System and apparatus for rapid stereotactic breast biopsy analysis
View Patent ↗A stereotactic breast biopsy apparatus and system that may comprise an x-ray source, a digital imaging receptor, and a biopsy specimen cassette, wherein the digital imaging receptor is adjustably secured to the apparatus to permit an unobstructed illumination of the biopsy specimen and thereby produce biopsy x-ray images directly in the procedure room for immediate analysis. Some examples of the benefits may be, but are not limited to, a more rapid analysis of biopsy specimen digital images, post-processing image capability, and decreased procedure time and diminution of patient bleeding complications and needle discomfort.
1. An apparatus adapted to be used for rapid stereotactic breast biopsy specimen analysis, said apparatus comprising:
(a) an x-ray source;
(b) a breast biopsy specimen cassette adapted to retain a breast biopsy specimen; and
(c) a digital imaging receptor having a first side adapted to face said x-ray source and means for retention of said biopsy specimen cassette, said digital imaging receptor adapted to be positioned between a stored position and an imaging position;
wherein said breast biopsy specimen cassette is adapted to be positioned between said x-ray source and said first side of said digital imaging receptor to permit x-ray images of said breast biopsy specimen to be formed upon said digital imaging receptor when subjected to x-ray illumination by said x-ray source, thereby facilitating rapid stereotactic breast biopsy analysis.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said digital imaging receptor is adjustably secured to at least a portion of a patient table associated with said apparatus.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said digital imaging receptor is adjustably secured to an underside face portion of a patient table associated with said apparatus.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the stored position is substantially coplanar with said patient table.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the imaging position is substantially perpendicular to said patient table.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said digital imaging receptor is ancillary to a second digital imaging receptor adapted to be used during collection of a breast biopsy specimen.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a means for displacing an x-ray beam axis of said x-ray source from a first beam axis, wherein said means for displacing is associated with said x-ray source.