Hologic, Inc.

David Wolff

Alan W Rego

Kenneth F Defreitas

Jay A Stein

Baorui Ren

Kenneth F DeFreitas

Ashwini Kshirsagar

Thomas Deyoung

Jeffrey Harold Paige

Adrian Hunsdon

Rachel Chandler

John W Robinson

Andrew P Smith

Stewart Schiffman

For a biopsy guided by contrast-enhanced x-ray imaging, a breast imaging system may image a patient's breast subsequent to injection of contrast agent to locate a site for biopsy and/or position a biopsy device relative to the site. Once a tissue specimen is removed from the site for diagnostic evaluation, a confirmation that the specimen was removed from an intended area of interest for biopsy is performed using the systems and methods described herein. For example, the breast imaging system and/or a separate specimen imaging system may capture high and low energy images of the specimen, subtract the low energy image from the high energy image to generate a subtracted image of the specimen, and determine, based on the subtracted image, that the contrast agent is present within the specimen to confirm the site from which the specimen was removed is the intended site for biopsy.

Systems and methods for confirming tissue specimens removed using contrast-enhanced x-ray imaging

A method of imaging a breast of a patient using an imaging system includes applying, with a first component of the imaging system, a compressive force to the breast. A second component of the imaging system is positioned in a start position. The imaging system sends a first guidance signal to the patient. An imaging procedure of the breast is performed with the second component of the imaging system. Subsequent to performing the imaging procedure, a second guidance signal is sent to the patient.

Systems and methods for guiding a patient during imaging procedures

A method of compressing a breast of a patient with a breast imaging system includes obtaining an x-ray area of the breast of the patient. The x-ray area of the breast is compared to a data set, and a target force is based at least in part on the comparison is identified. A compressive force is applied to the breast, and is based at least in part on the target force. The breast is imaged with the breast imaging system.

Systems and methods for applying force to breasts for imaging

The housing for a breast imaging system contains an x-ray source and is configured to rotate relative to the breast. The housing for an x-ray receptor has a breast support platform and extends from an arm assembly which rotates independently from the x-ray source housing. A compression arm assembly connected to the arm assembly moves between a first linear position proximate the x-ray receptor housing and a second linear position distal the x-ray receptor housing. A pair of extension arms are pivotably connected to a strut which removably secures a compression paddle to the compression arm assembly substrate. The extension arms move between a first pivoted position substantially aligned with the strut and a second pivoted position disposed at an angle to the strut.

Systems and methods for pivoting compression paddles

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Marlborough, MA, United States of America

David Wolff