Abstract: A shielding arrangement for an x-ray apparatus, preferably for mammography examination is disclosed, and comprises at least an x-ray source, a collimator arrangement and a detector assembly, whereby the collimator is arranged between the x-ray source and the detector assembly and through which x-rays pass. The shielding arrangement, at least partly made of x-ray blocking material and provided for blocking, scattering and/or reflecting x-rays is arranged, at least partly, in a space between the x-ray source and collimator.

Abstract: Three-dimensional imaging of a breast tissue is achieved by acquiring a series of X-ray projection images from various angles. A three-dimensional image constructed from the projection images by a computer provides information to the operator to select a coordinate point within the breast from which to obtain a biopsy sample. Acquisition of projection images and construction of three-dimensional images is continued during the insertion of the needle into the breast, during positioning the needle towards the coordinate point, during the sampling and after the sampling. The advantages of utilizing tomosynthesis for breast tissue imaging over stereo imaging include better image quality, easier coordinate measurements within a tissue, ease of use of the equipment by the medical personnel, and fewer image artifact problems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compression arrangement for use in an x-ray imaging apparatus, the arrangement comprising a compression paddle and an actuator for displacing said compression paddle in a distance, said paddle having an extension direction substantially transverse to an object insertion direction. The actuator is operatively arranged to incline said paddle along said extension direction.

Abstract: A novel X-ray apparatus is provided for three-dimensional imaging and in particular for tomosynthesis examination, which includes an X-ray source having a focal spot, a collimator including a plurality of slits, a detector assembly including a plurality of line detectors corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of slits and an exposure volume arranged between the collimator and the detector assembly. The X-ray source, the collimator and the detector assembly are arranged in series, so that each line detector is aligned with the corresponding collimator slit and the focal spot, and is simultaneously displaceable by a scan motion relative to the exposure volume. The scan motion is primarily a rotation around a rotation axis arranged such that the detector assembly is situated essentially between the rotation axis and the X-ray source. Combined two and three-dimensional examination are also permitted according to the disclosed methods and apparatus.

Abstract: A novel X-ray apparatus is provided for three-dimensional imaging and in particular for tomosynthesis examination, which includes an X-ray source having a focal spot, a collimator including a plurality of slits, a detector assembly including a plurality of line detectors corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of slits and an exposure volume arranged between the collimator and the detector assembly. The X-ray source, the collimator and the detector assembly are arranged in series, so that each line detector is aligned with the corresponding collimator slit and the focal spot, and is simultaneously displaceable by a scan motion relative to the exposure volume. The scan motion is primarily a rotation around a rotation axis arranged such that the detector assembly is situated essentially between the rotation axis and the X-ray source. Combined two and three-dimensional examination are also permitted according to the disclosed methods and apparatus.

Abstract: To provide a good and fixed positioning and comfortable placement for a person to be examined, an arrangement is provided in a mammography apparatus. The apparatus comprises an x-ray source and an exposure area for a breast. The device includes an essentially elastic container, consisting of an x-ray permeable material, arranged in the exposure area between two compression plates.

Abstract: A shielding arrangement for an x-ray apparatus, preferably for mammography examination is disclosed, and comprises at least an x-ray source, a collimator arrangement and a detector assembly, whereby the collimator is arranged between the x-ray source and the detector assembly and through which x-rays pass. The shielding arrangement, at least partly made of x-ray blocking material and provided for blocking, scattering and/or reflecting x-rays is arranged, at least partly, in a space between the x-ray source and collimator.