Other

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Daniel J Ferlic

Randolph M Ferlic

Tracy Joseph Stark

Kurt Amplatz

Frank T Kotula

Special displays of medical images are generated that help a radiologist better detect nodules by exploiting the inherent human visualization abilities of detection of symmetry, asymmetry, motion and relative motion. A Region of Interest (ROI) on an x-ray (mammogram, CT-scan, MRI, or other medical image) is selected and the data within the ROI is copied such that a new display now has two or more copies of the information within the ROI. This copy may contain the same relative positions as the original image, or may be a mirror image of the original data. The ROI is moved over the medical image in search of nodules. This movement can be random, under the direct control of the radiologist, systematically moved by a computer algorithm, or some combination of the above.

Method for improved detection of nodules in medical images

A radiographic grid with reduced line density artifacts. The radiographic grid includes a grid housing sized to receive a plurality of x-ray radiation absorbing lamellae. Each of the plurality of lamellae has a foil strip applied to its lower end portion. The foil eliminates the lamella line artifacts otherwise emanating from the lamellae.

Radiographic grid with reduced lamellae density artifacts

An x-ray filter is used to permit higher intensity x-ray exposure to the upper thoracic spine while maintaining a normal level of x-ray exposure to the cervical spine. The resulting x-ray image allows a viewer to count the seven cervical vertebrae in order to identify the position of the first and second thoracic vertebrae. The filter is formed by a pair or mating blocks of x-ray absorbing material. The filter has a first region for absorbing x-ray radiation to decrease exposure of the cervical spine and has a second region with a V-shaped opening which allows higher x-ray transmission to the thoracic spine while reducing exposure on areas adjacent to the thoracic spine. The filter is formed by two shaped filter blocks which fit together to create the first and second regions. The edges of the filter blocks which form the V-shaped opening are beveled to create a generally trapezoidal exposure region which is aligned with the upper thoracic spine. A similar x-ray filter for use in a lateral view of the hip reduces exposure to areas commonly overexposed adjacent to the head and neck of the femur in a lateral projection.

X-ray filter

A radiographic grid with reduced line density artifacts. The radiographic grid includes a grid housing sized to receive a plurality of x-ray radiation absorbing lamellae. Each of the plurality of lamellae has a foil strip applied to its outer walls. The foil eliminates the lamella line artifacts otherwise emanating from the lamellae.

A radiographic grid includes a grid housing having first and second side walls, a first cover sheet disposed on the grid housing, and a plurality of x-ray radiation absorbing lamellae disposed between the first and second side walls of the grid housing. Each of the plurality of lamellae has at least one alignment tab protruding from a lateral edge thereof for engaging the cover sheet such that each of the lamellae are maintained in alignment with respect to each other.

Radiographic grid

A mammography apparatus with a cylindrical section, reciprocating slot grid centered on an axis through a source of x-ray radiation. The slot grid includes a plurality of x-ray radiation absorbing lamellae disposed parallel to and aligned radially from the axis. Adjacent pairs of lamellae define air spaced gaps between the members of the pair. The ratio of the height of each of an adjacent pair of lamellae to the width of the respective defined gap being at least 7:1. The slot grid is set in a travel centered on the axis through the x-ray source. The x-ray source is provided with a predetermined staggered turn on and turn off circuit preventing interspace density artifacts.

Mammography apparatus

Filter for use in medical x-ray apparatus to permit higher intensity x-ray exposure in the heart and mediastinum area while maintaining a normal level of x-ray exposure in other areas of the body, particularly in the lung area. The filter comprises a sheet of radiation absorbing material having an opening therein, said opening corresponding to the spine and central portion of the heart. Accordingly, the upper portion of the filter exhibits a relatively narrow opening which becomes gradually wider toward the lower portion of the filter.

Growing community of inventors

White Bear Lake, MN, United States of America

Daniel J Ferlic