CT systems for imaging of the breast

1. An imaging system comprising opposing x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies and a motion mechanism configured for rotationally orbiting the x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies around a patient's anatomy along a main axis of rotation of the imaging system while rotationally oscillating the x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies about an oscillation axis wherein the main axis of rotation corresponds with a receptacle axis of a cavity configured for receiving a portion of a patient's anatomy to be imaged and wherein the cavity is defined by a support structure having graduated or angled support walls leading to the cavity wherein the support walls correspond with the oscillating motion of the x-ray generation assembly and the x-ray detection assembly.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the orbiting and the oscillating motions are independent.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the orbiting and the oscillating motions are dependent.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein an orbital position is determinative of a corresponding oscillation position.

5. The system of claim 3 , wherein the motion mechanism is configured to result in a fixed number of oscillations per orbital rotation.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the motion mechanism is configured to result in two or more oscillations per rotation.

7. The system of claim 3 , wherein the motion mechanism uses a rotating slip ring and oscillating actuator.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the x-ray detector assembly includes a high resolution flat-panel x-ray detector.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the support walls define a conical or funnel type configuration.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein an angle of the support walls is configured to correspond with a position or orientation of the x-ray generation assembly or the x-ray detection assembly during peak oscillation.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the support walls define undulations that drive the oscillating motion of the x-ray generation assembly and the x-ray detection assembly.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the undulations drive the oscillating motion of the x-ray generation assembly and the x-ray detection assembly.

13. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the oscillation axis is perpendicular to both the main axis of rotation and to a transmission axis extending between the x-ray generation and detector assemblies.

14. An imaging system comprising opposing x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies and a motion mechanism configured for rotationally orbiting the x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies around a patient's anatomy along a main axis of rotation of the imaging system while rotationally oscillating the x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies about an oscillation axis wherein the main axis of rotation corresponds with a receptacle axis of a cavity configured for receiving a portion of a patient's anatomy to be imaged and wherein the cavity is defined by a support structure that includes undulations that drive oscillating motion of the x-ray generation and x-ray detection assemblies and wherein the cavity is configured to function as a sealed volumetric cavity once a patient's anatomy is received therein.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the support structure is constructed of a radiolucent material.

16. The system of claim 14 , wherein the cavity further includes a changeable lining for enabling quick cleaning and sterilization of the cavity.

17. The system of claim 14 , wherein the support structure includes support walls that define the undulations that drive the oscillating motion of the x-ray generation assembly and the x-ray detection assembly.

18. The system according to claim 14 , wherein the oscillation axis is perpendicular to both the main axis of rotation and to a transmission axis extending between the x-ray generation and detector assemblies.

19. An imaging system comprising opposing x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies and a motion mechanism configured for rotationally orbiting the x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies around a patient's anatomy along a main axis of rotation of the imaging system while rotationally oscillating the x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies about an oscillation axis wherein the main axis of rotation corresponds with a receptacle axis of a cavity configured for receiving a portion of a patient's anatomy to be imaged and wherein the cavity is defined by a support structure that includes a resilient or semi-flexible or elastic support sheath or netting over an opening to the cavity and wherein the support structure further includes an interchangeable negative mold corresponding to a shape of the patient's anatomy fitted into the cavity and enabling the patient's anatomy to be held in a volumetrically secured position.

20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the resilient or semi-flexible or elastic support sheath or netting is configured to stretch and mold to a shape of the patient's anatomy while still providing for support.

21. The system of claim 19 wherein the support structure further includes motorized means for positioning the patient into a supine position.

22. The system of claim 19 , further including an integrated biopsy feature including a biopsy attachment.

23. The system of claim 19 , wherein a gantry holding the x-ray generation and x-ray detection assemblies is configured to enable moving the x-ray generation and x-ray detection assemblies one or more of laterally, vertically or pivotally so as to allow for access for a biopsy attachment from multiple and opposite directions.