Inventors:
Gary H. Baker - Fortuna CA
Assignee:
Medical Positioning, Inc. - Kansas City MO
International Classification:
A61B 604
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for obtaining mammographic images of a human patients breast and subsequently obtaining tissue samples for biopsy includes a deck having one or more of access sites, with the deck elevated above a floor or other supporting surface and capable of supporting the patient thereon. The deck includes a frame and may include one or more filler sections occupying respective access sites when closed. The filler sections are preferably positioned to provide one or more access sites on each side of the deck when opened, the access sites being sized to accommodate a technician or mammography device therein. The deck may include a central, longitudinally extending spine with cross-members extending perpendicular thereto. The filler sections can be removably or pivotally mounted on hinges or pivot pins to selectively shift out of the openings, such as by dropping or raising to a vertical orientation, to accommodate a mammography device or examiner. Removable head and foot supports may be interchangeably mounted at either end of the deck, allowing either end to receive the patients head.