Importance

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Abstract

Improved systems and related methods for x-ray assisted breast biopsy and ultrasound-assisted breast biopsy are described. In one preferred embodiment, for example, an apparatus for facilitating both x-ray assisted and ultrasound assisted breast biopsy is provided, comprising a biopsy table for supporting a patient in a prone position between first and second opposing ends thereof, the biopsy table having first and second openings, respectively, toward each of the first and second ends, through which the patient's breast may project depending on the patient's orientation on the biopsy table. The apparatus further comprises an ultrasound-assisted biopsy system positioned beneath the first opening, and an x-ray-assisted biopsy system positioned beneath the second opening. In other preferred embodiments, the ultrasound-assisted biopsy system and x-ray assisted biopsy system are mechanically interchangeable beneath a single opening. In other preferred embodiments, novel integrations between specified components of the ultrasound-assisted and x-ray-assisted biopsy systems are provided.

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First Claim