An apparatus and a method for analysing samples taken by biopsy, which make it possible to perform the analysis of these samples whilst the patient is still positioned in the position for taking samples, in such a way as to make the overall procedure for taking and analysing the samples faster, reducing the inconvenience for the patient and the risk of a new examination, and also reducing in the majority of cases exposure of the patient to X-rays.

An apparatus and a method for analysing samples taken by biopsy, which make it possible to perform the analysis of these samples whilst the patient is still positioned in the position for taking samples, in such a way as to make the overall procedure for taking and analysing the samples faster, reducing the inconvenience for the patient and the risk of a new examination, and also reducing in the majority of cases exposure of the patient to X-rays.

The present relates to a positioning and shaping shell manufacturing method for manufacturing a positioning and shaping shell comprising a positioning step consisting in positioning and supporting a target body portion with a transparent body shaper in a predetermined position on a positioning board presenting at least one transparent portion permitting scanning through it, an image acquisition step consisting in a target body portion surface scan imaging also via the transparent portion of the board and said transparent body support, a software computing step where the acquired image data are sent and processed in a processing unit, and a producing step consisting in producing a 3D positioning and shaping shell model via additive or subtractive manufacturing method based in the processed image data.

A retrievable puncture anchor includes a fixator with a cylindrical structure, a retrievable thread secured to one end of the fixator, and a push cable flexibly connected to a middle part of the fixator. Via the retrievable puncture anchor, tissues may be connected, fixed and matched with each other, or the tissues may be auxiliarily fixed, so that endoscopic surgery may be facilitated with simplified surgical process, and the puncture anchor may be retrieved after the surgery.

A retrievable puncture anchor includes a fixator with a cylindrical structure, a retrievable thread secured to one end of the fixator, and a push cable flexibly connected to a middle part of the fixator. Via the retrievable puncture anchor, tissues may be connected, fixed and matched with each other, or the tissues may be auxiliarily fixed, so that endoscopic surgery may be facilitated with simplified surgical process, and the puncture anchor may be retrieved after the surgery.

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 present invention provides a method and apparatus to decrease acute and late skin toxicity for breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. This invention will enable better breast positioning during therapy, eliminating skin folds and reducing the skin dose below that required for development of moist desquamation. The present invention has the potential to reduce the volume of normal tissue and organs at risk of being irradiated during a course of whole breast radiation therapy.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus to decrease acute and late skin toxicity for breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. This invention will enable better breast positioning during therapy, eliminating skin folds and reducing the skin dose below that required for development of moist desquamation. The present invention has the potential to reduce the volume of normal tissue and organs at risk of being irradiated during a course of whole breast radiation therapy.

A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s), scar, depression, or other defect, of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes and sealing rims for surrounding each of the soft tissue site and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site at least intermittently for some period of time and preferably several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A rotated aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's soft tissue site, and then reapplication of the distractive force to the soft tissue site that received the autologous fat graft. Alternatively, fat from genetically related sources may be used, and the fat may be further processed prior to injection. Substantial soft tissue augmentation, high rates of graft survival and negligible graft necrosis (data demonstrating 80% survival and only 20% necrosis is presented) or calcification result from the practice of these methods.

A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s), scar, depression, or other defect, of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes and sealing rims for surrounding each of the soft tissue site and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site at least intermittently for some period of time and preferably several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A rotated aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's soft tissue site, and then reapplication of the distractive force to the soft tissue site that received the autologous fat graft. Alternatively, fat from genetically related sources may be used, and the fat may be further processed prior to injection. Substantial soft tissue augmentation, high rates of graft survival and negligible graft necrosis (data demonstrating 80% survival and only 20% necrosis is presented) or calcification result from the practice of these methods.