| HOLOGIC, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120133601 | USER INTERFACE FOR MEDICAL IMAGE REVIEW WORKSTATION - Methods, systems and computer program products for controlling display of different types of medical images and providing touchscreen interfaces for display on a mobile communication device and associated with different image types, e.g., different imaging modalities or different view modes. Detection of a multi-finger tap on the screen of the mobile communication device while viewing a first touchscreen interface for an image type invokes a second or auxiliary touchscreen interface for that image type having a subset of interface elements of the first touchscreen interface. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120133600 | USER INTERFACE FOR MEDICAL IMAGE REVIEW WORKSTATION - Methods, systems and computer program products for controlling display of different types of medical images and providing touchscreen interfaces for display on a mobile communication device and associated with different image types, e.g., different imaging modalities or different view modes. Detection of a multi-finger tap on the screen of the mobile communication device while viewing a first touchscreen interface for an image type invokes a second or auxiliary touchscreen interface for that image type having a subset of interface elements of the first touchscreen interface. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120130272 | LUMEN OCCLUSION DETECTION - Devices and methods are disclosed to detect or verify fallopian tube occlusion. Devices include an elongated body a continuous open space extending between proximal and distal openings, a first pressure sensor or flow meter configured to measure a pressure or fluid flow within the continuous open space, at least one seal member protruding from the outer wall of the elongated body, and a second pressure sensor or flow meter configured to measure a pressure or flow meter within a space created by the at least one seal member. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120121155 | BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS WITH DISPLAY OF HIGHLIGHTED SUSPECTED CALCIFICATIONS - Systems and methods that facilitate the presentation and assessment of selected features in projection and/or reconstructed breast images, such as calcifications that meet selected criteria of size, shape, presence in selected slice images, distribution of pixels that could be indicative of calcification relative to other pixels or of other image features of clinical interest. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120114095 | Upright x-ray breast imaging with a CT mode, multiple tomosynthesis modes, and a mammography mode - 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. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111336 | IMPLANT DELIVERY DEVICE WITH EXPANDING TIP - Devices and methods are disclosed for the delivery of an implant into small bodily spaces. The delivery devices include an expandable portion configured for placement within such bodily spaces and subsequent expansion to facilitate the delivery of the implant. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120082598 | Immunoassay Test Strip For Use in a Diagnostic System - An immunoassay test strip includes a sample pad for receiving a liquid patient sample; a conjugate pad fluidly coupled to the sample pad, wherein the conjugate pad contains a substantially uniform application of conjugate reagent; a contact pad fluidly coupled to the conjugate pad; a porous or bibulous member, e.g., made from nitrocellulose, fluidly coupled to the contact pad which is capable or transporting a liquid sample along the test strip, wherein the porous or bibulous member serves as the solid support upon which immunoreactions occur, and an absorbent pad fluidly coupled to the porous or bibulous member, which serves to draw sample fluid introduced onto the sample pad through the respective conjugate pad, contact pad and porous or bibulous member. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120067352 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR PERFORMING GYNECOLOGICAL PROCEDURES - Methods, systems and devices for performing gynecological procedures. According to one embodiment, there is provided a device for occluding a fallopian tube, the device including an outer member and an inner member. The outer member may be a hollow, frusto-conical structure shaped to include an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a side wall. The outer member may be self-expandable such that the distal end is biased radially outwardly. In addition, the side wall may have a porous structure to permit the ingrowth of tissue therethrough. Tines may be provided on the outer surface of the side wall to promote the anchoring of the outer member in a fallopian tube. The inner member, which may be structured to induce scarring, may comprise an elongated fibrous body fixed at its proximal end to the proximal end of the outer member. A bore may extend distally from the proximal end of the inner member to receive a delivery rod. The inner member, which may have pores or interstices to permit the ingrowth of tissue thereinto, is coated or impregnated with a sclerosing agent. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120063567 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING POSSIBLE ERROR IN PATIENT POSITION - 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. Dynamically varying acquisition or processing methods helps to customize the system for each particular patient, thereby improving image quality and identification and assessment of potential pathologies and abnormalities, and lower radiation dose, and thus a reduced the risk of long-term adverse health effects due to lifetime accumulated radiation dose. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120063566 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DYNAMICALLY MODIFYING ACQUISITION PARAMETER DURING IMAGE ACQUISITION - 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. Dynamically varying acquisition or processing methods helps to customize the system for each particular patient, thereby improving image quality and identification and assessment of potential pathologies and abnormalities, and lower radiation dose, and thus a reduced the risk of long-term adverse health effects due to lifetime accumulated radiation dose. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120039437 | MULTI-MODE TOMOSYNTHESIS/MAMMOGRAPHY GAIN CALIBRATION AND IMAGE CORRECTION USING GAIN MAP INFORMATION FROM SELECTED PROJECTION ANGLES - A multi-mode tomosynthesis/mammography system and method in which a mammography gain map is used to gain correct mammographic images of a patient's breast but enhanced gain maps for respective projection angled are used to correct tomosynthesis images acquired with the same system. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120020456 | MAMMOGRAPHY SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING OFFSET COMPRESSION PADDLES AUTOMATIC COLLIMATION AND RETRACTABLE ANTI-SCATTER GRID - A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120010464 | ACCESS SYSTEM WITH REMOVABLE OUTFLOW CHANNEL - A surgical access device can comprise a working channel providing a first lumen having an axial opening for insertion of a surgical instrument having an outflow channel, the first lumen having a fluid inlet for allowing fluid flow through the working channel and into the body, wherein fluid flows out of the body through the outflow channel of the surgical instrument; and a optical channel providing a second lumen for a visualization element and a light source, wherein the working channel comprises a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the optical channel. The surgical access device can further comprise a seal apparatus coupled to the working channel and configured to receive the surgical instrument, the seal apparatus comprising a first seal portion and a second seal portion, the first seal portion configured to close the fluid path into the seal apparatus, and the second seal portion configured to form a seal with the surgical instrument. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110276070 | RADIOPAQUE IMPLANT - Implants for placement in the fallopian tube are provided that comprise radiopaque material. Implants include an inner core of silicone, a radiopaque material, an outer porous portion surrounding the inner core, and, optionally, a sound-reflecting air pocket. The implant may be detected in a fluoroscopic image and/or via ultrasound after placement of the implant in the fallopian tube. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110237927 | DEDICATED BREAST RADIATION IMAGING/THERAPY SYSTEM - System, apparatus and methods specialized for breast and related tissue radiation therapy and imaging of a prone patient but also usable for supine patient if desired or needed. A special treatment radiation source such as a LINAC unit generates radiation of types and energy ranges specifically matched to breast tissue. Any one or more of several imaging technologies may be used to localize the tissue to be irradiated and to generate information for therapy planning, adjustment, and verification. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110216879 | Full Field Mammography With Tissue Exposure Control, Tomosynthesis, And Dynamic Field Of View Processing - A mammography system using a tissue exposure control relying on estimates of the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast and of breast density to automatically derive one or more technic factors. The system further uses a tomosynthesis arrangement that maintains the focus of an anti-scatter grid on the x-ray source and also maintains the field of view of the x-ray receptor. Finally, the system finds an outline that forms a reduced field of view that still encompasses the breast in the image, and uses for further processing, transmission or archival storage the data within said reduced field of view. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110194740 | Displaying Computer-Aided Detection Results Associated With A Medical Image Volume - Methods, systems, and related computer program products for processing and displaying computer-aided detection (CAD) results in conjunction with breast x-ray tomosynthesis data are described. For one preferred embodiment, as a user pages through a notional stack of tomosynthesis reconstructed slice images (Tr images), including a detection-containing Tr image on which a CAD marker is to be displayed at an identified coordinate location, one or more CAD proximity markers is displayed at that coordinate location on one or more neighboring Tr images. While not themselves indicative of CAD findings on their respective Tr images, the CAD proximity markers encourage user attention toward the coordinate location of the CAD detection marker of the detection-containing Tr image. Preferably, the CAD proximity markers are of noticeably different size from each other and from the CAD detection marker to promote their perception in the peripheral vision of the user during the paging process. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110194157 | User Selectable and User Definable Scanning Protocols In Mammographic Film Scanning System With Stack Film Feeder - A system and method for processing mammographic data are described. The system includes a user input/output system adapted and configured to receive from a user a user-defined scanning protocol that identifies the laterality and view type for each mammographic film in a film case to be scanned. A storage system stores the user-defined scanning protocol for subsequent use in scanning film cases. A scanning system scans film cases and generates digitized versions of each mammographic film. A processor then assigns laterality and view types to the digitized versions of the mammographic film according to the user-defined scanning protocol. The system also receives user alterations to stored scanning protocols. The system can also re-assign a case scanned according to one scanning protocol to another scanning protocol in response to a user's instruction to do so. The system processes the digitized versions according to at least one computer aided detection (CAD) algorithm for detecting anatomical abnormalities therein. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110146692 | Implant Delivery Device - Devices and methods are disclosed for the delivery of a compressible implant into a bodily lumen. The delivery device includes an enlarged section that is configured to house the implant during delivery thereof into a patient. In certain embodiments, the implant is kept within the delivery device in a substantially uncompressed configuration prior to the delivery thereof. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110135185 | IMAGE HANDLING AND DISPLAY IN X-RAY MAMMOGRAPHY AND TOMOSYNTHESIS - A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110128289 | Facilitating Temporal Comparison of Medical Images - Methods, systems, and computer program products for facilitating temporal comparison of medical images is provided, with one exemplary application being for breast mammograms. In one embodiment, prior and subsequent mammographic images of a breast acquired using at least partially different mammogram acquisition systems are displayed for simultaneous viewing on a same mammogram display at an identical tissue distance per unit display distance without requiring a scale-adjusting viewer input. Also described are other embodiments for optimally scaling, windowing and/or otherwise advantageously processing and/or displaying prior and subsequent mammographic image sets in manners that facilitate temporal comparison therebetween. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110110576 | Selective Display Of Computer-Aided Detection Findings With Associated Breast X-Ray Mammogram and/or Tomosynthesis Image Information - Methods, systems, and related computer program products for processing and displaying computer-aided detection (CAD) information associated with medical breast x-ray images, such as breast x-ray tomosynthesis volumes and conventional x-ray mammograms, are described. For one preferred embodiment, CAD findings for several cases (or several individual data volumes) are selectively designated for marking such that a predetermined number of CAD findings per case (or per data volume) are marked for display across all of the cases (or data volumes). In another preferred embodiment, localized breast fibroglandular tissue density information is used together with certainty-of-finding information as a basis for selecting which candidate CAD findings to designate as marked CAD findings, with increased certainty-of-finding being required to mark CAD findings in regions of higher fibroglandular tissue density. In another preferred embodiment, CAD findings located within regions of excessively dense fibroglandular tissue are withheld altogether, and associated warnings are displayed. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110109650 | Displaying Computer-Aided Detection Information With Associated Breast Tomosynthesis Image Information - Methods, systems, and related computer program products for processing and displaying computer-aided detection (CAD) information associated with medical breast x-ray images, such as breast x-ray tomosynthesis volumes, are described. An interactive graphical user interface for displaying a tomosynthesis data volume is described that includes a display of a two-dimensional composited image having slabbed sub-images spatially localized to marked CAD findings. Also described is a graphical navigation tool for optimized CAD-assisted viewing of the data volume, comprising a plurality of CAD indicator icons running near and along a slice ruler, each CAD indicator icon spanning a contiguous segment of the slice ruler and corresponding in depthwise position and extent to a subset of image slices spanned by the associated CAD finding, each CAD indicator icon including at least one single-slice highlighting mark indicating a respective image slice containing viewable image information corresponding to the associated CAD finding. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110103675 | Integrating Auxiliary Detection And Voting Algorithms Into Clinical CAD Workflow - Methods, systems, and related computer program products for computer-aided detection (CAD) of anatomical abnormalities in medical images are described. A preexisting CAD environment includes a review workstation and a primary CAD processor programmed with a primary CAD algorithm. Installed into the preexisting CAD environment is an auxiliary processing system programmed to receive a first CAD report from the primary CAD processor, apply an auxiliary CAD algorithm that is independent of the primary CAD algorithm to the underlying medical image, apply a voting algorithm to the primary and auxiliary CAD findings, and generate a second CAD report that includes the voting results. The second CAD report is configured to result in a rendering by the review workstation that is highly similar to a rendering that would result from the first CAD report except that the voted CAD findings are substituted in place of the primary CAD findings. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110087132 | Needle Breast Biopsy System and Method for Use - A tilted needle biopsy assembly is provided for mounting on an x-ray system. Because the biopsy needle is angled relative to at least one of the detector and the x-ray source, x-ray imaging may be performed during the biopsy procedure without interference by the biopsy device. The angled biopsy needle additionally allows improved access to the axilla and chest wall of the patient. The stereotactic biopsy device of the present invention may be coupled to any x-ray system, whether upright or prone, including but not limited to mammography systems, tomosynthesis systems, and combination mammography/tomosynthesis systems. The system flexibly supports the use of any mode of image capture (i.e., scout, two dimensional mammogram, three-dimensional reconstructed volume) for either or both target visualization and target localization. With such an arrangement, a needle biopsy assembly having improved patient coverage is provided for use with a variety of different x-ray imaging platforms. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110069809 | INTEGRATED MULTI-MODE MAMMOGRAPHY/TOMOSYNTHESIS X-RAY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for multi-mode breast x-ray imaging which comprises a compression arm assembly for compressing and immobilizing a breast for x-ray imaging, an x-ray tube assembly, and an x-ray image receptor is provided. The system is configured for a plurality of imaging protocols and modes. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110069808 | X-RAY MAMMOGRAPHY WITH TOMOSYNTHESIS - A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from −15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110019887 | Displaying And Navigating Computer-Aided Detection Results On A Review Workstation - Display and navigation for multiple computer-aided detection (CAD) detections is described. A medical image is displayed to a viewer, and a request is received to instantiate CAD-assisted viewing. A timewise presentation sequence for the CAD detections is automatically computed according to a predetermined sequencing criterion. For each CAD detection, an expanded presentation window is displayed for its associated location in the medical image, the expanded presentation windows being displayed according to the timewise presentation sequence. Also described is a navigational tool comprising a plot of an operating curve onto which a computed feature associated with the CAD algorithm can be mapped, the operating curve characterizing an application of the CAD algorithm to a reference database of mammographic cases having known diagnoses. The navigational tool further comprises a plurality of CAD pointer icons spatially distributed therealong according to mappings of the computed feature for the CAD detections onto the operating curve. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20100246913 | COMPUTER-AIDED DETECTION OF ANATOMICAL ABNORMALITIES IN X-RAY TOMOSYNTHESIS IMAGES - Methods, systems, and related computer program products for computer-aided detection (CAD) of anatomical abnormalities in a breast volume based on a plurality of two-dimensional x-ray tomosynthesis projection images thereof is described. Each projection image is processed according to at least one predetermined feature extraction algorithm to generate at least one projection feature array corresponding thereto. For each of the at least one predetermined features extracted, the plurality of corresponding projection feature arrays is backprojected according to a predetermined tomosynthesis reconstruction algorithm to form a plurality of two-dimensional tomosynthesis reconstructed feature arrays. Each pixel in the three-dimensional breast geometry is then individually classified as being either a pixel of interest, or not a pixel of interest, based upon the at least one tomosynthesis reconstructed feature array value corresponding to that pixel. CAD detections for the breast volume are then generated based on the identified pixels of interest. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100234719 | Estimating Visceral Fat By Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry - A system and a method of using dual-energy absoptiometry to estimate visceral fat metrics and display results, preferably as related to normative data. The process involves deriving x-ray measurements for respective pixel positions related to a two-dimensional projection image of a body slice containing visceral fat as well as subcutaneous fat; at least some of the measurements being dual-energy x-ray measurements, processing the measurements to derive estimates of metrics related to the visceral fat in the slice; and using the resulting estimates. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100226475 | MAMMOGRAPHY/TOMOSYNTHESIS SYSTEMS AND METHODS AUTOMATICALLY DERIVING BREAST CHARACTERISTICS FROM BREAST X-RAY IMAGES AND AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING IMAGE PROCESSING PARAMETERS ACCORDINGLY - Methods and systems that automatically identify breast characteristics such as x-ray density and breast texture from initial x-ray images of the breast and automatically adjust process parameter setting of image processing algorithms that operate on the initial images to derive processing images suitable for display or further processing. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100195882 | Matching Geometry Generation And Display Of Mammograms And Tomosynthesis Images - A method and a system for using tomosynthesis projection images of a patient's breast to reconstruct slice tomosynthesis images such that anatomical structures that appear superimposed in a mammogram are at conforming locations in the reconstructed images. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100178711 | VIAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING LIQUID-BASED SPECIMENS - A vial-based system and method for handling and processing specimens of particulate matter-containing liquid directly in the vial. A processing assembly, which includes a stirrer and a particulate matter separation chamber, is releasably coupled to the inside of the vial cover. The processing assembly remains with the cover when the vial is opened to insert a specimen therein. Application of a particular external force to the closed vial detaches the processing assembly from the cover so that it remains in the vial, for access by automated or manual laboratory equipment, when the cover is subsequently removed. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100150417 | PROCESSING MEDICAL IMAGES OF THE BREAST TO DETECT ANATOMICAL ABNORMALITIES THEREIN - Methods, systems and related computer program products are provided for processing a medical image of a breast to detect anatomical abnormalities therein, including anatomical abnormalities that may be associated with breast cancer. The medical image of the breast, which includes a background region bordering a breast tissue region along a skinline thereof, is processed to detect an inward-facing retraction along the skinline, which can be potentially indicative of an anatomical abnormality in the breast tissue. In one preferred embodiment, a display monitor displays first information representative of the medical image of the breast and second information identifying a location of the detected inward-facing retraction on the medical image of the breast. In another preferred embodiment, one or more metrics characterizing the detected inward-facing retraction are used as features in the classification of potential CAD detections in the breast tissue region. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100150306 | Mammography System And Method Employing Offset Compression Paddles, Automatic Collimation, And Retractable Anti-scatter Grid - A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100135456 | Full Field Mammography With Tissue Exposure Control, Tomosynthesis, and Dynamic Field of View Processing - A mammography system using a tissue exposure control relying on estimates of the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast and of breast density to automatically derive one or more technic factors. The system further uses a tomosynthesis arrangement that maintains the focus of an anti-scatter grid on the x-ray source and also maintains the field of view of the x-ray receptor. Finally, the system finds an outline that forms a reduced field of view that still encompasses the breast in the image, and uses for further processing, transmission or archival storage the data within said reduced field of view. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100086188 | Breast Tomosynthesis With Display Of Highlighted Suspected Calcifications - Systems and methods that facilitate the presentation and assessment of selected features in projection and/or reconstructed breast images, such as calcifications that meet selected criteria of size, shape, presence in selected slice images, distribution of pixels that could be indicative of calcification relative to other pixels or of other image features of clinical interest. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100054400 | MULTI-MODE TOMOSYNTHESIS/MAMMOGRAPHY GAIN CALIBRATION AND IMAGE CORRECTION USING GAIN MAP INFORMATION FROM SELECTED PROJECTION ANGLES - A multi-mode tomosynthesis/mammography system and method in which a mammography gain map is used to gain correct mammographic images of a patient's breast but enhanced gain maps for respective projection angled are used to correct tomosynthesis images acquired with the same system. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100020393 | System and Device for Non-Destructive Raman Analysis - An improved Raman microspectrometer system extends the optical reach and analysis range of an existing Raman microspectrometer to allow analysis and/or repair of an oversized sample. The improved Raman microspectrometer system includes an extender for extending the optical reach of the existing microspectrometer and a supplemental stage which extends the analysis range of the existing microspectrometer by providing travel capabilities for non-destructive analysis of an entire oversized sample. Such an arrangement decreases manufacturing costs associated with testing oversized samples such as mammography panels, enabling analysis and/or repair to be performed without destruction. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20090304147 | X-RAY MAMMOGRAPHY/TOMOSYNTHESIS OF PATIENT'S BREAST - A breast x-ray system and method using tomosynthesis imaging in which the x-ray source generally moves away from the patient's head. The system may include an operation mode in which it additionally takes mammogram image data. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090296882 | Image Handling And Display In X-Ray Mammography And Tomosynthess - A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090253142 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ANALYSIS OF NUCLEIC ACID MOLECULES DURING AMPLIFICATION REACTIONS - The present invention provides systems, methods and kits for performing a detection assay (e.g., invasive cleavage assay) in combination with an amplification assay (e.g., PCR), where the detection assay employs enzyme footprint probes with relatively short (e.g., 6-12 bases) analyte-specific regions configured to provide a preferred footprint length of duplex for use with a particular nucleic acid modifying enzyme. In some embodiments, such assays are used for target quantification, and in other embodiments, such assays are used for genotyping. In certain embodiments, the use of such short probes allows for assays with increased dynamic range. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090245460 | Mammography System And Method Employing Offset Compression Paddles, Automatic Collimation, And Retractable Anti-scatter Grid - A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090141859 | Image Handling and Display in X-Ray Mammography and Tomosynthesis - A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090010384 | FULL FIELD MAMMOGRAPHY WITH TISSUE EXPOSURE CONTROL, TOMOSYNTHESIS, AND DYNAMIC FIELD OF VIEW PROCESSING - A mammography system using a tissue exposure control relying on estimates of the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast and of breast density to automatically derive one or more technic factors. The system further uses a tomosynthesis arrangement that maintains the focus of an anti-scatter grid on the x-ray source and also maintains the field of view of the x-ray receptor. Finally, the system finds an outline that forms a reduced field of view that still encompasses the breast in the image, and uses for further processing, transmission or archival storage the data within said reduced field of view. | 01-08-2009 |
