User interface system for mammographic imager
OwnerMorgan W. Nields, John Conner +1inventors
InventorsMorgan W. Nields, John Conner, Curtis Daly
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Abstract
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.
Claims4
An apparatus for use in performing medical procedures on a patient's breast, comprising:
- an immobilizer for immobilizing the patient's breast;
- an ultrasound device for obtaining real-time ultrasound images of the patient's breast for use in identifying a region of interest;
- a processor, operatively couplable to at least one of the immobilizer and a medical instrument for controlling relative positions of the immobilization assembly and medical instrument in response to information in the real-time ultrasound image
2-11. (canceled)
A method comprising the steps of:
- immobilizing a patient's breast using an immobilization assembly;
- obtaining a real-time ultrasound image of the patient's breast;
- using the real-time ultrasound image to identify a region of interest in the patient's breast;
- and
- controlling using an operatively connected processor, relative positions of at least one of the immobilization assembly and a medical instrument in response to the real-time ultrasound image to position the medical instrument relative to the region of interest
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.