Abstract: A method for optimizing an X-ray imaging system during a mammographic examination. In order to provide an optimization of the X-ray imaging a breast is compressed between a support plate and a compression plate. A force-height curve is then acquired during the compression. An elasticity value of the breast is determined based on the force-height curve. A parameter of the X-ray imaging system is optimized based on the determined elasticity value.

Abstract: A device for improving the efficiency and safety of medical imaging in a medical procedure is disclosed. The device may have a shaft extending along a shaft axis. The shaft may have at least two markers spaced along the shaft axis and a blade extending along the shaft axis. The device may have a needle guide extending away from the shaft along a needle guide axis transverse with the shaft axis. The needle guide may have at least one guide structure offset from the shaft axis along the needle guide axis. Each guide structure may be adapted to receive a needle in a direction parallel to the shaft axis. Related methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Digital breast tomosynthesis represents an enhanced type of mammogram for detecting breast cancer. In this disclosure, data from digital breast tomosynthesis is reconstructed into a volumetric database with each voxel having a (x, y, z) coordinate and viewed in true 3D using geo-registered head display unit and geo-registered tools for overall enhanced diagnosis. The breast is imaged under various configurations and the internal architecture of an anatomic feature three-dimensionally analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for characterization of a feature in a body part. It is describe to provide (210) tomosynthesis medical data comprising a plurality of images of the body part, wherein the plurality of images comprise image data associated with a plurality of rays of radiation that have passed through the body part, wherein the image data comprises spectral data associated with at least two photon energy levels of the plurality of rays of radiation, wherein the medical data comprises data of the feature. A delineated boundary of the feature is determined (220). At least one material composition of the body part inside the delineated boundary is determined (240) comprising a function of the spectral data inside the delineated boundary. The feature is characterised (250) as a function of the at least one material composition inside the delineated boundary of the feature. Data representative of the feature is output (260).

Abstract: According to some aspects, a carrier configured for use with a broadband x-ray source comprising an electron source and a primary target arranged to receive electrons from the electron source to produce broadband x-ray radiation in response to electrons impinging on the primary target is provided. The carrier comprising a housing configured to be removably coupled to the broadband x-ray source and configured to accommodate a secondary target capable of producing monochromatic x-ray radiation in response to incident broadband x-ray radiation, the housing comprising a transmissive portion configured to allow broadband x-ray radiation to be transmitted to the secondary target when present, and a blocking portion configured to absorb broadband x-ray radiation.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes acquisition units, calculation units, and a matching unit. The acquisition units acquire a position of a first reference point as a reference point, and a position of a first surface point as a point, on a surface of a target object in a first body posture. The acquisition units acquire a position of a second reference point as the reference point, and a position of a second surface point, on the surface of the target object in a second body posture. A distance between the first reference point position and the first surface point position is calculated as a first distance. A distance between the second reference point position and the second surface point position is calculated as a second distance. The matching unit matches the first and second surface points based on a relationship between the first and second distances.

Abstract: A system for imaging biopsy samples obtained from a patient includes: a radiation source; a radiation detector having a surface that defines a first imaging region, a second imaging region, and a third imaging region; and a collimator having a body defining an opening and selectively adjustable between a first imaging position and a second imaging position. The first imaging position allows radiation rays to pass from the radiation source, through the opening, and into the second imaging region while restricting the radiation rays from passing into the first imaging region when the radiation source is in a first scanning position. The second imaging position allows radiation rays to pass from the radiation source, through the opening, and into the third imaging region while restricting the radiation rays from passing into the first imaging region when the radiation source is in a second scanning position.

Abstract: A system for analyzing image data can include a processor to detect a set of medical images and partition each medical image into a plurality of non-overlapping or overlapping patches. The processor can also generate an ordered set of patch clusters derived from the medical images, wherein the patch clusters are sorted based on a type of tissue identified in each of the medical images. Additionally, the processor can generate a digital representation of a percentage of the type of tissue calculated for each of the medical images and transmit an alert in response to detecting that the percentage of the type of tissue for an image exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (IP) comprising an input port (IN) for receiving projection data through respective 3D locations in an imaging region, said projection date collected in a scan operation by an imaging apparatus (IM). An image segment generator (IGS) of said apparatus (IP) is configured to generate, based on said projection data, a first image segment for said 3D locations. A visualizer (VIZ) configured to effect displaying said first image segment on a display device before or whilst the image apparatus collects projection data for a different 3D location.

Abstract: In a method for acquiring magnetic resonance raw data for image-guided radiotherapy, a number of imaging goals are provided to a computer. For each imaging goal, a magnetic resonance imaging protocol is selected. For each selected magnetic resonance imaging protocol, a number of parameters for that protocol are adjusted according to the respective imaging goal. The resonance raw data are acquired with the magnetic resonance imaging protocol and their parameters.

Abstract: A method comprising receiving a digital mammogram of a human breast; automatically extracting a contour boundary of said breast in said digital mammogram; automatically calculating a convex hull for said contour boundary; automatically comparing said contour boundary to said convex hull, to detect a plurality of gap segments, wherein each of said plurality of gap segments has an associated inflection point; and automatically determining a nipple location along said contour boundary as between a pair of said inflection points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mammography system including a body, an x-ray generator for irradiating x-rays, a collimator for adjusting an irradiation range of the x-rays, an arm frame rotatable in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and a rotating shaft for connecting the arm frame and the body, wherein the arm frame includes a compression stand having a compressor moving in up and down directions and a compression pad detachably coupled to the lower end of the compressor to compress the subject, and an imaging stand facing the x-ray generator and having a detector disposed at the inside thereof to detect the x-rays transmitted to the subject, the imaging stand moving in left and right directions with respect to the arm frame.

Abstract: An X-ray phase contrast imaging system includes an X-ray source, a detector, a plurality of gratings including a first grating and a second grating, and a grating positional displacement acquisition section configured to obtain a positional displacement of the grating based on a Fourier transform image obtained by Fourier transforming an interference fringe image detected by the detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for breast x-ray tomosynthesis that enhance spatial resolution in the direction in which the breast is flattened for examination. In addition to x-ray data acquisition of 2D projection tomosynthesis images ETp1 over a shorter source trajectory similar to known breast tomosynthesis, supplemental 2D images ETp2 are taken over a longer source trajectory and the two sets of projection images are processed into breast slice images ETr that exhibit enhanced spatial resolution, including in the thickness direction of the breast. Additional features include breast CT of an upright patient's flattened breast, multi-mode tomosynthesis, and shielding the patient from moving equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for registration of a multi-dimensional image include defining an input image and a reference image in the same fixed Cartesian grid, then mapping locations within the reference image and the input image to phase space using a Hamiltonian function to define a symplectomorphic map, where the map is embedded in an energy shell. The mapping step is iterated until a sequence of energy shells is created. The energy shells are used generate curvilinear mapping grid which is then applied to the first image to generate a registered output image data. The data may be preconditioned to account for nearest neighbor coupling and/or to equalize the dimensionality of the images.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned, an x-ray tube, a pixelated detector positioned on the rotatable gantry to receive the x-rays from the x-ray tube, and a computer programmed to acquire helical CT data, determine a sunrise (SR) view position for each pixel within a SR index image, and determine a sunset (SS) view position for each pixel within a SS index image, for a given reference image slice, wherein the SR view position is a first angle of an illumination range for a voxel and the SS view position is a last angle of the illumination range for the voxel, for all slices, rotate the SR index image and the SS index image through a projection index, and reconstruct an image based on the rotated SR index image and the SS index image.

Abstract: An automated system for selecting patient breast laterality is provided. A position sensor system using force or image sensors is coupled to a scanning bed or seated-type apparatus. Regardless of the size and weight of the patient, the position of patient at the time of scan will not be centered with respect to the center of the scanner. This relative difference in the position will be sensed as a difference in the transducer signal of an image sensor when comparing the right- and left-hand sides of the field of view or will be sensed as a difference in voltage when comparing the right and left-hand side outputs of a circuit using force or pressure sensor.

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: An x-ray imaging system is provided. The system includes an x-ray emitter and an x-ray detector. The system further includes a sensor operative to acquire one or more image acquisition factors, and a controller in electronic communication with the x-ray emitter, the x-ray detector, and the sensor. The controller is operative to: acquire an x-ray image of a patient via the x-ray emitter and the x-ray detector; receive the one or more image acquisition factors from the sensor; and generate a view name of the x-ray image based at least in part on the one or more image acquisition factors.

Abstract: The radiation grating detector includes a grating portion constituting at least a second grating among a first grating, the second grating, and a third grating, and a detection portion configured to detect an incident radiation transmitted through the grating portion.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus includes a support plate for supporting a breast of a patient, a compression plate movable toward and away from the support plate for compressing the breast against the support plate, and a controller configured to control movement of the compression plate toward and away from the support plate. The controller is configured to adjust at least one of a rate of compression and a pressure applied to the breast based on a measurement of at least one of a diastolic pressure and a systolic pressure of the patient taken during at least one of a compression phase and a clamping phase of the mammography apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly includes a frame system, and a surgical tool engageable with the frame system. The frame system is adapted for providing a surgical tool attachment and articulation locus that is maintained during the course of a surgical procedure to direct a fixed and repeatable delivery path for introduction and manipulation of one or more surgical instruments and implants at a surgical site in or on the patient's anatomy. The delivery path can be substantially curvilinear along an arc that is defined by a radius of curvature and length defined by the surgical tool, and a predetermined range of articulation of the tool at the articulation locus.

Abstract: The invention relates to mammography apparatuses, especially to the user interfaces of mammography apparatuses. A mammography apparatus according to the invention comprises a certain basic structure and a user interface arrangement placed to this basic structure, the user interface arrangement being implemented to enable aligning of the view of the user interface both such that the view is only visible to the operator of the apparatus and such that a patient positioned for imaging can see it.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing device including an acquisition unit that acquires a measurement result of a radio wave, an extraction unit that extracts a measurement result indicating an intensity included in a range from top 10% to top 30% from a plurality of measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit, and a processing unit that performs a predetermined process by using the measurement result extracted by the extraction unit.

Abstract: An imaging system and related method are provided. The imaging system comprises a surface configured to support a portion of a patient's body, compression paddle configured to compress the portion of a patient's body against the surface, the compression paddle movable between an upper position and a lower position; and a compression control in direct or indirect communication with the compression paddle and configured to effectuate displacement of the compression paddle to any position between and including the upper position and the lower position upon receiving a patient input or command. The system may further comprise a feedback device configured to provide, to the patient, information indicative of the quality of the image that would be achieved at a corresponding compression paddle position to assist the patient in selecting a desirable compression paddle position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for image scaling with quality control. One embodiment is an image scaling system that includes a processor configured to receive an instruction to scale an input image by a scale factor to create an output image. The processor is configured to determine an integer quality level to use in scaling the input image to create the output image, to divide the input image into regions of consecutive pixel pairs based on the scale factor and the integer quality level, and to determine region factors corresponding to each of the regions. The processor is further configured to scale the input image by applying the region factors to pairs of pixels in the corresponding regions of the input image to create output pixels in the output image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus and method for controlling the same, by which whether a biopsy is required is determined based on X-ray and ultrasound images. An ultrasonic apparatus includes an image processing unit for matching or correlating an area of interest in an ultrasound image of a subject and an area of interest in a X-ray image of the subject; a controller for analyzing the matched or matching area of interest and determining whether a biopsy is required for the subject; and a display for displaying the determination as to whether the biopsy is required.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically and dynamically modifying an image acquisition parameter for use in tomosynthesis breast imaging. A selected image acquisition parameter is modified in response to a measured characteristic of an imaged object such as a breast, and thus tailored to provide the highest quality image for the particular object. For example, image quality in a breast tomosynthesis system can be improved by dynamically varying motion and other acquisition parameters of the tomosynthesis system in response to physical characteristics of the breast to be imaged (determined during image acquisition), such as the breast thickness, density or composition.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing preprocessing of medical images. Preprocessing is triggered by receiving scan results and a scan protocol without input from a reading room or user interface. The preprocessing tasks are optimized through use of matching scan protocols to sets of possible preprocessing tasks. The execution of the preprocessing tasks is optimized through use of feedback from the reading room.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and a computer program product for dynamically altering at least one image is provided. The present invention may include receiving a plurality of data, wherein the received plurality of data includes at least one existing medical image. The present invention may also include determining that one or more user instructions for the received existing image were received. The present invention may then include implementing the one or more user instructions on the received existing medical image. The present invention may also include altering the received existing medical image based on the one or more implemented user instructions and a medical knowledge base.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating imaging biomarkers that indicate detectability or conspicuity of lesions that may be present in mammographic images are provided. In general, a task-based measure of a signal-to-noise ratio (“SNR”) measurement of a detection task is computed over a number of small regions-of-interest (“ROIs”) in an image, and the computed parameter is used to predict what detection rates should be if a lesion was present in the image. As such, the computed parameter can be used to define an imaging biomarker that is a “masking measure” that indicates the degree of conspicuity of lesions that may be present in a given a mammographic image.

Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnosis assistance system for assisting diagnosis for a plurality of diseases based on a fundus image, the diagnosis assistance system including: a fundus image obtaining unit configured to obtain a fundus image; a first processing unit configured to, for the fundus image, obtain a first result related to a first finding of a patient using a first neural network model, a second processing unit configured to, for the fundus image, obtain a second result related to a second finding of the patient using a second neural network model, a third processing unit configured to determine, on the basis of the first result and the second result, diagnostic information on the patient, and a diagnostic information output unit configured to provide the determined diagnostic information to a user.

Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging method and an apparatus having an improved structure configured to reduce pain and discomfort during a procedure. The X-ray imaging apparatus acquires an X-ray image by compressing an object that is irradiated by an X-ray source. An X-ray detector includes an object contact material that contacts the object. X-rays that pass through the object are detected X-rays, an electrical signal is generated based on the X-rays. A paddle is disposed between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector to be vertically adjustable relative to the X-ray source and X-ray detector so as to compress the object placed on the object contact surface. The paddle includes a supporting member, a pressure member coupled to the supporting member, and at least one adjustment member arranged between the supporting member and the pressure member to regulate movement of the pressure member according to the shape of the object.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus including an x-ray source having an x-ray tube with one or more focal spots, a controller for controlling one or more parameters of the x-ray exposure, a digital image receptor configured to generate an x-ray image from objects positioned between the x-ray source and the digital image receptor, a specimen tray configured to receive samples from a biopsy, a positioning arm for positioning the specimen tray between the x-ray source and the digital image receptor, and a detector configured to detect the presence of the specimen tray when it is positioned. The controller is configured to adjust, select or configure one or more parameters of the x-ray exposure in reaction to the detection of the presence of the specimen tray in such a way that the one or more parameters are adapted to the specific needs of imaging biopsy specimens.

Abstract: A scintillator panel includes at least one light emitting layer and at least one non-light emitting layer laminated, wherein the light emitting layer contains phosphor particles, and when the thickness of the light emitting layer is represented by A, a relationship among a cumulative 50% particle diameter D50 of the phosphor particles based on volume average, a cumulative 90% particle diameter D90 of the phosphor particles based on volume average, and the thickness A satisfies, D50<A and D90<2A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for diagnosis of breast disease and, more specifically, to an X-ray mammography device and method, which allow positions of an X-ray radiation field and a thermogram acquisition means to be controlled such that the center axis of the X-ray radiation field and a visual axis of the thermogram acquisition means are the same, so as to acquire each of a mammogram and a breast thermogram having the same center, and generates a fusion image so as to obtain a structural image and an image of a physiological change (body temperature and the activity of blood vessels) of breast tissue, thereby improving an early diagnosis and diagnosis ability for breast disease.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes an imaging apparatus and a hardware processor. The imaging apparatus obtains moire fringe images for generating a reconstruction image of a subject by using a Talbot-Lau interferometer comprising a radiation source, a multiple slit, a first grating, a second grating and a radiation detector. The hardware processor performs a control to satisfy relations (i) ??(1/2)×(RS/R1)×d1>?×0.7, (ii) 1???10 (?m), and (iii) 0.5?(Rs/R1)?1. ? is a particle size of a microbubble contrast agent to be used in imaging. d1 is a slit period of the first grating. R1 is a distance between the multiple slit and the first grating. Rs is a distance between the multiple slit and the subject.

Abstract: There is provided a method of computing a likelihood of malignancy in a mammographic image, comprising: receiving a single channel 2D mammographic image including a single pixel intensity value for each pixel thereof, converting the single channel 2D mammographic image into a multi channel 2D mammographic image including multiple pixel intensity value channels for each pixel thereof, computing by a first sub-classifier according to the whole multi channel image, a first score indicative of likelihood of malignancy within the whole multi channel image, computing by a second sub-classifier according to each respective patch extracted from the multi channel image, a respective second score indicative of likelihood of malignancy within each respective patch, and computing by a gating sub-classifier according to the first score and the second scores, an indication of likelihood of malignancy and a location of the malignancy.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a couch, an imaging unit, and processing circuitry. The couch includes a couch top on which a subject lies. The imaging unit includes an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector, and a holding device. The holding device movably holds the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector. The processing circuitry generates an X-ray image of the subject, based on an output of the X-ray detector, sets a first interference determination area including a device projecting from the subject, based on an image of the device included in the X-ray image, and controls the holding device such that movement of the imaging unit is restricted in the first interference determination area.

Abstract: A method of breast image reconstruction includes positioning a breast on an imaging system support plate, compressing the breast with a flexible paddle, obtaining imaging data, estimating a breast thickness profile by at least one of placing markers on the breast, performing an image-based analysis of the obtained data, using an auxiliary system, and performing a model-based computation. The three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction including using a thickness profile of the breast surface in at least one of an iterative reconstruction, a filtered back-projection reconstruction, and a joint reconstruction performed using information obtained from an ultrasound scan. A non-transitory medium having executable instructions to cause a processor to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An X-ray phase-contrast imaging device capable of easily performing imaging of an object using X-rays of plural energies is provided. The disclosed exemplary configuration includes an X-ray source of a dual energy output type, and an FPD having a high energy X-ray detection surface and a low energy X-ray detection surface so that two types of imaging, imaging by high energy X-ray and imaging by low energy X-ray, can be performed. By imaging so as to scan the object while changing the relative position of the imaging system and the object, two types of imaging can be completed at once.

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: There is provided an object tracker having: a first waveguide; a source of illumination light; a detector optically coupled to the waveguide; and at least one grating lamina formed within the waveguide. Illumination light propagating along a first optical path from the source to an object in relative motion to the object tracker. Image light reflected from at least one surface of an object is deflected by the grating lamina into a second optical path towards the detector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computed tomography system, comprising: a table with a hole therein, wherein the table is configured to support a person lying face down thereon, with at least one of the person's breasts projecting through the hole; an X-ray source; an X-ray detector comprising a plurality of pixels; wherein the X-ray source is configured to rotate around the at least one of the person's breasts.

Abstract: A medical-image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes an extracting unit, a dividing unit, and an estimating unit. The extracting unit extracts a disease candidate region from a medical image. The dividing unit divides the disease candidate region into multiple partial regions. The estimating unit uses the feature value of each of the partial regions to estimate the disease state of the disease candidate region.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying and navigating breast tissue is configured for or includes obtaining a plurality of 2D and/or 3D images of a patient's breast; generating a synthesized 2D image of the breast from the obtained images; displaying the synthesized 2D image; receiving a user command, or otherwise detecting through a user interface, a user selection or other indication of an object or region in the synthesized 2D image; and displaying at least a portion of one or more images from the plurality, including a source image and/or most similar representation of the user selected or indicated object or region.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating a geometric thickness of a breast in mammography/tomosynthesis or in other x-ray procedures, by imaging markers that are in the path of x-rays passing through the imaged object. The markings can be selected to be visible or to be invisible when the composite markings/breast image is viewed in clinical settings. If desired, the contribution of the markers to the image can be removed through further processing. The resulting information can be used determining the geometric thickness of the body being x-rayed and thus setting imaging parameters that are thickness-related, and for other purposes. The method and apparatus also have application in other types of x-ray imaging.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a carrier configured for use with a broadband x-ray source comprising an electron source and a primary target arranged to receive electrons from the electron source to produce broadband x-ray radiation in response to electrons impinging on the primary target is provided. The carrier comprising a housing configured to be removably coupled to the broadband x-ray source and configured to accommodate a secondary target capable of producing monochromatic x-ray radiation in response to incident broadband x-ray radiation, the housing comprising a transmissive portion configured to allow broadband x-ray radiation to be transmitted to the secondary target when present, and a blocking portion configured to absorb broadband x-ray radiation.