Biopsy Systems For Breast Computed Tomography
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsJohn M. Boone, Thomas R. Nelson
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Abstract
A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry configured to mount an x-ray emitter and CT detector on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a high resolution x-ray detector positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and the x-ray emitter.
Claims39
A method for breast imaging, comprising the steps of:
- (a) generating a three-dimensional volume data set of at least a portion of the breast;
- (b) compressing the volume data set in a first direction to simulate compression of the breast in the first direction per compression mammography;
- and
- (c) projecting the compressed volume data along the first direction to produce a simulated compression mammogram image.
A method of measuring breast density, comprising:
- (a) generating a three-dimensional volume data set of at least a portion of the breast;
- (b) segmenting the volume data into volume elements associated with glandular tissue and non-glandular tissue;
- (c) calculating a volume of the portion of the breast associated with each of the glandular tissue and non-glandular tissue;
- and
- (d) outputting a breast density measurement being a function of the volume of the portion of the breast associated with each of the glandular tissue and non-glandular tissue.
A method of performing a simulated CT breast biopsy comprising the steps of:
- (a) acquiring a first CT projection set of the breast at a first spatial resolution;
- (b) producing at least one image of the breast from the first CT projection set;
- (c) identifying a location of a possible tumor in the image;
- (d) acquiring a second CT projection set of only a portion of the breast around the location at a second spatial resolution higher than the first spatial resolution;
- and
- (e) producing a high resolution image of the portion of the breast from the second CT projection set.
A method of performing a breast biopsy, comprising the steps of:
- (a) generating a 3-D volume CT dataset of a breast;
- (b) reconstructing the dataset into at least two images;
- (c) identifying at least two spatial coordinates of a region of interest within the breast by location of a cursor on the two images;
- and
- (d) manipulating a robotic assembly according to the coordinates to deliver a biopsy needle to the region of interest.
An apparatus for generating imaging a breast comprising:
- (a) a table supporting a patient in a prone position with at least one breast pendant;
- (b) an x-ray source and detector positioned to acquire a CT projection set about a horizontal axis around the pendant breast;
- and
- (c) a PET detector positioned to acquire PET data of the breast of interest contemporaneously with the acquisition of the CT projections set.
A method of determining abnormal structures in a patient's breast, comprising:
- (a) generating CT images of a series of reference patients;
- (b) identifying normal duct structures in the generated CT images to generate a database of normal duct structures;
- (c) generating CT images of a treatment patient;
- and
- (d) comparing the CT images of the treatment patient with the database to identify all abnormal structure in the patient's breast.
A method for restraining a patient's breast during a medical procedure, comprising employing an immobilization device to:
- (a) apply a vacuum to a portion of the patient's breast;
- and
- (b) apply a tensile force on the patient's breast with the vacuum to immobilize the breast.
A method of delivering radiotherapy treatment with a CT scanner, comprising:
- (a) generating a CT volume dataset with a the CT scanner with a first x-ray energy;
- (b) identifying a region of interest within the CT volume dataset;
- and
- (c) delivering a focused radiotherapy treatment to the identified region of interest with a second x-ray energy;
- and
- the second x-ray energy having a significantly lower x-ray spectra.
A method of delivering ultrasound treatment with a CT scanner, comprising:
- (a) generating a CT volume dataset with a the CT scanner;
- (b) identifying a region of interest within the CT volume dataset;
- and
- (c) delivering a focused ultrasonic treatment to the identified region of interest with a high energy focused ultrasound beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.