Methods, devices, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for performing mammography, such as utilizing tomosynthesis in combination with breast biopsy.

A breast imaging apparatus includes a radiation source that irradiates a breast of a subject with radiation, a radiation detector that detects the radiation transmitted through the breast to output a radiographic image, and an ultraviolet light source that performs irradiation of ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light source irradiates an imaging table, a face guard, a pressing plate, and the like with the ultraviolet light in a case where a turn-on command signal input from an operator through an input device is input.

Disclosed are embodiments of methods of and systems for detecting and biopsying lesions with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system. The system comprises, in some embodiments, a CBCT device configured to output a cone beam CT image of at least a portion of a patient's breast and a multi-axis transport module, having at least three degrees of freedom and configured to position a biopsy needle within a 3D frame of reference based on inputs received from the cone beam CT device. The transport module can be configured to place the biopsy needle adjacent to, or within, a target of interest within the breast. Also disclosed are embodiments of methods of and systems for testing CBCT systems with phantoms.

A radiographic imaging system includes: a radiographic imaging apparatus body that has a movable unit and is disposed in an imaging room; a subject information acquisition unit that acquires subject information regarding a subject; a first position controller that moves a position of the movable unit to a first position according to the physique of the subject using the subject information; an imaging unit that images the subject; a recognition unit that recognizes the subject using an image of the subject captured by the imaging unit; and a second position controller that moves the position of the movable unit from the first position to a second position according to a recognition result of the recognition unit using the recognition result of the recognition unit.

A size and/or shape specific 3D-beam modulation filter and a size and/or shape specific immobilizer are provided for cone-beam breast computed tomography (bCT). The immobilizer places the breast on an optimal position in the field of view of the scanner system and the 3D-beam modulation filter modulates the incident x-ray beam in the cone-angle (i.e. z-axis of the detector panel) and fan angle (i.e. x-axis of the detector panel) directions in order to improve equalization of the photon fluence incident upon the detector panel and reduce unnecessary radiation dose that the breast receives. Both the immobilizer and the 3D-beam modulation filter are selected among a plurality of alternatives based on the specific shape, size and/or shape or size of the person's breast.

A mammography system includes a biopsy guidance system that employs a simplified robot arm support, to enable previously unusable locations for the mounting of the biopsy device directly to the mammography system, such as on a compression paddle, combined with a vision guidance and control system. The vision system operates to determine the position of the biopsy device and the biopsy needle tip, as well as to control the movement/operation of the biopsy guidance system, such as movement to the final end-pose or pre-firing position of the biopsy device to perform the biopsy procedure. The vision system utilizes one or more cameras to visually determine the position the biopsy device relative to a region of interest being biopsied within the required tolerances for the biopsy procedure without the need for precise positional information to be provided by the biopsy guidance system to the mammography system.

The housing for a breast imaging system contains an x-ray source and is configured to rotate relative to the breast. The housing for an x-ray receptor has a breast support platform and extends from an arm assembly which rotates independently from the x-ray source housing. A compression arm assembly connected to the arm assembly moves between a first linear position proximate the x-ray receptor housing and a second linear position distal the x-ray receptor housing. A pair of extension arms are pivotably connected to a strut which removably secures a compression paddle to the compression arm assembly substrate. The extension arms move between a first pivoted position substantially aligned with the strut and a second pivoted position disposed at an angle to the strut.

A compression paddle with a plurality of markers is advanced towards a patients breast which has been positioned on a support platform for an imaging procedure. An initial position of the compression paddle is detected relative to the support platform when a portion of the breast is contacted. An initial marker is identified which is associated with a feature of the breast when the compression paddle is in the initial position. A compression target marker is based at least in part on the initial position and the initial marker.

A medical diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a contact component, a deep ultraviolet source, and a processing circuitry. The contact component has a contact region that is contacted by a subject during a medical practice. The deep ultraviolet source is provided with the contact component to irradiate the contact region with deep ultraviolet rays. The processing circuitry is configured to control the deep ultraviolet source to irradiate the contact region with deep ultraviolet rays when the medical practice is not performed.

A compression arm device for compressing a breast in an imaging system with a compression paddle. The compression arm device includes a drive for moving the compression paddle towards the breast such that the drive provides a variable resistance during a contact of the compression paddle with the breast.