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Claims  |
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We claim:
1. A device for positioning a probe in a bodily protuberance comprising:
a base;
a first radiolucent platform attached to said base;
a second radiolucent platform attached to said base being adjustably
positionable in parallel and space relation to said first platform to
secure and compress a bodily protuberance between said first and second
platforms;
a radiolucent insert positioned in said second platform, said insert
comprising a plurality of probe passages, said probe passages being
positioned in a plurality of rows;
means for adjusting said spaced relation of said first and second
platforms;
a radiolucent probe guide comprising a plurality of probe guide passages,
said probe guide passages being positioned in a row and spaced a distance
substantially equal to the space between said insert passages,
said probe guide being in proximal relation to said second platform and in
distal relation to said first platform;
means for supporting said probe guide in spaced relation to said insert;
at least radiopaque scale markers positioned in a path substantially
perpendicular to said first platform and in a plane substantially parallel
to said row of probe guide passages.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein each row of said insert passages having
said passages substantially symmetrically spaced relative to at least one
other said row of insert passages.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein said scale markers are positioned
substantially coplanar to said row of probe guide passages.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said scale markers are fixedly positioned
relative to said probe guide supporting means.
5. The device of claim 3 wherein said scale markers are fixedly positioned
relative to said probe guide.
6. The device of claim 3 wherein said scale markers are variably positioned
relative to said second platform.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said scale markers comprise a plurality of
substantially uniformly spaced radiopaque markers.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein said probe guide being adjustably
positionable, whereby said row of probe guide passages are aligned with a
row of said probe passages.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein said insert is removable.
10. The device of claim 1 further comprising an adjustable probe stop
positioned flush with said probe guide and adapted to secure said probe at
a desired depth through said probe guide.
11. The device of claim 1 further comprising means for supporting said base
adjacent said bodily protuberance.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein said second platform comprises
radiopaque marker means for horizontally positioning said probe guide.
13. A device for positioning a probe in a bodily protuberance comprising:
a base;
a first radiolucent platform attached to said base;
a second radiolucent platform attached to said base being adjustably
positionable in parallel and spaced relation to said first platform to
secure and compress a bodily protuberance between said first and second
platforms;
a bore through said second platform;
at least one radiopaque insert marker included in said second platform in a
fixed position relative to said bore
means for adjusting said spaced relation of said first and second
platforms;
a radiolucent probe guide comprising a plurality of probe guide passages,
said probe guide passages being positioned in a row,
said probe guide being adjustably positionable relative to said bore to
enable accurate positioning of said probe within said protuberance by
placing said probe through said probe guide and said bore,
said probe guide being in proximal relation to said second platform and in
distal relation to said first platform;
means for supporting said probe guide in spaced relation to said second
radiolucent platform, and
at least two radiopaque scale markers positioned in a path substantially
perpendicular to said first platform in a plane substantially parallel to
said row of probe guide passages.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein said scale markers are positioned
substantially coplanar to said row of probe guide passages.
15. The device of claim 13 wherein said scale markers comprise a plurality
of uniformly spaced radiopaque markers.
16. A method of positioning a probe tip proximate to a target in a bodily
protuberance comprising the steps of:
providing a radiopaque probe having a probe tip;
securing and compressing a bodily protuberance between a first radiolucent
platform and a second radiolucent platform, said platforms being
adjustably positioned in parallel and spaced relation, said second
platform comprising a plurality of probe passages and further comprising
at least one radiopaque marker in fixed position relative to said second
platform probe passages;
creating a first radiograph by steps comprising directing an energy beam in
a first path through said second platform, said target and said first
platform and onto a first beam sensitive surface;
interposing a radiolucent probe guide in said first path, said probe guide
comprising a plurality of probe passages positioned in a row to enable
passage of a probe through one of said probe guide passages and through
one of said second platform probe passages toward said target, said row of
probe guide passages being substantially perpendicular to said first path;
positioning the radiopaque probe in at least one of said probe guide
passages, said probe being substantially aligned with said target along
said first path;
creating a second radiograph by steps comprising directing an energy beam
in a second path generally transverse to said first path through said
target,
through a plurality of radiopaque scale markers positioned substantially
coplanar to said row of probe guide passages, said plurality of markers
being further positioned to indicate position of said probe tip along said
first path, and
onto a second beam sensitive surface; and
positioning said probe along said first path and further positioning said
probe tip within said protuberance a distance along said first path
generally equal to the distance along said first path of said target in
said protuberance indicated by said plurality of radiopaque scale markers.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein said interposing step further comprises
the substep of creating a first-supplemental radiograph arranged
substantially along said first path through said interposed probe guide,
said second platform, said target and said first platform and onto a
first-supplemental beam sensitive surface to indicate a distance between
said target and said probe tip, perpendicular to said first path.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein said step of creating a second
radiograph further comprises the substep of creating a second-supplemental
radiograph in a third path through said target, through said interposed
probe guide, said second platform, and onto a second-supplemental beam
sensitive surface to indicate a distance between said target and said
probe tip parallel to said first path.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said probe positioning step further
comprises the substep of positioning said probe tip within said
protuberance a distance along said first path substantially equal to the
average of the distances along said first path of said target in said
protuberance indicted by said plurality of markers shown in said second
and second-supplemental radiographs.
20. A method of positioning a probe proximate to a target in a bodily
protuberance comprising the steps of:
securing and compressing a bodily protuberance between a first radiolucent
platform and a second radiolucent platform, said platforms being
adjustably positioned in parallel and spaced relation, said second
platform comprising a bore through said second platform, said second
platform further comprising at least one radiopaque marker in fixed
position relative to said bore;
creating a first radiograph by steps comprising directing an energy beam in
a first path through said second platform, said target and said first
platform and onto a first beam sensitive surface;
interposing a radiolucent probe guide in said first path, said probe guide
comprising a plurality of probe passages positioned in a row to enable
passage of a probe through one of said probe guide passages and through
said bore toward said target, said row of probe guide passages being
substantially perpendicular to said first path;
positioning the radiopaque probe in at least one of said probe guide
passages, said probe being substantially aligned with said target along
said first path;
creating a second radiograph by steps comprising directing an energy beam
in a second path generally transverse to said first path through said
target,
through a plurality of radiopaque markers positioned substantially coplanar
to said row of probe guide passages, said plurality of markers being
further positioned to indicate position of said probe along said first
path, and
onto a second beam sensitive surface; and
positioning said probe along said first path and further positioning said
probe tip within said protuberance a distance along said first path
generally equal to the distance along said first path of said target in
said protuberance indicated by said plurality of radiopaque scale markers
positioned along said first path. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a device and a method for accurately positioning
a probe in a bodily protuberance relative to a target located in the
protuberance. In particular, the invention relates to securing the
protuberance and positioning a probe tip proximate the target within the
protuberance through the use of radiographs and certain radiopaque markers
where the markers are, in part, positioned coplanar to the target and
appear in the radiographs.
II. Description of Related Art
The detection of lesions in bodily protuberances, such as the breasts, has
been aided in recent years through the use of mammography. One commonly
used method of confirming breast cancers related to lesions targeted from
a mammogram involves sampling suspect tissue from the target lesion
through a biopsy procedure.
The biopsy procedure typically involves positioning a barbed guide wire in
the vicinity of or directly in the targeted lesion. A surgeon then follows
the wire through the breast tissue to the suspect lesion. The surgeon
removes the suspect tissue and the removed tissue is examined for
abnormalities such as cancerous cells.
Approximately only one in five such lesions are cancerous. Thus,
significant surgical expertise, time, expense and patient suffering result
from the approximate four out of five biopsies that show no cancerous
cells.
Recently, a less invasive procedure has been developed using mammography
and a needle to aspirate cells of the lesion from the body. The aspirated
cells may then be examined using known cytopathologic techniques to
determine the presence or non-presence of cancerous cells.
In utilizing the needle aspiration procedure, it is imperative that the
needle tip be placed with precision at the targeted lesion to insure that
the cells aspirated are the cells of the targeted lesion and not merely
cells near the lesion.
Precise location of the needle tip for needle aspiration may be
accomplished utilizing a stereotactic instrument having an x-ray tube
mounted on a hinged arm positionable at precise angles relative to known
coordinates. Such devices while enabling accurate needle tip location, are
typically costly and often not readily available.
The device and method of the present invention provide a relatively low
cost approach to precision location of a needle tip in a breast or other
protuberance relative to a targeted lesion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The device of the present invention for positioning a probe tip in a bodily
protuberance, such as a breast, comprises a base, a first radiolucent
platform attached to the base and a second radiolucent platform attached
to the base. The second radiolucent platform being adjustably positionable
in parallel and spaced relation relative to the first platform to secure
and compress the protuberance between the first and second platforms. The
second platform also comprises a radiolucent guide insert and at least one
radiopaque insert marker in fixed position relative to the guide insert.
The insert comprises a plurality of probe passages positioned in a
plurality of rows. A system for supporting and adjusting the parallel and
spaced relation of the second platform relative to the first platform is
further provided. The device further comprises a radiolucent probe guide
comprising a plurality of probe passages, the probe passages being
positioned in a row where the passages in the row are preferably spaced in
conformity to the spacing of passages in the rows of passages of the
insert. The probe guide is adjustably positionable relative to the insert
to enable passage of a probe through at least one of the probe guide
passages and through at least one of the insert passages. The probe guide
being positioned in proximal relation to the second platform and in distal
relation to the first platform. Additionally, a system for supporting the
probe guide is provided and at least two radiopaque scale markers are
positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the row of probe guide
passages in a path substantially perpendicular to the first platform.
Preferably, each row of insert passages has the passages substantially
symmetrically spaced relative to at least one other row of insert
passages. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing of passages in each row
of passages in the insert is substantially equal. Further, the scale
markers are preferably positioned substantially coplanar to the row of
probe guide passages with the scale markers being fixedly positionable
relative to the probe guide support system.
In an alternate preferred embodiment, the scale markers are fixedly
positionable relative to the probe guide.
In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scale
markers are fixedly positionable relative to the second platform.
Preferably, the scale markers comprise a plurality of substantially
uniformly spaced radiopaque markers providing a radiopaque measurement
tool.
The probe guide is adjustably positionable coincident with at least one of
the rows of passages in the insert. The probe guide further comprises at
least one lengthwise positioned radiopaque marker in fixed position
relative to the probe guide and the radiopaque marker is further
preferably positionable in confronting relation with the scale markers.
Further, the lengthwise positioned radiopaque marker is preferably
positioned in distal relation to the second platform.
In a preferred embodiment, the guide insert is removable from the second
platform.
The probe of the present invention preferably comprises a needle having a
plurality of spaced markings along a portion of a length of the needle.
Additionally, an adjustable probe stop is preferably provided to secure
the probe at a desired depth through the probe guide.
Preferably, the device of the present invention further comprises a support
system having a radiolucent support member attachable to the device. The
radiolucent support member preferably being connectable to an additional
support system. The additional support system being positioned in distal
relation to the path defined by the second platform, target and first
platform.
Another preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention
comprises a support system having radiolucent support straps positionable
about a patient in the manner of a brassiere to secure the device of the
present invention relative to a breast of the patient where the
protuberance to be probed is the breast.
Another preferred embodiment of a device of the present invention comprises
a base, a first radiolucent platform attached to the base and a second
radiolucent platform attached to the base, the second platform being
adjustably positionable in parallel and spaced relation relative to the
first platform to secure and compress a bodily protuberance between the
first and second platforms, the second platform comprising a bore through
the second platform. The second platform further comprises at least one
radiopaque marker in fixed position relative to the bore. The device also
comprises a system for supporting and adjusting the second platform
relative to the first platform. The device further comprises a radiolucent
probe guide. The probe guide comprises a plurality of probe passages, the
passages being positioned in a row and the probe guide being adjustably
positionable relative to the bore to enable passage of a probe through the
probe guide and the bore. The probe guide being in proximal relation to
the second platform and in distal relation to the first platform. The
device further comprises a system for supporting the probe guide and at
least two radiopaque scale markers positioned in a path substantially
perpendicular to the first platform and in a plane parallel to the row of
probe guide passages. Preferably, the scale markers are positioned
substantially coplanar to the row of probe guide passages and the scale
markers preferably comprise a plurality of uniformly spaced radiopaque
markers. The probe guide preferably further comprises at least one
lengthwise positioned radiopaque marker in fixed position relative to the
guide. Further, the lengthwise positioned radiopaque marker is preferably
positioned in distal relation to the second platform.
In still another preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention
for positioning a probe in a bodily protuberance comprises a base, a first
radiolucent platform attached to the base and a second radiolucent
platform attached to the base and being adjustably positionable in
parallel and spaced relation relative to the first platform to secure and
compress a bodily protuberance between the first and second platforms. The
device further comprises at least one passage through the second platform
and a system for adjusting the spaced relation of the first and second
platforms. The device further comprises a system for positioning a probe
through the second platform passage where the probe is substantially
coincident a target within the protuberance and the probe is positioned
along a first path defined by the second platform passage, the target and
the first platform. The device further comprises a system for attaching
the probe positioning system to the base and further provides a system for
positioning at least two radiopaque scale markers substantially coplanar
to the first path. The system for positioning the radiopaque scale markers
enables the creation of a radiograph created along a path generally
transverse to the first path where the radiograph comprises the target and
the radiopaque scale markers enabling precise determination of the
location of the target and precise positioning of the probe tip immediate
the target in the protuberance.
The method of the present invention of positioning a probe tip proximate a
target in a bodily protuberance comprises the steps of securing and
compressing the protuberance between a first and second radiolucent
platform, the platforms being relatively adjustably positionable in
parallel and spaced relation, with the second platform comprising a
plurality of probe passages and further comprising at least one radiopaque
marker in fixed position relative to the second platform probe passages,
then creating a first radiograph by directing an energy beam in a first
path through the second platform, through the target and through the first
platform and onto a first beam sensitive surface, then interposing a
radiolucent probe guide in the first path where the probe guide comprises
a plurality of probe passages positioned in a row to enable passage of a
probe through the probe guide and the second platform toward the target,
the row of probe guide passages preferably being substantially
perpendicular to the first path, then positioning a radiopaque pointer in
at least one of the probe guide passages, the pointer being substantially
parallel the first path and coincident the target along the first path,
then creating a second radiograph by directing an energy beam in a second
path through the target, through a plurality of radiopaque markers
positioned substantially coplanar to the row of probe guide passages where
the plurality of markers are positioned to indicate relative distances
along the first path, onto a second beam sensitive surface where the
second beam path is generally transverse to the first path, then
positioning the probe coincident the pointer along the first path and
further positioning the probe tip within the protuberance a distance along
the first path generally equal to the distance along the first path of the
target in the protuberance as indicated by the substantially coplanar
positioned plurality of first path markers in the second radiograph.
Preferably, the interposing step further comprises the substep of creating
a first-supplemental radiograph by directing an energy beam substantially
along the first path through the interposed probe guide, through the
second platform, through the target, and through the first platform and
onto a first-supplemental beam sensitive surface. Preferably, the probe
guide further comprises a lengthwise positioned radiopaque marker in fixed
position relative to the probe guide. The first-supplemental radiograph
aids in assuring proper positioning of the probe guide.
In a preferred embodiment, the step of creating a second radiograph further
comprises the substep of creating a second-supplemental radiograph by
directing an energy beam in a third path through the target, through the
plurality of radiopaque markers positioned coplanar to the row of probe
guide passages and onto a second-supplemental beam sensitive surface. This
third path being generally transverse to the first path and the third beam
path being generally oppositely directed relative to the second beam path.
The second-supplemental radiograph aids in assuring proper positioning of
a probe prior to insertion in the protuberance.
The probe positioning step preferably further comprises the substep of
positioning the probe tip within the protuberance a distance along the
first path substantially equal to the average of the distances along the
first path of the target in the protuberance as indicated by the plurality
of markers shown in the second and second-supplemental radiographs. Use of
average values of the distances enables compensation for potential errors
in measurement introduced when the target is not coplanar to the plurality
of first path markers.
An alternate preferred method of the present invention for positioning a
probe proximate a target in a bodily protuberance comprises the steps of
securing and compressing the protuberance between a first and a second
radiolucent platform, the platforms being relatively adjustably
positionable in parallel and spaced relation where the second platform
comprises a bore through the second platform and the second platform
further comprises at least one radiopaque marker in fixed position
relative to the bore, creating a first radiograph by directing an energy
beam in a first path through the second platform, through the target and
through the first platform and onto a first beam sensitive surface,
interposing a radiolucent probe guide in the first path, the probe guide
preferably comprising a plurality of probe passages positioned in a row to
enable passage of a probe through the probe guide and through the second
platform toward the target where the row of probe guide passages is
positioned substantially perpendicular to the first path, positioning a
radiopaque pointer in at least one of the probe guide passages, the
pointer being substantially parallel the first path and coincident the
target along the first path, creating a second radiograph by directing an
energy beam in a second path through the target, through a plurality of
radiopaque markers positioned coplanar to the row of probe guide passages,
the plurality of markers being positioned to indicate relative distances
along the first path, and onto a second beam sensitive surface where the
second path is generally transverse the first path, positioning the probe
coincident the pointer along the first path and further positioning the
probe tip within the protuberance a distance along the first path
generally equal to the distance along the first path of the target within
the protuberance as indicated by the plurality of first path markers in
the second radiograph.
The present invention offers significant improvements in needle tip
positioning, particularly relative to the costs associated with other
devices and methods, and enables precise needle aspiration of
radiographically detected lesions suspicious for cancer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a device in accordance with the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line 2--2 at FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3--3 at FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line 4--4 at FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a frontal view of a patient utilizing the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic view along line 6--6 at FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a radiograph produced using the device of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is another radiograph produced using the device of the present
invention;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional fragmentary view of a probe positioned in
accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 10 is still another radiograph produced in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a device for precisely
locating a probe in a bodily protuberance. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a
bodily protuberance such as breast 2 is secured and compressed between
first radiolucent platform 58 and second radiolucent platform 4 of breast
lesion localizer 1. Breast 2 is compressed an amount to enable creation of
a radiograph of sufficient clarity to indicate the presence of lesions
within breast 2. First platform 58 and second platform 4 are held in
parallel and spaced relation relative to each other by second platform
position adjustment support 26 which is preferably fixedly positioned
relative to first platform 58 and radiolucent base 8. Second platform
position adjustment 28 interengages second platform position adjustment
support 26 enabling second platform 4 to be adjustably positioned relative
to first platform 58. Second platform position lock 30 also interengages
platform support 26 enabling breast 2 to be securely held between first
platform 58 and second platform 4.
Insert 6 is positionable in second platform 4. Insert 6 comprises a
plurality of insert probe passages 24. Insert passages 24 are preferably
positioned in a plurality of rows and each passage 24 is sized to allow
radiopaque needle probe 52 to pass with minimal excess clearance. Insert 6
is preferably removable for cleaning or replacement.
Radiolucent probe guide 16 is positionable in proximal relation to second
platform 4 and in distal relation to first platform 58. Probe guide
position adjustment 10 interengages probe guide position adjustment 12
enabling probe guide 16 to be positionable proximate substantially all
rows of insert probe passages 24. Probe guide 16 comprises a plurality of
probe guide probe passages 18 preferably positioned in a row. Probe guide
passages 18 are spaced to allow probe 52 to pass through probe guide probe
passages 18 and insert probe passages 24 when probe guide 16 is positioned
proximate a row of insert probe passages 24.
Radiopaque probe guide markers 20,22 are fixedly positioned lengthwise
relative to and along probe guide 16. Radiopaque markers 34 are fixedly
positioned relative to second platform 4.
Referring to FIGS. 3-4, probe guide markers 20,22 are shown in confronting
relation to radiopaque scale markers 14. As further shown in FIG. 1, in a
preferred embodiment scale markers 14 are positioned coplanar to probe
guide 16. Probe guide position adjustment 12 preferably simultaneously
adjusts the position of probe guide 16 and scale markers 14 enabling probe
guide 16 and scale markers 14 to remain in a coplanar relationship.
Radiopaque needle probe 52 is positionable through probe guide probe
passages 18 and insert probe passages 24 and further positionable within
breast 2. As shown in FIG. 2, with needle tip 62 of needle probe 52
positioned immediate target lesion 60, adjustable probe stop 54 enables
the depth of needle 52 to be substantially fixed. Therefore, with probe
stop 54 positioned flush with probe guide 16, needle 52 will not further
penetrate into breast 2. Aspirator tube 50 positioned opposite needle tip
62 on needle 52 allows aspiration of cells proximate target lesion 60.
Such aspirated cells may be examined by a cytopathologist or other
examiner using methods known in the art to determine the nature of the
aspirated cells particularly with regard to cancerous cells.
In a preferred embodiment, breast lesion localizer 1 is positioned on
radiolucent base support arm 32 enabling a radiograph to be exposed
through breast lesion localizer 1 onto a radiograph without support means
interfering in the exposure of the radiograph.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, breast lesion localizer 1 is shown with breast
2 adjustably secured between first platform 58 and second platform 4.
Radiolucent support bar 32 supports breast lesion localizer 1. Radiolucent
support bar 32 is adjustably secured to second support clamp 86. Second
support clamp 86 is adjustably secured to intermediate support rod 82
through first support clamp 84. First support clamp 84 is adjustably
secured to support rod 80. Support rod 80 is preferably attachable to base
8 to support breast lesion localizer 1 and provide minimal interference in
creating radiographs with localizer 1 positioned proximate breast 2. The
support system avoids the placement of radiopaque components in the path
defined by second platform 4, target 60 and first platform 58 allowing a
radiograph to be created substantially along this path.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, second platform 4
comprises a bore through second platform 4 enabling passage of needle 52
without the use of a plurality of probe passages in second platform 4.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, in a preferred method of localizing a breast
lesion, breast 2, containing a suspect lesion, is secured in localizer 1.
First radiograph 100 is created by directing an energy beam from a
radiographic beam source, such as x-ray tube 70, through second
radiolucent platform 4, including radiopaque markers 34, through breast 2
and target lesion 60, through radiolucent platform 58 and radiolucent base
8 onto the x-ray sensitive surface of radiograph 100. Radiograph 100
provides two-dimensional coordinate location of target lesion 60 relative
to insert 6. Preferably beam path 72 utilized to create radiograph 100 is
generally perpendicular to second platform 4.
Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 8, probe guide 16 is then positioned
immediate target lesion 60 within beam path 72. First-supplemental
radiograph 150 is preferably created showing target lesion 60 positioned
immediately beneath probe guide 16. Lengthwise positioned probe guide
radiopaque markers 20 and 22 border lesion 60 in radiograph 150. As
further shown in FIG. 8, probe guide probe passage 18A is positioned
substantially directly above lesion 60. Thus, a probe inserted through
probe guide passage 18A that is of sufficient length will pass through the
immediate vicinity of target lesion 60. Radiographs 100 and 150 are
created by positioning x-ray tube 70 substantially along beam path 72.
Radiopaque probe 52 is preferably inserted in passage 18A and enables
ready identification of passage 18A in subsequent radiographs.
Radiograph 200 is preferably produced by positioning x-ray tube 70 along
beam path 74, 75, 76 or 77. Beam paths 74, 75, 76 and 77 are generally
transverse to beam path 72. In a preferred embodiment, x-ray tube 70 is
positioned along beam path 74, 75, 76 or 77. As additionally shown in FIG.
9, radiopaque needle probe 52 is positionable through probe guide probe
passage 18A and through a corresponding insert probe passage 24.
Referring to FIGS. 4, 9 and 10, radiopaque scale markers 14 are positioned
coplanar to probe guide 16 enabling radiopaque scale markers 14 to
indicate the depth needle tip 62 is preferably to be inserted to reach
target lesion 60. Clearly, the coplanar positioning of radiopaque markers
14 relative to lesion 60, as shown in radiograph 200, prevents a
proportioning problem in radiograph 200 were the scale shown by markers 14
not coplanar with the lesion. Where a scale is not coplanar with the
lesion, significant difficulties occur in determining the precise depth at
which to place needle tip 62 to reach lesion 60.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, needle tip 62 is positioned abutting breast 2
through probe guide passage 18A. Needle stylet 99 preferably is positioned
within needle 52 to prevent undesired cells from entering needle 52 prior
to positioning needle tip 62 at lesion 60.
To determine the depth to which needle 52 must be inserted, coplanar
radiopaque scale 14 is examined to determine the linear distance needle
tip 62 must travel to reach lesion 60. By way of example, FIG. 10
illustrates lesion 60 positioned at approximately 3.8 on coplanar scale
14. Probe guide radiopaque marker 22 is located at 9.4 on coplanar scale
14. Therefore, knowing the distance between radiopaque markers 22 and
insert 6 where insert 6 secures breast 2 to be 2.4 on radiopaque scale 14,
needle tip 62 must be inserted a distance (9.4-2.4)-3.8 or 3.2 marks on
scale 14. As will be clear to one skilled in the art, scale 14 is used to
indicate relative distance between lesion 60, probe guide 16 and second
platform 4. Thus scale 14 may be fixedly positioned relative to probe
guide 16, second platform 4 or other means for support which position
scale 14 coplanar to probe guide 16 and substantially perpendicular to
platforms 4 and 58.
In a preferred embodiment, needle probe 52 comprises markings 56 which
correspond to markings 14 thus readily enabling the insertion of needle
tip 62 to the calculated depth where target lesion 60 resides in breast 2.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an additional
radiograph may be taken along a second beam path generally transverse to
beam path 72. The distance for insertion of needle tip 62 is calculated
for the additional radiograph using the procedure used to calculate the
insertion distance in the earlier radiograph. Needle tip 62 is then
preferably inserted a distance equal to the average of the distances
calculated from the radiographs produced along the beam paths generally
transverse to beam path 72. By way of example, in FIG. 5, if a first
radiograph is taken along beam path 72 and a second radiograph is taken
along beam path 76, preferably an additional radiograph may be taken along
beam path 77. By way of further example, if a first radiograph is taken
along beam path 72 and a second radiograph is taken along beam path 74,
preferably an additional radiograph may be taken along beam path 75.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, probe guide passages 18
and insert probe passages 24 comprise 1 millimeter (mm) diameter passages
positioned 2 mm on center relativ | | |
