Localization mechanism for an MRI compatible biopsy device

Abstract

A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone stereotactic biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture can include a breast compression plate and a biopsy probe support plate for supporting a biopsy probe for movement along multiple perpendicular axes. The position of both the breast compression plate and the biopsy probe support plate can be adjustable along an axis which is generally parallel to a probe needle.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This divisional application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 273,445 filed Oct. 18, 2002 in the names of Tsonton et al., scheduled to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,692. The present application cross references and incorporates by reference copending U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 171,330, “LOCALIZATION MECHANISM FOR AN MRI COMPATIBLE BIOPSY DEVICE” filed on Jun. 12, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates, in general to devices for tissue sampling and, more particularly, to a device for positioning a biopsy probe with respect to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancerous tumors, pre-malignant conditions, and other disorders has long been an area of intense investigation. Non-invasive methods for examining tissue are palpation, Thermography, PET, SPECT, Nuclear imag...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides an apparatus for positioning a biopsy probe in a medical compression apparatus. The apparatus includes a compression member with adjustable position for tissue compression, two parallel supports for movement of the biopsy probe in two directions perpendicular to the compression member, and a biopsy probe support for movement in two mutually perpendicular directions. The apparatus can also include an engagement apparatus for positioning the biopsy probe assembly in two directions that are transverse to the direction of movement of the biopsy probe support. The technical effects of the invention include improved accuracy and efficiency in positioning the biopsy probe for medical procedures.

Problems solved by technology

The type of biopsy used depends mainly on various factors present in the patient, and no single procedure is ideal for all cases.

However, existing medical biopsy sampling devices use small, multi-lumen probes extensively fabricated mostly if not entirely from metal.

Typically these metal probes are electrically conductive and often magnetically weak, which interferes with their use under MRI guidance.

The electrically conductive and magnetically weak nature of metal probes often work to create field distortions, called artifacts, on the image.

The image of the lesion will show the metal probe, and this is problematic because the image of the probe can obscure the image of the lesion.

The small sample size of conventional biopsy needles also presents a significant limitation due to the increase in the duration of the procedure.

This limits the number of samples that can be retrieved using conventional spring-loaded core biopsy needles under direct imaging guidance.

A further problem not infrequently encountered during core needle biopsy is the development of a hematoma at the biopsy site during the procedure.

An accumulating hematoma can be problematic during MRI-guided biopsy because residual contrast agent circulating in the hematoma can mimic enhancement in a suspicious lesion.

In addition, the accumulation of air at the biopsy site can cause susceptibility artifacts that can potentially interfere with the fat-suppression MRI techniques at the biopsy site cavity.

These limitations of conventional biopsy needles have led several authors to conclude that lesions should be at least 1 cm in diameter before imaging could confirm that the MRI-guided biopsy device was definitely within (as opposed to adjacent to) the suspicious target.

However, the demand for minimally invasive MRI-guided core biopsy is greatest for small lesions because they are more common, more difficult to characterize on MRI grounds alone, and have the best prognosis if they are found to be malignant.

However, elimination of the artifact created by the metal probe entirely is also problematic because physicians rely extensively on some type of artifact to notify them as to where the tip of the probe is relative to the lesion.

For instance, the hand-held biopsy device presents a long, external handle that is inappropriate for closed magnet MRI machines.

However, the angle and depth of insertion the probe tends to vary, especially without continual reimaging of the probe during insertion, which is particularly inappropriate for closed MRI magnets.

Images