X-ray imaging apparatus and method for mammography and computed tomography
AssigneeAdvanced X-Ray Technology, Inc.
InventorGeorge Gutman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An x-ray imaging apparatus for mammography. The apparatus places the focal spot of the x-ray source as close as possible to a compression paddle or into a desired region of tissue. The apparatus comprises an x-ray source, a collimator with conditioning optics which focus and direct x-ray radiation to a metal pseudo-target in the collimator or a needle placed along the x-ray beam, paddles for breast compression and a detector. The pseudo-target re-emits monochromatic x-ray radiation with an energy, intensity, and space distribution that are adjustable in accordance with a desired imaging procedure.
Claims20
An x-ray imaging apparatus for mammography, the apparatus comprising:
- a primary x-ray source for generating x-ray radiation;
- a collimator with capillary optics which direct and focus the x-ray radiation, the collimator being in optical communication with the primary x-ray source;
- means for monochromatizing the radiation positioned within the collimator;
- means for shaping the radiation, positioned within the capillary optics;
- an optically transparent paddle for supporting an anatomical site of interest while allowing the passage of x-ray radiation;
- and
- means for registering an image of the anatomical site, the apparatus thereby delivering monochromatic x-rays with a suitable energy, intensity, and space distribution and transforming the focal spot of the x-ray tube to a position in close proximity to a compression paddle, or directly to a desired region of tissue, the characteristics of the x-rays being adjustable in accordance with a desired imaging procedure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.