Techniques for Quality Assurance of Patient Positioning Prior to Mammography Image Acquisition

Abstract

Techniques for quality assurance of patient positioning prior to mammographic image acquisition are described. The system can include an x-ray source configured to expose human tissue to radiation. The X-ray detector module can be configured to detect radiation and generate pre-diagnostic images of human tissue. The position analysis module may be configured to receive the pre-diagnostic image and determine whether the body tissue is correctly located based on one or more predefined positioning criteria. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be configured to store the results of the determination by the location analysis module. The display may be configured to display the location analysis module's determination within the user interface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 471,667, filed March 15, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] Embodiments described herein relate generally to quality assurance of patient positioning, and more particularly to improving patient positioning in breast imaging, such as it relates to mammographic or tomosynthesis image acquisition. Background technique [0004] Proper positioning is important when performing radiation-based imaging of a patient for a number of reasons. First, the location of the target tissue is critical for obtaining high-quality images that can be used for diagnosis. Second, it is desirable to minimize the total exposure of the patient to radiation during the course of the study, so follow-up imaging to obtain correct positioning is not ideal. Third, due to regulations in many jurisdictions, follow-up imagin...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Second, it is desirable to minimize the patient's total exposure to radiation during the course of the study, so subsequent imaging in order to obtain correct positioning is not ideal

Third, due to regulations in many jurisdictions, follow-up imaging used only to correct poor positioning may be statistically targeted against the practitioner or organization, and frequent re-imaging can lead to revocation of license and / or accreditation

Fourth, incorrect positioning of images may require the patient to subsequently visit an imaging center, thereby placing an additional burden on the patient

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