Patent ID: 6459925
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: A61B,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for use in performing medical procedures on a patient's breast, comprising:an immobilizer for immobilizing the patient's breast; an image processing device for obtaining and processing imaging information regarding said patient's breast; a first graphical display operatively associated with said image processing device, for displaying one or more images of the patent's breast based on said imaging information so as to permit identification of an area of interest within the patient's immobilized breast; a user interface operatively associated with said first graphical display, for entering a selection by a user of a portion of at least one of said displayed images wherein said portion is associated with said identified area of interest; a medical instrument operable for insertion to the identified area of interest within the patient's immobilized breast; and a second graphical display, operatively associated with said image processing device, separate from said first graphical display and located proximate to the patient's immobilized breast, for providing substantially real-time images responsive to said selection by said user, in connection with said first display, of said selected portion of said patient's immobilized breast based on said imaging information so that the user can monitor insertion of said medical instrument to said identified location of interest within said patient's immobilized breast using said second graphical display located proximate to said patient's immobilized breast.