared with prior art systems and processes. The method and system of the invention provides simulated or actual combined or fused images or representations of registered images obtained in each imaging modality to simplify and accelerate the review of multi-modal breast imaging volumes, in particular when correlation of information between the two modes, including but not limited to, LE and DE, DBT and ABUS, DE and ABUS, etc., is important to evaluate.

Abstract: A system for performing a bone density scan of a patient is provided. The system includes a radiation source operative to emit a radiation beam, a radiation detector operative to receive the radiation beam and generate an output signal based at least in part on the received radiation beam, and a controller in electronic communication with the radiation source and the radiation detector and operative to generate at least one of a bone mineral content measurement of the patient, a bone mineral density measurement of the patient, a body composition measurement of the patient, and a body thickness measurement of the patient. The controller is further operative to regulate the radiation beam such that a flux of the radiation beam at the radiation detector is within a target flux range.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biopsy method comprising automated moving of at least part of a biopsy sampler within a biopsy volume, to perform a biopsy in a zone of interest in a body, wherein said automated moving is preceded by variable positioning of said biopsy volume.

Abstract: A mammography or tomosynthesis apparatus, comprising a mechanism configured to move a paddle, relative to a detector platform fixed to a main body of the apparatus, to compress a patient's breast against the detector platform to form a surface. The mechanism comprises a post that is mobile relative to the detector platform and/or to the body and configured so that maximum extension of the post relative to the surface follows the movements of the paddle relative to the detector platform.

Abstract: A breast imaging system comprising an imaging apparatus with an illumination source, a detector, a breast support, a compression paddle slidable between an upper position and an lower position relatively to the detector, a compression command displacing the compression paddle upon actuation, wherein the compression command is placed at a reachable distance from the patient, wherein the breast imaging system further comprises a feedback device giving feedback information perceivable by the patient, the feedback information varying according to the position of the compression paddle.

Abstract: A method of contrast enhanced breast imaging, comprising injecting a contrast agent in a breast of a patient, imaging at the same time both said breast and a reference insert containing at least one known concentration of said contrast agent, quantifying enhancement of contrast enhanced breast image by comparing said breast image and reference insert image.

Abstract: A method for determining an insertion trajectory of a tool for reaching a moving target object prior to its insertion into a tissular matrix. The method comprises acquiring images of the tissular matrix, constructing a three-dimensional representation of the tissular matrix, determining coordinates of the initial position of the target object and any obstacles, and determining at least one potential trajectory of the tool from the coordinates of any obstacles and the initial position of the target object. The method further comprises simulating insertion of the tool in the tissular matrix to determine displacement of the target object during insertion of the tool up to the initial position of the target object along a potential trajectory, determining a new position of the target object based on the determined displacement, and determining the insertion trajectory for the new position of the target object.