Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided for positioning a biopsy needle for insertion into a tissue mass by correlating, in real-time, the actual needle position prior to insertion with its probable trajectory once inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the biopsy needle location is tracked electronically and projected over a previously stored or real-time image of the tissue, thus allowing a clinician to observe which features of an imaged tissue the biopsy needle is likely to intersect upon insertion. Continued ultrasound scanning of a selected trajectory may be provided to assess depth of penetration of the biopsy needle, when inserted. Apparatus is also provided for expanding the region scanned by an ultrasound transducer beyond the periphery of a compression plate.

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First Claim