User interface system for mammographic imager

Abstract

The present invention provides for x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging of a body region of interest in a spatially correlatable manner. The resultant x-ray and ultrasound images may be combinatively employed to provide three-dimensional information regarding a location of interest within the body, and is particularly apt for use in the analysis/biopsy of potential lesions and suspicious masses in a female breast. The invention provides for direct body contact by an ultrasound imaging head, as well as targeted ultrasound imaging of a selected portion of the region from which x-ray images are obtained. A user interface system facilitates various procedures including ultrasound guided needle biopsy procedures.

1 . An apparatus for use in performing medical procedures on a patient's breast, comprising:
 an immobilizer for immobilizing the patient's breast;   an ultrasound device for obtaining real-time ultrasound images of the patient's breast for use in identifying a region of interest;   
       a processor, operatively couplable to at least one of the immobilizer and a medical instrument for controlling relative positions of the immobilization assembly and medical instrument in response to information in the real-time ultrasound image 
     
     
         2 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method comprising the steps of:
 immobilizing a patient's breast using an immobilization assembly;   obtaining a real-time ultrasound image of the patient's breast;   using the real-time ultrasound image to identify a region of interest in the patient's breast; and   controlling using an operatively connected processor, relative positions of at least one of the immobilization assembly and a medical instrument in response to the real-time ultrasound image to position the medical instrument relative to the region of interest   
     
     
         13 . (canceled)