Importance

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Abstract

A computer-controlled method for automatically positioning a guide for a biopsy needle for its proper insertion into the body of a patient from a selected point on a surface of the body, so as to enter in a straight line passing through a designated target region within the body, in conjunction with an imaging system utilizing radiation from first and second source positions for deriving first and second radiographic images. The method includes the steps of (a) selecting a first auxiliary plane at an angle .THETA..sub.1 ; moving the guide within the first auxiliary plane to an angle .phi..sub.1 so as to cause the guide image on the first image plane to be aligned in a straight line through the target region; (b) storing values for the angles .THETA..sub.1 and .phi..sub.1 ; selecting a second, different, auxiliary plane at an angle .THETA..sub.2 ; (c) moving the guide to an angle .phi..sub.2 within the second auxiliary plane so as to cause the guide image on the second image plane to be aligned in a straight line through the target region; storing values for the angles .THETA..sub.2 and .phi..sub.2 ; calculating, by utilizing values stored for the angles, rotations .alpha. and .THETA. so as to derive a first viewing plane .pi.; and (d) moving the guide within the first viewing plane .pi. to an angle .phi..sub.3 so as to cause the guide image on the second image plane to be aligned in a straight line through the target region, whereby the guide is properly aligned.

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First Claim