Soft tissue orientation and imaging guide systems and methods
US7149566B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/915
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods for the orientation of soft tissue such as breast tissue for enhanced accuracy of imaging and/or procedures such as a biopsy or excision are disclosed. The system for orientating and maintaining the orientation of soft tissue generally includes a frame defining an opening, the frame being configured to orient and immobilize an area of soft tissue positioned on one side of the opening, an attachment mechanism to secure the frame to an attachment region defined by the area of soft tissue or by a skin surface overlying the area of soft tissue, to facilitate orienting and immobilizing the area of soft tissue, and an imaging device to image the area of soft tissue. The opening may allow a probe of the imaging device or imaging energy transmitted by the imaging device to be movable therein for image scanning of the soft tissue. The probe, e.g., an ultrasound transducer can be rotated within the frame such that the probe scans at least either of two perpendicular directions within the frame. The frame may be adjustable in at least one dimension in order to adjust the size of the frame opening so as to facilitate the scanning and positioning of the probe within the fram…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.