Patent ID: 6190334
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A tissue examination apparatus for performing an examination of breast tissue of a person with a breast facing upwardly comprising:an actuator having a downwardly extendable probe for contacting tissue;an electronic control module communicating with the actuator, the electronic control module controlling extension and retraction of the probe, and the electronic control module determining displacement distances of the probe and forces exerted on the probe at each displacement distance when the probe is extended so as to contact the tissue; anda signal processor communicating with the electronic control module and receiving the force and the displacement distance determinations from the electronic control module, the signal processor analyzing the force and the displacement distance determinations to provide a data analysis indicating any localized area of stiffer or softer tissue within the tissue,a support structure,a sheet of material secured to a support structure and adapted to be placed over and in contact with said breast facing upwardly, the sheet of material immobilizing the tissue being examined.