Traction-inducing compression assembly for enhanced tissue imaging
First Claim
1. A compression assembly for imaging biological tissue, the compression assembly for use with imaging apparatus that provides a visualization of an internal structure of the biological tissue, the compression assembly comprising:
- a fixed compression surface having a fixed first proximal edge;
a second compression surface having a second proximal edge;
means for positioning the first compression surface substantially opposite and spaced apart from the second compression surface to define an imaging field, the means for positioning including means for moving the first compression surface relative to the second compression surface so that the first proximal edge moves rearwardly of the second proximal edge when the first compression surface is moved towards the second compression surface,thereby inducing traction in a biological tissue when partially inserted between the first compression surface and the second compression surface, the traction assisting in drawing the internal structure of the biological tissue within the imaging field.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for compressing biological tissue for use with a radiographic or sonographic imaging system that enhances imaging of the tissue near a patient'"'"'s chest wall. The apparatus includes a compression assembly having first and second compression surfaces, and structure for positioning the first compression surface relative to the second compression surface so that the first and second compression surfaces experience a lateral translation as they move towards one another. In addition the first and second compression surfaces may be tilted slightly relative to a plane orthogonal to the patient'"'"'s chest wall to enhance the traction effect and to provide partial imaging within the patient'"'"'s chest wall.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A compression assembly for imaging biological tissue, the compression assembly for use with imaging apparatus that provides a visualization of an internal structure of the biological tissue, the compression assembly comprising:
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a fixed compression surface having a fixed first proximal edge; a second compression surface having a second proximal edge; means for positioning the first compression surface substantially opposite and spaced apart from the second compression surface to define an imaging field, the means for positioning including means for moving the first compression surface relative to the second compression surface so that the first proximal edge moves rearwardly of the second proximal edge when the first compression surface is moved towards the second compression surface, thereby inducing traction in a biological tissue when partially inserted between the first compression surface and the second compression surface, the traction assisting in drawing the internal structure of the biological tissue within the imaging field. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. Apparatus for imaging biological tissue comprising an imaging system that provides a visualization of an internal structure of the biological tissue and a compression assembly comprising a first compression surface having a fixed first proximal edge, a second compression surface having a second proximal edge, and means for positioning the first compression surface substantially opposite and spaced apart from the second compression surface to define an imaging field, the improvement comprising:
means for moving included within the means for positioning for moving the first compression surface relative to the second compression surface so that the first proximal edge moves rearwardly of the second proximal edge as the first compression surface is moved towards the second compression surface. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of compressing biological tissue to a substantially uniform thickness for use with an imaging apparatus that provides a visualization of an internal structure of the biological tissue, the method comprising steps of
providing a first compression surface having a fixed proximal edge; -
providing a second compression surface having a proximal edge; inserting a biological tissue between the first and second compression surfaces and in contact therewith; translating the first compression surface so that the first proximal edge moves distally of the second proximal edge as the first compression surface is moved towards the second compression surface, thereby inducing a state of traction in the biological tissue as the biological tissue is compressed between the first compression surface and the second compression surface. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification