Patent Description:
Many medical biopsy procedures concern obtaining a biopsy sample, i.e., a tissue sample, from a body part of a patient suspected as being cancerous, and then testing the biopsy sample for indications that the body part contains cancer cells. In many breast biopsy procedures, a needle is inserted into the breast manually or by using an automatic needle guidance system. In such procedures, the needle is typically guided to a suspect region within the breast via an x-ray imaging system which includes a ray source and a detector. The patient's breast is usually positioned on a breast support located between the detector and the ray source, and then held/compressed in place against the breast support by a compression plate. Compression of the breast in such a manner typically serves to stabilize the breast for improved x-ray imaging accuracy and guidance of the needle.

To improve the quality of the biopsy sample for the subsequent cancer tests, it is often desirable to verify that the biopsy sample contains micro-calcifications via x-ray imaging, and to obtain subsequent biopsy samples if needed. In order to limit the number of x-ray exposures to the patient, biopsy samples are often imaged by a second x-ray system different from the first x-ray system that was used to guide the needle to the suspect region. Many such second x-ray systems, however, are usually located in a different room than the first x-ray system. Thus, it typically takes a significant amount of time to remove the biopsy sample from the patient, transport the biopsy sample to the second x-ray system, and then image the biopsy sample with the second x-ray system. Moreover, the x-ray imaging data from the second x-ray system is usually stored separately from the x-ray imaging data from the first x-ray system. In other words, using two separate x-ray systems distributes the x-ray imaging data from a single biopsy procedure over multiple data sets which are typically stored separately.

Additionally, it is also usually desirable to keep the patient's breast compressed such that it does not move between biopsy samples. Thus, many breast biopsy procedures maintain compression of the patient's breast throughout the entire biopsy procedure, to include the time it takes to image the biopsy samples with a second x-ray system to verify that they contain micro-calcifications. Compression of the breast via the compression plate, however, is usually painful for the patient.

What is needed, therefore, is an improved system and method for imaging biopsy samples obtained from a patient.

In <CIT>, an X-ray tube generates X-rays. An X-ray detector detects the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube. A placing surface is held between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, and includes a placing part for a subject and a placing part for a sample collected from the subject. A placing table supporting mechanism supports the X-ray detector and the placing surface. An X-ray tube supporting mechanism turnably supports the X-ray tube around a prescribed rotational axis. An exposure field limiting device limits a solid angle of the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube. An imaging control part controls the X-ray tube supporting mechanism and the exposure field limiting device and thereby selectively switches an exposure field of the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube in the placing surface between the placing part for the subject and the placing part for the sample each on the placing surface.

In an embodiment, a system for imaging biopsy samples obtained from a patient is provided. The system includes: a radiation source operative to emit radiation rays and selectively adjustable between a first scanning position and a second scanning position; a radiation detector operative to receive the radiation rays and having a surface that defines a first imaging region, a second imaging region, and a third imaging region; and a collimator having a body having a static shape and defining an opening, the collimator being adapted to be coupled to the radiation source such that the collimator is disposed adjacent to the radiation source and then being selectively adjustable between a first imaging position and a second imaging position by rotating and/or translating the body in relation to the radiation source. The position/orientation of the body in relation to the radiation detector in the first imaging position allows one or more of the radiation rays to pass from the radiation source, through the opening, and into the second imaging region while restricting the radiation rays via the body from passing into the first imaging region when the radiation source is in the first scanning position. The position/orientation of the body in relation to the radiation detector in the second imaging position allows one or more of the radiation rays to pass from the radiation source, through the opening, and into the third imaging region while restricting the radiation rays via the body from passing into the first imaging region when the radiation source is in the second scanning position.

Reference will be made below in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference characters used throughout the drawings refer to the same or like parts, without duplicative description.

As used herein, the terms "substantially," "generally," and "about" indicate conditions within reasonably achievable manufacturing and assembly tolerances, relative to ideal desired conditions suitable for achieving the functional purpose of a component or assembly. As used herein, "electrically coupled", "electrically connected", and "electrical communication" mean that the referenced elements are directly or indirectly connected such that an electrical current may flow from one to the other. The connection may include a direct conductive connection, i.e., without an intervening capacitive, inductive or active element, an inductive connection, a capacitive connection, and/or any other suitable electrical connection. Intervening components may be present.

Further, while the embodiments disclosed herein are described with respect to a breast biopsy system and procedure, it is to be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be applicable to other types of biopsy procedures. Further still, as will be appreciated, embodiments of the present invention related imaging systems may be used to analyze tissue generally and are not limited to human tissue.

Referring now to <FIG>, the major components of a system <NUM> for imaging biopsy samples <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) obtained from a patient incorporating an embodiment of the invention are shown. As will be appreciated, in embodiments, the biopsy samples <NUM>, <NUM> may be stereotactic breast biopsies. The system <NUM> includes a radiation source/device <NUM>, a radiation detector <NUM>, and a collimator <NUM>. The radiation source <NUM> is operative to emit radiation rays <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) and is selectively adjustable between a first scanning position (<FIG>) and a second scanning position (<FIG>). The radiation detector <NUM> is operative to receive the radiation rays <NUM> and has a surface <NUM> that defines a first imaging region (depicted as the dashed box <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), a second imaging region (depicted as the dashed box <NUM> in <FIG>), and a third imaging region (depicted as the dashed box <NUM> in <FIG>). The collimator <NUM> has a body <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>, <FIG>) that defines an opening <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) and is operative to be disposed adjacent to the radiation source <NUM> such that the collimator <NUM> is selectively adjustable between a first imaging position (<FIG>) and a second imaging position (<FIG>). The first imaging position allows one or more of the radiation rays <NUM> to pass from the radiation source <NUM>, through the opening <NUM>, and into the second imaging region <NUM> while restricting the radiation rays, <NUM> via the body <NUM>, from passing into the first imaging region <NUM> when the radiation source <NUM> is in the first scanning position. The second imaging position allows one or more of the radiation rays <NUM> to pass from the radiation source <NUM>, through the opening <NUM>, and into the third imaging region <NUM> while restricting the radiation rays <NUM>, via the body <NUM>, from passing into the first imaging region <NUM> when the radiation source <NUM> is in the second scanning position.

In embodiments, the system <NUM> may further include a patient shield <NUM> mounted to the radiation source <NUM> via face shield rails <NUM> for protecting the patient from the radiation rays <NUM>, a compression plate <NUM>, and a support structure <NUM> to which one or more of the radiation source <NUM>, radiation detector <NUM>, and/or compression plate <NUM> may be mounted to. In embodiments, the system <NUM> may further include a controller <NUM>. In embodiments, the system <NUM> may further include a biopsy tool <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., a needle.

In embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be a workstation having at least one processor and a memory device as shown in <FIG> or, in other embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be embedded / integrated into one or more of the various components of the system <NUM> disclosed above. In embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be in electrical communication with the radiation source <NUM>, radiation detector <NUM>, the compression plate <NUM>, and/or the biopsy tool <NUM> via a cable <NUM>. As will be appreciated, in embodiments, the connection <NUM> may be a wireless connection. In embodiments, the controller <NUM> may include a radiation shield <NUM> that protects an operator of the system <NUM> from the radiation rays <NUM> emitted by the radiation source <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may further include a display <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, mouse <NUM>, and/or other appropriate user input devices, that facilitate control of the system <NUM> via a user interface <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the radiation source <NUM>, along with the radiation detector <NUM>, forms part of an x-ray system which provides x-ray imagery for the purpose of guiding the biopsy tool <NUM>, e.g., needle, to a suspect site within a body part of a patient. As stated above, the radiation source <NUM> emits the radiation rays <NUM> such that the radiation rays <NUM> travel from the radiation source <NUM> to the radiation detector <NUM>. While the radiation rays <NUM> are discussed herein as being x-rays, it is to be understood that the radiation source <NUM> may emit other types of electromagnetic rays which can be used to image a patient. The radiation source <NUM> may be mounted to the support structure <NUM> such that the radiation source can rotate around an axis <NUM> in relation to the radiation detector <NUM> and first imaging region <NUM>.

As stated above, the radiation detector <NUM> receives the radiation rays <NUM> emitted by the radiation source <NUM>. In embodiments, data regarding the radiation rays <NUM> received by the radiation detector <NUM> may be electrically communicated to the controller <NUM> from the radiation detector <NUM> via cable/electronic connection <NUM> such that the controller <NUM> generates one or more images which may be shown on the display <NUM>.

The compression plate <NUM> is operative to move towards and away from the radiation detector <NUM> as indicated by arrows <NUM> such that the compression plate <NUM> holds a body part, e.g., a breast, in place against the surface <NUM> of the radiation detector <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in embodiments, the biopsy tool <NUM>, e.g., biopsy needle, may be disposed on the support structure <NUM> such that it also rotates about the axis <NUM>, in a manner similar to the radiation source <NUM>, and/or moves in a vertical and/or horizontal direction, in a manner similar to the compression plate <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the body <NUM> of the collimator <NUM> is made of a substance that restricts the movement of radiation rays <NUM>. For example, in embodiments, the body <NUM> may be made of lead. As stated above, the body <NUM> of the collimator <NUM> defines the opening <NUM>. In embodiments, the opening <NUM> may be disposed along an outer edge <NUM> of the body <NUM>. For example, in embodiments, the body <NUM> may have a rectangular shape and the opening <NUM> may be defined by a cut-away corner of the body <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. As used herein, the term cut-away corner means a shape resembling a rectangle that has had one of its corners removed, and/or folded back towards the center of the rectangle. As also stated above, the collimator <NUM> has a first imaging position (<FIG>) and a second imaging position (<FIG>).

The imaging positions of the collimator <NUM> are the positions / orientation of the body <NUM> in relation to the radiation detector <NUM>, and in particular, to the end of the radiation detector <NUM> which emits the radiation rays <NUM>. In embodiments, the collimator <NUM> may be attached to the radiation source <NUM> via the face shield rails <NUM> (<FIG>). In other embodiments, the collimator <NUM> may slide in and out of a set of rails. In embodiments, when the collimator <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the radiation source <NUM> and in the first imaging position (<FIG>), the opening <NUM> may be aligned with the second imaging region <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>). Similarly, when the collimator <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the radiation source <NUM> and in the second imaging position (<FIG>), the opening <NUM> may be aligned with the third imaging region <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>). The body <NUM> has a static shape. In other words, the shape of the body <NUM> does not substantially change between the first imaging position (<FIG>) and the second imaging position (<FIG>). The collimator <NUM> is selectively adjusted between the first and the second imaging positions by rotating and/or translating, i.e., an Euclidean translation, the body <NUM> in relation to the radiation source <NUM>. Thus, as will be explained in greater detail below, the collimator <NUM> serves to control which regions of the radiation detector <NUM> receive the radiation rays <NUM> emitted via the radiation source <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, and <FIG>, in operation in accordance with an embodiment, a body part <NUM> of the patient may be placed onto the surface <NUM> of the radiation detector <NUM> such that the body part <NUM> is within the first imaging region <NUM>. The compression plate <NUM> then compresses the body part <NUM> against the surface <NUM> such that the body part <NUM> is immobilized. The radiation source <NUM> is then selectively adjusted such that it is moved/rotated to the first scanning position (<FIG>) and scans the body part <NUM> in the first imaging region <NUM>. The radiation detector <NUM> receives the radiation rays <NUM> passing through the body part <NUM> and sends data to the controller <NUM> which then generates one or more x-ray images of the body part <NUM>. As will be appreciated, the orientation of the radiation source <NUM> in the first scanning position may be such that a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> forms a positive angle +Ø with a line <NUM> normal to the surface <NUM> of the radiation detector <NUM>. The terms "positive" and "negative," as used herein with respect to the angle Ø formed between the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> and the line <NUM> normal to the surface <NUM> of the radiation detector <NUM>, describe angles that are of opposite signs, i.e., a "positive" Ø is an angle that has the opposite sign of a "negative" Ø.

A physician and/or the controller <NUM> then obtains one or more biopsy samples <NUM> using the x-ray imagery to guide the needle <NUM> to the suspect region within the body part <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the biopsy samples <NUM> are then placed into the second imaging region <NUM> and the collimator <NUM> is then coupled to the radiation source <NUM> such that the collimator <NUM> is disposed adjacently to the radiation source <NUM>. The collimator <NUM> is then selectively adjusted to be in the first imaging position so that the opening <NUM> aligns with the second imaging region <NUM>. As will be appreciated, in embodiments, the collimator <NUM> may be integrated into the radiation source <NUM> such that the collimator <NUM> does not need to be coupled to the radiation source <NUM> for each biopsy sampling/imaging.

When the radiation source <NUM> is in the first scanning position and the collimator <NUM> is in the first imaging position, as shown in <FIG>, the biopsy samples <NUM> are then imaged/scanned via the radiation source <NUM>. Accordingly, the orientation of the collimator <NUM> in the first imaging position allows one or more of the radiation rays <NUM> to pass through the opening <NUM> and into the second imaging region <NUM> while restricting the radiation rays <NUM> from passing into the first imaging region <NUM>. The radiation detector <NUM> then sends data concerning the received radiation rays <NUM> to the controller <NUM> which then generates imaging data, e.g., one or more images, of the biopsy samples <NUM>. As will be appreciated, the imaging data of the biopsy samples <NUM> can then be accessed by a physician to determine if one or more of the biopsy sample <NUM> are sufficient for subsequent testing, e.g., the amount of micro-calcifications in one or more of the biopsy samples <NUM> is acceptable. If the physician determines that the biopsy samples <NUM> are insufficient, then one or more subsequent biopsy samples can be obtained without having to re-image the body part <NUM> in the first imaging region <NUM>. The subsequent biopsy samples can then be imaged in the second imaging region <NUM> as described above.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, similar to the procedure of obtaining and imaging the biopsy samples <NUM> in the second imaging region <NUM>, the system <NUM> may image one or more biopsy samples <NUM> in the third imaging region <NUM>. For example, the radiation source <NUM> may be selectively adjusted such that it is rotated, translated, and/or otherwise moved to the second scanning position (<FIG>). As will be appreciated, the orientation of the radiation source <NUM> in the second scanning position may be such that the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> forms a negative angle -Ø with the line <NUM> normal to the surface <NUM> of the radiation detector <NUM>. Once in the second scanning position, the radiation source <NUM> scans the body part <NUM> in the first imaging region <NUM>. As before, the radiation detector <NUM> receives the radiation rays <NUM> passing through the body part <NUM> and sends data to the controller <NUM> which then generates one or more x-ray images of the body part <NUM>. The physician and/or the controller <NUM> then obtains the one or more biopsy samples <NUM> using the x-ray imagery to guide the biopsy tool <NUM> to the suspect region within the body part <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the biopsy samples <NUM> are then placed into the third imaging region <NUM>, and the collimator <NUM> is then coupled to the radiation source <NUM> such that it is disposed adjacently to the radiation source <NUM>. The collimator <NUM> is then selectively adjusted to be in the second imaging position (<FIG>) such that the opening <NUM> aligns with the third imaging region <NUM>.

When the radiation source <NUM> is in the second scanning position and the collimator <NUM> is in the second imaging position, as shown in <FIG>, the one or more biopsy samples <NUM> are imaged/scanned via the radiation source <NUM>. Accordingly, the orientation of the collimator <NUM> in the second imaging position allows one or more of the radiation rays <NUM> to pass through the opening <NUM> and into the third imaging region <NUM> while restricting the radiation rays <NUM> from passing into the first imaging region <NUM>. The radiation detector <NUM> then sends data concerning the received radiation rays <NUM> to the controller <NUM> with then generates imaging data, e.g., one or more images of the biopsy samples <NUM>. As will be appreciated, the imagery of the biopsy samples <NUM> can then be accessed by a physician to determine if the biopsy samples <NUM> are sufficient for subsequent testing, e.g., the amount of micro-calcifications in one or more of the biopsy samples <NUM> is acceptable. If the physician determines that the biopsy samples <NUM> are insufficient, then one or more subsequent biopsy samples can be obtained without having to re-image the body part <NUM> in the first imaging region <NUM>. The subsequent biopsy samples can then be imaged in the third imaging region <NUM> as described above.

After the biopsy samples <NUM> and/or <NUM>, and/or any subsequent biopsy samples, have been obtained and found to be acceptable, the compression plate <NUM> is moved away from the surface <NUM> of the radiation detector <NUM> such that the body part <NUM> is uncompressed.

Further, as will be appreciated, in embodiments, the system <NUM> may guide the biopsy tool <NUM> to obtain the one or more biopsy samples <NUM> or <NUM> based at least in part on two stereoscopic images of the suspect region in order to determine a set of three-dimensional ("3D") coordinates of the suspect region from which the biopsy samples <NUM> and/or <NUM> are obtained. As such, the collimator <NUM> may be selectively adjusted to either the first or the second imaging position based at least in part on whether Ø is positive or negative after the biopsy samples <NUM> or <NUM> have been obtained.

For example, the controller <NUM> may obtain a first and a second stereoscopic image of the suspect region via the radiation source <NUM> at the first and at the second scanning positions, respectively. The system <NUM> may then guide the biopsy tool <NUM> to obtain one or more biopsy samples <NUM> while the radiation source <NUM> is in the second scanning position. As the angle Ø formed by the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> with the line <NUM> normal to the surface <NUM> of the radiation detector <NUM> is negative when the radiation source <NUM> is in the second scanning position, the biopsy samples <NUM> may be placed into the third imaging region <NUM> and the collimator <NUM> is selectively adjusted to the second imaging position so that the system <NUM> can image the biopsy samples <NUM> in the third imaging region <NUM> as described above.

Similarly, the controller <NUM> may obtain the first and the second stereoscopic image of the suspect region via the radiation source <NUM> at the second and at the first scanning positions, respectively. The system <NUM> may then guide the biopsy tool <NUM> to obtain one or more biopsy samples <NUM> while the radiation source <NUM> is in the first scanning position. As the angle Ø formed by the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> with the line <NUM> normal to the surface <NUM> of the radiation detector <NUM> is positive when the radiation source <NUM> is in the first scanning position, the biopsy samples <NUM> may be placed into the second imaging region <NUM> and the collimator <NUM> is selectively adjusted to the first imaging position so that the system <NUM> can image the biopsy samples <NUM> in the second imaging region <NUM> as described above.

Accordingly, the physician/user of the system <NUM> may determine whether to image the biopsy samples <NUM>, <NUM> in either the second imaging region <NUM> or the third imaging region <NUM> based at least in part on whether the radiation source <NUM> is at and/or near the first or the second scanning position, respectively, after having obtained one or more images used to guide the biopsy tool <NUM> to the suspect site.

As will be appreciated, the order of obtaining the two stereoscopic images of the suspect region, i.e., whether the first and the second stereoscopic images are obtained via the radiation source <NUM> at the first and at the second scanning positions, respectively, or vice versa, may be based at least in part on the initial position of the radiation source <NUM> at the start of the scanning procedure, user preference, and/or environmental factors. Further, in embodiments, the system <NUM> may guide the biopsy tool <NUM> to obtain the one or more biopsy samples <NUM> or <NUM> based at least in part on more than two images, i.e., tomosynthesis.

Finally, it is also to be understood that the system <NUM> may include the necessary electronics, software, memory, storage, databases, firmware, logic/state machines, microprocessors, communication links, displays or other visual or audio user interfaces, printing devices, and any other input/output interfaces to perform the functions described herein and/or to achieve the results described herein. For example, as previously mentioned, the system may include at least one processor and system memory / data storage structures, which may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The at least one processor of the system <NUM> may include one or more conventional microprocessors and one or more supplementary co-processors such as math co-processors or the like. The data storage structures discussed herein may include an appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash drive, an optical disc such as a compact disc and/or a hard disk or drive.

Additionally, a software application that adapts the controller to perform the methods disclosed herein may be read into a main memory of the at least one processor from a computer-readable medium. The term "computer-readable medium", as used herein, refers to any medium that provides or participates in providing instructions to the at least one processor of the system <NUM> (or any other processor of a device described herein) for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical, magnetic, or opto-magnetic disks, such as memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM or EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory), a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Further, in embodiments, the system <NUM> may include a first collimator that directs the radiation rays <NUM> towards the radiation detector <NUM> and the collimator <NUM> may be an additional/second collimator that restricts the radiation rays <NUM> from passing into the first imaging region <NUM>. Additionally, the second <NUM> and the third <NUM> imaging regions may be spaced apart from the first imaging region <NUM> so as to reduce the risk that the body part <NUM>, e.g., breast, is exposed to radiation during imaging of the biopsy samples <NUM>, <NUM>.

While in embodiments, the execution of sequences of instructions in the software application causes at least one processor to perform the methods/processes described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation of the methods/processes of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and/or software.

It is further to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.

For example, in an embodiment, a system for imaging biopsy samples obtained from a patient is provided. The system includes: a radiation source operative to emit radiation rays and selectively adjustable between a first scanning position and a second scanning position; a radiation detector operative to receive the radiation rays and having a surface that defines a first imaging region, a second imaging region, and a third imaging region; and a collimator having a body having a static shape and defining an opening, the collimator being adapted to be coupled to the radiation source such that the collimator is disposed adjacent to the radiation source and then being selectively adjustable between a first imaging position and a second imaging position by rotating and/or translating the body in relation to the radiation source.

The position/orientation of the body in relation to the radiation detector in the first imaging position allows one or more of the radiation rays to pass from the radiation source, through the opening, and into the second imaging region while restricting the radiation rays via the body from passing into the first imaging region when the radiation source is in the first scanning position, and the position/orientation of the body in relation to the radiation detector in the second imaging position allows one or more of the radiation rays to pass from the radiation source, through the opening, and into the third imaging region while restricting the radiation rays via the body from passing into the first imaging region when the radiation source is in the second scanning position. In certain embodiments, the radiation rays are x-rays. The body of the collimator has a static shape. In certain embodiments, the collimator is mounted to one or more face shield rails disposed on the radiation source. The collimator is adjusted between the first and the second imaging positions by at least one of rotating and translating the body. In certain embodiments, the opening defined by the body of the collimator is disposed along an outer edge of the body. In certain embodiments, the body has a rectangular shape and the opening is defined by a cut-away corner of the body. In certain embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the radiation source forms a positive angle and a negative angle with a line normal to the surface of the radiation detector when the radiation source is in the first and in the second scanning positions, respectively. In certain embodiments, the system further includes a compression plate that compresses a body part of the patient against the surface of the radiation detector within the first imaging region. In such embodiments, the system further includes a biopsy tool operative to obtain the plurality of biopsy samples from the body part of the patient.

Other embodiments not forming part of the present invention provide for a method for imaging a biopsy sample obtained from a patient. The method includes: imaging a body part of the patient disposed in a first imaging region via a radiation source arranged in a first scanning position, the first imaging region defined by a surface of a radiation detector that receives radiation rays emitted by the radiation source and further defines a second imaging region and a third imaging region; obtaining the biopsy sample from the body part; and imaging the biopsy sample in the second imaging region via the radiation source arranged in the first scanning position with a collimator disposed adjacent to the radiation source and arranged in a first imaging position such that an opening defined by a body of the collimator allows one or more of the radiation rays emitted by the radiation source to pass into the second imaging region while the body restricts the radiation rays from passing into the first imaging region. The collimator is selectively adjustable to a second imaging position that allows one or more of the radiation rays emitted by the radiation source to pass through the opening and into the third imaging region while restricting the radiation rays via the body from passing into the first imaging region when the radiation source is arranged in a second scanning position. In certain embodiments, the radiation rays are x-rays. In certain embodiments, the body of the collimator has a static shape. In certain embodiments, the collimator is mounted to one or more face shield rails disposed on the radiation source. In certain embodiments, the method further includes selectively adjusting the collimator from the first to the second imaging position by at least one of rotating and translating the body. In certain embodiments, the body has a rectangular shape and the opening is defined by a cut-away corner of the body. In certain embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the radiation source forms a positive angle and a negative angle with a line normal to the surface of the radiation detector when the radiation source is arranged in the first scanning position and in the second scanning position, respectively. In certain embodiments, the method further includes: compressing the body part against the surface of the radiation detector via a compression plate prior to imaging of the body part via the radiation source arranged in the first scanning position; obtaining, after imaging the biopsy sample in the second imaging region, a subsequent biopsy sample from the body part; and imaging the subsequent biopsy sample in the second imaging region via the radiation source arranged in the first scanning position with the collimator arranged in the first imaging position. In such embodiments, the body part remains compressed via the compression plate until after imaging of the subsequent biopsy sample in the second imaging region.

The collimator for a system for imaging biopsy samples obtained from a patient includes a body that defines an opening and is operative to be disposed adjacent to a radiation source of the system. When the body is in a first imaging position and the radiation source is in a first scanning position, the opening allows radiation rays emitted by the radiation source to pass through and into a first imaging region defined by a surface of a radiation detector of the system while restricting the radiation rays from passing into a second imaging region defined by the surface of the radiation detector. When the body is in a second imaging position and the radiation source is in a second scanning position, the opening allows radiation rays emitted by the radiation source to pass through and into a third imaging region defined by the surface of the radiation detector while restricting the radiation rays from passing into the second imaging region. The collimator is selectively adjustable between the first and the second imaging positions by at least one of rotating and translating the body. In certain embodiments, the body has a rectangular shape and the opening is defined by a cut-away-corner of the body.

Accordingly, as will be appreciated, by utilizing a collimator to allow the radiation rays emitted by the radiation source to pass into either the second or third imaging regions while shielding the body part, e.g., the patient's breast, in the first imaging region, some embodiments of the invention allow for multiple biopsy samples to be imaged via the same x-ray system, i.e., the radiation source and radiation detector, that is utilized to provide the x-ray imagery for guiding the biopsy tool for obtaining the biopsy samples while limiting the patient's exposure to the radiation rays. Accordingly, some embodiments provide for faster biopsy procedures which reduce the amount of time that the patient's body part must remain compressed. This reduces the discomfort often associated with many biopsy procedures. Further, by utilizing the same x-ray system, i.e., the radiation source and the radiation detector, to both provide the imagery for guiding the biopsy tool and for imaging the biopsy samples, some embodiments of the invention may reduce the number of x-ray imaging systems required for a biopsy procedure and/or provide for the centralized storage of the x-ray image data associate with both guiding the biopsy tool and imaging the biopsy samples.

Further still, by utilizing a collimator that can be selectively adjusted between a first and a second imaging positions via rotating and/or translating the body of the collimator, some embodiments of the invention provide for the ability to image biopsy samples with the same x-ray system used for guiding the biopsy tool without the need to modify the x-ray system so as to provide additional degrees of freedom ("DOF") in the movement of the support structure.

Additionally, while the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. " Moreover, in the following claims, terms such as "first," "second," "third," "upper," "lower," "bottom," "top," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format are not intended to be interpreted as such, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the invention, including the preferred mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for imaging biopsy samples (<NUM>, <NUM>) obtained from a patient comprising:
a radiation source (<NUM>) operative to emit radiation rays (<NUM>) and selectively adjustable between a first scanning position and a second scanning position;
a radiation detector (<NUM>) operative to receive the radiation rays (<NUM>) and having a surface (<NUM>) that defines a first imaging region (<NUM>), a second imaging region (<NUM>), and a third imaging region (<NUM>);
a collimator (<NUM>) having a body (<NUM>) having a static shape and defining an opening (<NUM>), the collimator being adapted to be coupled to the radiation source (<NUM>) such that the collimator (<NUM>) is disposed adjacent to the radiation source and then being selectively adjustable between a first imaging position and a second imaging position by rotating and/or translating the body (<NUM>) in relation to the radiation source (<NUM>); and
wherein the position/orientation of the body (<NUM>) in relation to the radiation detector (<NUM>) in the first imaging position allows one or more of the radiation rays (<NUM>) to pass from the radiation source (<NUM>), through the opening (<NUM>), and into the second imaging region (<NUM>) while restricting the radiation rays (<NUM>) via the body (<NUM>) from passing into the first imaging region (<NUM>) when the radiation source (<NUM>) is in the first scanning position, and
the position/orientation of the body (<NUM>) in relation to the radiation detector (<NUM>) in the second imaging position allows one or more of the radiation rays (<NUM>) to pass from the radiation source (<NUM>), through the opening (<NUM>), and into the third imaging region (<NUM>) while restricting the radiation rays (<NUM>) via the body (<NUM>) from passing into the first imaging region (<NUM>) when the radiation source (<NUM>) is in the second scanning position.