dr. kopans is author of over 200 scientific articles. dr. kopans invented the kopans wire used in needle localization that made it possible for radiologists to accurately guide surgeons to lesions detected by mammography which made it possible to diagnose breast cancers at a smaller size and earlier stage excisional breast biopsies. he was also instrumental in creation of the breast imaging reporting and data system (bi-rads) coding system used in all american mammography reports, serving as co-chair of a committee of the american college of radiology which developed this system. this system helped to standardize the reporting of mammography results. dr. kopans has also been a leading figure in the development of breast tomosynthesis.