Sectra Mamea Ab

Philips Digital Mammography Sweden Ab

Magnus Hemmendorff

Torbjörn Hjärn

Mats Danielsson

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.

Method and arrangement relating to x-ray imaging

To enhance results of an x-ray apparatus the invention relates to an apparatus for three-dimensional imaging of a human breast comprising a reconstruction means for reconstruction of a three-dimensional image volume, a compression paddle for holding said breast, an actuator for controlling the position of said compression paddle, and a position gauge for measurement of the position of said compression paddle. The reconstruction means is operatively arranged to receive signals, corresponding to measurements by said position gauge, from said position gauge and constrain the boundary of said image volume based on said received signal.

Methods and arrangement for providing digital x-ray mammography image acquisition by means of an X-ray system that includes acquiring image data by irradiating an object, such as a human breast, automatically by the system analyzing the acquired image data with respect to presence of motion blur, indicating whether motion blur is present.

Method and arrangement relating to X-ray imaging

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.

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Årsta, Sweden

Magnus Hemmendorff