Spatially correlated x-ray and ultrasound mammographic imaging systems and method

A method comprising:

• immobilizing a patient's breast;
• imaging the immobilized breast with penetrating radiation to obtain at least one two-dimensional penetrating radiation image of the breast;
• displaying the at least one penetrating radiation image of the breast and deriving therefrom first spatial information regarding a region of interest in the breast;
• positioning an ultrasound image display screen in close proximity to the immobilized breast by moving the screen using an articulated supporting structure;
• carrying out ultrasound imaging of the immobilized breast to obtain ultrasound images of the breast substantially in real time and deriving therefrom second spatial information regarding the region of interest;
• displaying said ultrasound images on said ultrasound image display screen substantially in real time;
• and
• using displayed ultrasound images regarding the region as displayed on the ultrasound image display screen to monitor an insertion of a medical instrument in the immobilized breast;
• wherein said ultrasonic imaging comprises using an ultrasound probe that automatically moves to a selected position in response to the selection of a region of interest in said penetrating radiation image.

A system comprising:

• a breast immobilizing structure for securing a patient's breast in a selected position;
• a penetrating radiation imager selectively imaging the immobilized breast with penetrating radiation to obtain penetrating radiation images of the breast;
• an ultrasound imager having a display screen and an articulated support structure for selectively positioning the screen in close proximity to the immobilized breast;
• said ultrasound imager selectively carrying out ultrasound imaging of the immobilized breast and thereby obtaining ultrasound images of the breast substantially in real time;
• an image display and a computer coupled with the penetrating radiation imager to receive said images therefrom, with the ultrasound imager to receive said ultrasound images therefrom, and with the display to selectively display the penetrating radiation images and the ultrasound images, and configured to process the images and user inputs to derive spatial information regarding a region of interest in the immobilized breast;
• and
• a medical device for insertion into a patient and a controller operatively connected with the computer and with the medical device and using said displayed ultrasound images and said spatial information regarding the region of interest to automate guidance of an insertion of the medical device in the immobilized breast.