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Apparatus and method for cone beam volume computed tomography breast imaging

  • US 6,987,831 B2
  • Filed: 03/28/2003
  • Issued: 01/17/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/18/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A device for producing an image of a breast of a patient, the device comprising:

  • a gantry frame;

    at least one motor for moving the gantry frame to form a data acquisition geometry in which image data are taken;

    a source of a beam of radiation attached to the gantry frame to move with the gantry frame;

    a two-dimensional (2D) digital detector attached to the gantry frame to move with the gantry frame, the 2D digital detector being disposed in a path of the beam of radiation; and

    a table on which the patient rests while the image data are taken, the table supporting the patient such that the breast is disposed between the source of cone-beam radiation and the 2D digital detector, the table having a hole through which the breast extends and being configured such that an entirety of the breast extending through the hole is in the path of the beam of radiation;

    wherein the at least one motor moves the gantry frame so that the 2D digital detector takes a volume scan of the breast; and

    wherein the table has a second hole to permit an arm of the patient to drop through the second hole while the volume scan is taken.

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