Fischer Imaging Corporation

Hologic, Inc.

Intio, Inc.

Morgan W Nields

Guy M Besson

David E Gustafson

Thomas J Minyard

Curtis Norman Daly

Ted V Kremer

Mike Tesic

John Connor

Menachem Assa

Ronald B Shores

Bogdan R Ulatowski

Emre Toker

Desikachari Nadadur

Michael Tesic

Pascal Perin

Mark E Novak

A prone CT breast x-ray imaging system is described that can image a full breast to create a conventional two-dimensional digital image in very high resolution (e.g., &#x2266;25 micron pixels). The system is capable of imaging the entire breast in three-dimensional based on multiple projection views from a one-dimensional or two-dimensional detector. Data can be acquired and reconstructed with a limited number of views from limited angles or with conventional cone beam CT algorithms. The resulting three-dimensional image enables the detection and diagnosis of fine micro calcifications and small masses as may be distributed throughout the breast, thus allowing radiologists to make an improved determination of malignancy as opposed to conventional two-dimensional digital mammography. In addition, the injection of intravenous contrast in conjunction with or without pre and post contrast subtraction imaging provides a radiologist with morphologic information on the existing tumor burden in the breast. This capability may obviate the need for an independent contrast MRI exam of the breast which is increasingly performed for local staging and determination of tumor extent in a patient with a known cancer. Integrated biopsy capability permits convenient and rapid biopsy of any area suspicious for malignancy.

Computed tomography breast imaging and biopsy system

A thermal ablation system is operable to perform thermal ablation using an x-ray system to measure temperature changes throughout a volume of interest in a patient. Image data sets captured by the x-ray system during a thermal ablation procedure provide temperature change information for the volume being subjected to the thermal ablation. Intermediate image data sets captured during the thermal ablation procedure may be fed into a system controller, which may modify or update a thermal ablation plan to achieve volume coagulation necrosis targets. The thermal ablation may be delivered by a variety of ablation modes including radiofrequency ablation, microwave therapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, laser ablation, and other interstitial heat delivery methods. Methods of performing thermal ablation using x-ray system temperature measurements as a feedback source are also provided. Methods of assessing the post-ablation status of the patient and performance of the system are also provided.

Methods and apparatuses for performing and monitoring thermal ablation

Methods and apparatuses for planning, performing, monitoring and assessing thermal ablation

A thermal ablation system is operable to perform thermal ablation using an x-ray system to measure temperature changes throughout a volume of interest in a patient. Image data sets captured by the x-ray system during a thermal ablation procedure provide temperature change information for the volume being subjected to the thermal ablation. Intermediate image data sets captured during the thermal ablation procedure may be fed into a system controller, which may modify or update a thermal ablation plan to achieve volume coagulation necrosis targets. The thermal ablation may be delivered by a variety of ablation modes including radiofrequency ablation, microwave therapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, laser ablation, and other interstitial heat delivery methods. Methods of performing thermal ablation using x-ray system temperature measurements as a feedback source are also provided.

Methods for planning and performing thermal ablation

A distributed architecture allows for decoupling of mammographic image acquisition and review, thereby enabling more efficient use of resources and enhanced processing. In one embodiment, the system () includes a number of image acquisition stations () and a number of image review stations () all associated with a central server (). The server () is operative to access an image repository (), a patient information data base () and a number of DICOM tools (). The invention allows for more efficient and/or more convenient use of the image acquisition equipment and image processing stations. Moreover, the distributed architecture including the central image repository provides certain processing and analysis advantages. The invention also provides certain processing and workflow enhancements that allow for a more full realization of potential digital mammography advantages.

Distributed architecture for mammographic image acquisition and processing

Scatter effects are reduced in a radiographic imaging device, such as a digital slot scan mammographic imaging device, by reducing detected scatter and processing detector information to compensate for scatter effects. In one embodiment, a digital mammographic imaging system () includes a source () for transmitting a narrow beam () and a detector assembly () for detecting the beam (). The beam () and the detector assembly () are synchronously scanned across the patient's breast () to obtain an image. Collimator slats () are provided at the leading and trailing edges of the detector to reduce detected scatter. Additionally, attenuators (and) are provided at the ends of the scanned motion and at the anterior edge of the detector array to assist in determining a spatial intensity profile. The spatial intensity profile information together with other imaging signal and patient dependent parameters are used in image processing to estimate and compensate for various scatter effects including single and multiple scatters and Compton and Rayleigh scatter.

Scatter rejection for composite medical imaging systems

The present invention provides for x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging of a body region of interest in a spatially correlatable manner. The resultant x-ray and ultrasound images may be combinatively employed to provide three-dimensional information regarding a location of interest within the body, and is particularly apt for use in the analysis/biopsy of potential lesions and suspicious masses in a female breast. The invention provides for direct body contact by an ultrasound imaging head, as well as targeted ultrasound imaging of a selected portion of the region from which x-ray images are obtained. A user interface system facilitates various procedures including ultrasound guided needle biopsy procedures.

Spatially correlated x-ray and ultrasound mammographic imaging systems and method

Scatter effects are reduced in a radiographic imaging device, such as a digital slot scan mammographic imaging device, by reducing detected scatter and processing detector information to compensate for scatter effects. A digital mammographic imaging system () may include a source () for transmitting a narrow beam () and a detector assembly () for detecting the beam (). The beam () and the detector assembly () may synchronously scann across the patient's breast () to obtain an image. Collimator slats () at the leading and trailing edges of the detector may reduce detected scatter. Attenuators (and) at the ends of the scanned motion and at the anterior edge of the detector array may assist in determining a spatial intensity profile. The spatial intensity profile information together with other imaging signal and patient dependent parameters may be used to estimate and compensate for various scatter effects.

Method and apparatus for blocking radiographic scatter

Disclosed is a mammographic imaging system and tools for processing mammographic images to enhance image acquisition and review workflow. The systems and tools enable rapid access to digital image information providing for improved workflow management and identification of images, upon initial review. The system and tools also allow for background processing of image information to reduce workflow delay. Specifically, digital images are processed in the background, i.e., they are automatically processed, free from specific task-orientated direction by a user, using resources that are not otherwise occupied addressing user-directed tasks. Background processing that may be supported includes preprocessing and interim processing. Preprocessing refers to processing of an image that occurs prior to initial review of that image by a physician. Interim processing refers to background processing that occurs during a review session, e.g., in a time period between initial review and a subsequent review of an image.

Automated background processing mammographic image data

An integrated x-ray and ultrasound medical imaging system is provided, wherein a radiation detection means and ultrasound transducer may be disposed for scanning movement for image acquisition along either the same or substantially coincidental paths. The radiation detection means and ultrasound transducer may be advantageously located on the same side of the imaged body portion. The x-ray and ultrasound imaging operations may be sequential, partially overlapping, or synchronous. By virtue of the noted arrangement, increased accuracy and medical efficiencies can be realized.

Integrated x-ray and ultrasound medical imaging system

A stereo radiolocalization and targeting system ( ) includes a table assembly ( ) for supporting a patient ( ), a stereo radiolocalization subsystem ( ), a medical instrument support subsystem ( ), and an ultrasound imaging subsystem ( ). The stereo radiolocalization subsystem ( ) provides three-dimensional localization information for an area of interest within the patient's body such as a sentinel node. The medical instrument support subsystem ( ) allows for targeting of a medical instrument ( ) to the area of interest for treatment, extraction or other procedures. The imaging subsystem ( ) provides real-time imaging for use in penetration path selection and monitoring medical instrument insertion. Flexible positioning support mechanisms ( and ) provide substantial positioning flexibility for various elements of the system ( ).

Medical instrument guidance using stereo radiolocation

User interface system for mammographic imager

The present invention provides for x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging of a body region of interest in a spatially correlatable manner. The resultant x-ray and ultrasound images may be combinatively employed to provide three-dimensional information regarding a location of interest within the body, and is particularly apt for use in the analysis/biopsy of potential lesions and suspicious masses in a female breast. The invention provides for direct body contact by an ultrasound imaging head, as well as targeted ultrasound imaging of a selected portion of the region from which x-ray images are obtained.

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Englewood, CO, United States of America

Morgan W Nields