Mri biopsy device localization fixture

Abstract

A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and, in particular, a sleeve to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A z-stop enhances accurate insertion, prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, etc.

1 . A compression assembly, comprising:
 (a) a frame; and   (b) a plurality of adjustable compression members positioned within the frame, where the adjustable compression members and the frame are sized and configured to compress and hold a patient's breast against a fixed structure, wherein at least one adjustable compression member of the plurality of adjustable compression members is movable relative to the frame to open an access point to a patient's breast.   
     
     
         2 . The compression assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable compression members comprise bars. 
     
     
         3 . The compression assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the bars are substantially cylindraceous. 
     
     
         4 . The compression assembly of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the bars has a first end, a second end, and an annular flange at each of the first and second ends. 
     
     
         5 . The compression assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable compression members are removable from the frame. 
     
     
         6 . The compression assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the frame defines at least one L-shaped slot, wherein at least one of the adjustable compression members is selectively engagable with the frame by traveling along the L-shaped slot. 
     
     
         7 . The compression assembly of  claim 5 , wherein each adjustable compression member comprises a resilient portion configured to deform as the adjustable compression member is selectively coupled with or decoupled from the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The compression assembly of  claim 7 , wherein each resilient portion is resiliently biased to assume a bowed configuration. 
     
     
         9 . The compression assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the frame includes slots configured to receive the resilient portions of the adjustable compression members. 
     
     
         10 . The compression assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the frame extends along a horizontal dimension and along a vertical dimension 
     
     
         11 . The compression assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the adjustable compression members are oriented to extend along the vertical dimension. 
     
     
         12 . The compression assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the adjustable compression members are movable relative to the frame along the horizontal dimension. 
     
     
         13 . The compression assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the frame is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         14 . The compression assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable compression members are substantially parallel to each other. 
     
     
         15 . The compression assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one fixed compression member, wherein the at least one fixed compression member is fixed to the frame. 
     
     
         16 . The compression assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable compression members comprise vanes. 
     
     
         17 . The compression assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a ramped surface, wherein each adjustable compression member comprises a ramped surface configured to complement the ramped surface of the frame. 
     
     
         18 . The compression assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a tray configured to engage the frame. 
     
     
         19 . A compression assembly, comprising:
 (a) a first compression fixture, wherein the first compression fixture comprises:
 (i) a frame, wherein the frame defines a plurality of slots, and 
 (ii) a plurality of adjustable compression members disposed in the slots of the frame, wherein the adjustable compression members are slidable along the slots, wherein the adjustable compression members are removable from the frame; and 
   (b) a second compression fixture, wherein one of the first and second compression fixtures is movable relative to the other of the first and second compression fixtures, wherein the first and second compression fixtures are sized and configured to compress and hold a patient's breast.   
     
     
         20 . A compression assembly, comprising:
 (a) a first compression fixture, wherein the first compression fixture comprises:
 (i) a frame, wherein the frame defines a plurality of slots, and 
 (ii) a plurality of adjustable compression members disposed in the slots of the frame, wherein the adjustable compression members are slidable along the slots, wherein the adjustable compression members are removable from the frame, wherein each adjustable compression member includes a resilient portion, wherein the resilient portion is configured to deform as the corresponding adjustable compression member is selectively coupled with or decoupled from the frame; and 
   (b) a second compression fixture, wherein one of the first and second compression fixtures is movable relative to the other of the first and second compression fixtures, wherein the first and second compression fixtures are sized and configured to compress and hold a patient's breast.