A compression paddle with a plurality of markers is advanced towards a patient's 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.

An imaging system includes a gantry and a compression system coupled to the gantry and rotatable relative to the gantry. The compression system includes a compression paddle, a support platform, and an x-ray receptor disposed below the support platform. An x-ray tube head is coupled to the gantry and includes an x-ray source and a light source. The x-ray tube head is independently rotatable relative to the gantry and the compression system. The light source is configured to generate at least a first light type and a different second light type directed towards the support platform. The second light type being mapped to an x-ray field of the x-ray source, and the generated second light type is based on a tilt angle of the x-ray tube head relative to the support platform and a compression force of the compression paddle.

A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry (22) configured to mount an x-ray emitter (24) and CT detector (26) on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor (28) rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a high resolution x-ray detector (172) positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and the x-ray emitter.

A medical scan artifact detection system is operable to receive a medical scan of a patient. Artifact detection data is generated by executing an artifact detection function on the medical scan, where the artifact detection data indicates at least one artifact detected in the medical scan that includes a motion artifact or a nipple shadow. A notification is generated for display via a display device, where the notification indicates the at least one artifact.

Various methods and systems are provided for breast positioning assistance during mammography and image guided interventional procedures. In one example, a vision system is utilized to evaluate one or more of a patient position, a breast position, and breast anatomy to determine if the patient and breast are adjusted to desired positions preferred for a desired view and imaging procedure. Further, based on the evaluation, prior to acquiring x-ray images, real-time feedback may be provided to guide the user to position the breast and/or the patient.

A method of compressing a breast of a patient with a breast imaging system includes obtaining an x-ray area of the breast of the patient. The x-ray area of the breast is compared to a data set, and a target force is based at least in part on the comparison is identified. A compressive force is applied to the breast, and is based at least in part on the target force. The breast is imaged with the breast imaging system.

A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry (22) configured to mount an x-ray emitter (24) and CT detector (26) on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor (28) rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a rotation of source high resolution x-ray detector (172) positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and the x-ray emitter.

An imaging system includes a gantry and a compression system coupled to the gantry and rotatable relative to the gantry. The compression system includes a compression paddle, a support platform, and an x-ray receptor disposed below the support platform. An x-ray tube head is coupled to the gantry and includes an x-ray source and a light source. The x-ray tube head is independently rotatable relative to the gantry and the compression system. The light source is configured to generate at least a first light type and a different second light type directed towards the support platform. The second light type being mapped to an x-ray field of the x-ray source, and the generated second light type is based on a tilt angle of the x-ray tube head relative to the support platform and a compression force of the compression paddle.

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.

An auxiliary device attachable to a mammography machine having an X-ray source and an X-ray receptor having a receptor area. The auxiliary device includes a housing having a length, width, and thickness, wherein the length and width of the housing are adapted to a length and width of the receptor area. The auxiliary device further includes one or more attachments for attaching the auxiliary device to the mammography machine, and a detector inside the housing. The detector includes a slab of semiconductor material, an electrode on a first side of the slab, and a pixelated electrode detector on the second side of the slab, and a read-out circuit bonded to the pixelated electrode detector, and the read-out circuit being configured for spectral photon counting with two or more energy bins. Methods for medical imaging are also provided.