Retrofit digital mammography detector

Abstract

A digital radiography ( 20 ) detector has a first housing ( 18 ) having substantially the form factor of a film cassette and having a chest wall edge (C). The first housing ( 18 ) has an X-ray converter ( 70 ) with a detection array ( 26 ), each detector generating a signal according to an amount of radiation received. Readout electronics ( 74 ) are coupled with switching elements in the detection array for obtaining the signals therefrom. The readout electronics ( 74 ) include elements formed from crystalline silicon and are distributed toward outer edges of the first housing ( 18 ) and awayfrom the chest wall edge (C). X-ray shielding selectively protects the readout electronics ( 74 ) and is located beneath a portion of the detection array. A second housing ( 40 ), electrically connected to the first housing ( 18 ) has a power source for the detector, readout and control electronics for obtaining signals provided from the detection array ( 26 ).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to medical imaging systems employing digital radiography detectors, and more particularly to a digital radiography detector that can be retrofitted to existing film-based chest radiography exposure systems. Background technique [0002] Conventional film-screen radiography has long been used as a medical imaging diagnostic system. X-rays are shone through parts of the patient's body to a cassette containing a scintillator screen. A scintillator screen converts X-rays into light, forming a latent radiographic image on film that lies in direct contact with the screen. The film is then chemically or thermally processed to produce viewable radiographic images for use by health care professionals for diagnosis. Conventional film-based systems include problems with delays in obtaining diagnostic images, the need for chemical or thermal processing, and difficulties in providing radiographic images outside the point-of...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Conventional film-based systems include problems with delays in obtaining diagnostic images, the need for chemical or thermal processing, and difficulties in delivering radiographic images outside of point-of-care devices

At the same time, AEC compatibility is an important requirement for compatibility with existing radiology systems, further increasing the constraints of component packaging

Providing the required distance of chest wall access is more of a challenge

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