Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090080594 | 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. | 03-26-2009 |
20090080602 | 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. | 03-26-2009 |
20090135997 | Breast Compression For Digital Mammography, Tomosynthesis And Other Modalities - A breast x-ray imaging method and system that is particularly suited for tomosynthesis imaging but also is useful for conventional mammography. A fluid containing pillow or bag is placed between the breast and a paddle that compresses the breast against a breast platform covering an imaging device, to enhance patient comfort and provide other benefits. Alternatives include a flexible sheet compressing the breast, and a compressible foam, preferably contoured to accommodate a patient's breast. | 05-28-2009 |
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 |
20090268865 | X-ray imaging with X-ray markers that provide adjunct information but preserve image quality - A method and an apparatus for estimating a geometric thickness of a breast in mammography/tomosynthesis or in other x-ray procedures, by imaging markers that are in the path of x-rays passing through the imaged object. The markings can be selected to be visible or to be invisible when the composite markings/breast image is viewed in clinical settings. If desired, the contribution of the markers to the image can be removed through further processing. The resulting information can be used determining the geometric thickness of the body being x-rayed and thus setting imaging parameters that are thickness-related, and for other purposes. The method and apparatus also have application in other types of x-ray imaging. | 10-29-2009 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100260316 | Integrated Breast X-Ray and Molecular Imaging System - An integrated tomosynthesis/molecular breast imaging device having improved sensitivity includes tomosynthesis imaging components and molecular breast imaging components. The imaging components may be used individually or in combination to provide a system with improved sensitivity and specificity. Molecular imaging components may be smoothly advanced or withdrawn depending upon the desired imaging mode. The system supports both PET and SPECT imaging and enables SPECT collimation to be modified in accordance with image capture requirements. | 10-14-2010 |
20100261997 | System and Method for Molecular Breast Imaging with Biopsy Capability and Improved Tissue Coverage - An dual head molecular based imaging system includes at least one gamma camera having slanted collimators The use of one or more slant collimators can greatly improve viewing coverage of a dual-head gamma camera breast imaging system, providing improved three-dimensional localization and biopsy capability as well as improved coverage of axilla and chest wall tissue. The dual-head gamma camera breast imaging capability may be provided in a dedicated system, or alternatively as part of a fused x-ray, molecular based imaging system. | 10-14-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20120093285 | X-ray imaging with X-ray markers that provide adjunct information but preserve image quality - A method and an apparatus for estimating a geometric thickness of a breast in mammography/tomosynthesis or in other x-ray procedures, by imaging markers that are in the path of x-rays passing through the imaged object. The markings can be selected to be visible or to be invisible when the composite markings/breast image is viewed in clinical settings. If desired, the contribution of the markers to the image can be removed through further processing. The resulting information can be used determining the geometric thickness of the body being x-rayed and thus setting imaging parameters that are thickness-related, and for other purposes. The method and apparatus also have application in other types of x-ray imaging. | 04-19-2012 |
20120195484 | 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. | 08-02-2012 |
20120238870 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DUAL ENERGY AND/OR CONTRAST ENHANCED BREAST IMAGING FOR SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS AND BIOPSY - Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity. | 09-20-2012 |
20120250969 | Integrated Breast X-Ray and Molecular Imaging System and Method - An integrated tomosynthesis/molecular breast imaging device having improved sensitivity includes tomosynthesis imaging components and molecular breast imaging components. The imaging components may be used individually or in combination to provide a system with improved sensitivity and specificity. Molecular imaging components may be smoothly advanced or withdrawn depending upon the desired imaging mode. The system supports both PET and SPECT imaging and enables SPECT collimation to be modified in accordance with image capture requirements. | 10-04-2012 |
20120288057 | 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. | 11-15-2012 |
20120328176 | 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. | 12-27-2012 |
20130028374 | 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 | 01-31-2013 |
20130272494 | 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. | 10-17-2013 |
20140016737 | TOMOSYNTHESIS WITH SHIFTING FOCAL SPOT AND OSCILLATING COLLIMATOR BLADES - In a tomosynthesis system a static focal spot is moved in a direction opposite to and generally synchronized with the directional movement of an x-ray source and X-ray collimator blades are moved during each exposure in synchronization with the shifting of the static focal spot. The synchronized movement of the static focal spot, x-ray tube and collimator blades helps keep the effective focal spot fixed in space relative to the breast, detector or both during the entire duration of the exposure and keeps the x-ray field on the detector and breast static. The shifting collimator blades follow an oscillating pattern over the multiple x-ray exposures of a tomosynthesis scan. | 01-16-2014 |
20140044230 | System and Method for Low Dose Tomosynthesis - A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing. | 02-13-2014 |
20140044231 | 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. | 02-13-2014 |
20140086471 | System and Method for Generating A 2D Image from a Tomosynthesis Data Set - A 2D mammogram image is synthesized from at least one of tomosynthesis projection images and/or the tomosynthesis reconstructed image data. In a simplest form, the mammogram may be synthesized by selecting one of the tomosynthesis projection images for display as a synthesized mammogram. Other methods of synthesizing a mammogram include re-projecting and filtering projection data and/or reconstructed data. The synthesized mammogram is advantageously displayed together with at least a portion of the reconstructed data to aid in review of the reconstructed data. The present invention thus provides a familiar image which may be used to facilitate review of a tomosynthesis data set. | 03-27-2014 |
20140112563 | 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. | 04-24-2014 |
20140232752 | MATCHING GEOMETRY GENERATION AND DISPLAY OF MAMMOGRAMS AND TOMOSYNTHESIS - 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. | 08-21-2014 |
20140301529 | X-RAY IMAGING WITH X-RAY MARKERS THAT PROVIDE ADJUNCT INFORMATION BUT PRESERVE IMAGE QUALITY - A method and an apparatus for estimating a geometric thickness of a breast in mammography/tomosynthesis or in other x-ray procedures, by imaging markers that are in the path of x-rays passing through the imaged object. The markings can be selected to be visible or to be invisible when the composite markings/breast image is viewed in clinical settings. If desired, the contribution of the markers to the image can be removed through further processing. The resulting information can be used determining the geometric thickness of the body being x-rayed and thus setting imaging parameters that are thickness-related, and for other purposes. The method and apparatus also have application in other types of x-ray imaging. | 10-09-2014 |
20140314198 | TOMOSYNTHESIS WITH SHIFTING FOCAL SPOT AND OSCILLATIG COLLIMATOR BLADES - In a tomosynthesis system a static focal spot is moved in a direction opposite to and generally synchronized with the directional movement of an x-ray source and X-ray collimator blades are moved during each exposure in synchronization with the shifting of the static focal spot. The synchronized movement of the static focal spot, x-ray tube and collimator blades helps keep the effective focal spot fixed in space relative to the breast, detector or both during the entire duration of the exposure and keeps the x-ray field on the detector and breast static. The shifting collimator blades follow an oscillating pattern over the multiple x-ray exposures of a tomosynthesis scan. | 10-23-2014 |
20140321607 | 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. | 10-30-2014 |
20140327702 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A 2D IMAGE USING MAMMOGRAPHY AND/OR TOMOSYNTHESIS IMAGE DATA - The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes. | 11-06-2014 |
20140341337 | 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. | 11-20-2014 |
20150049859 | INTEGRATED MULTI-MODE MAMMOGRAPHY/TOMOSYNTHESIS X-RAY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for multi-mode breast x-say imaging which comprises a compression arm assembly for compressing and immobilizing a breast for x-ray imaging, an x-ray tube assembly, and a x-ray image receptor is provided. The system is configured for a plurality of imaging protocols and modes. | 02-19-2015 |
20150049934 | 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. | 02-19-2015 |