The combination of contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR-guided
subcutaneous core biopsy can be used as a robust approach for the diagnosis and
treatment of breast cancer. MRI provides the means to accurately position and monitor
interventional procedures such as biopsy, removal of tissue or other transcanular
procedures. MRI may also be used in this invention to position and monitor the
progress of breast conserving therapies (BCT), such as laser photo-ablation, cryoablation
and localized hyperthermia. The general practice of this invention is to provide
a remotely controlled apparatus for MR-guided interventional procedures in the
breast. The apparatus allows the practice of a method that provides flexibility
in conditioning the breast, i.e. orientation and degree of compression, and in
setting the trajectory of the intervention. To that end, a robust conditioning/positioning
device, fitted with the appropriate degrees of freedom, enhances the efficacy and
efficiency of breast interventions by providing the flexibility in planning and
executing an appropriate procedure strategy that better suits interventional procedures,
either those in current use or yet to be developed. The novelty and potential commercial
success of the device originates from its high maneuverability to set and perform
the procedure strategy and its adaptability to accommodate an array of interventional
probes. Remote control of this device can allow planning the operation and performing
the relevant tasks in a short period, for example, within the contrast window provided
by a single injection of a contrast agent, and this feature can be operator-independent.
