Mammary gland imaging device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of medical instruments, and discloses a mammary gland imaging device which comprises a mammary gland clamping plate assembly, an X-ray tube and a detector. The mammary gland splint assembly comprises a base plate, a sliding connecting piece, a first driving assembly, a mammary gland splint and a second driving assembly. A first sliding rail is arranged on the base plate; the sliding connecting piece is in sliding connection with the first sliding rail; the second driving assembly drives the sliding connecting piece to slide along the first sliding rail. The first driving assemblies are fixedly connected with the sliding connecting piece, and the two first driving assemblies are oppositely arranged; the first driving assembly drives the two breast splints which are oppositely arranged to move towards each other or away from each other; the mammary gland splint is driven by the sliding connecting piece to rotate along the first sliding track; the X-ray tube and the detector can rotate simultaneously. According to the mammary gland imaging device provided by the utility model, the mammary gland clamping plate assembly, the X-ray tube and the detector can simultaneously meet imaging requirements of the molybdenum target and mammary gland three-dimensional tomography, and integration of the two machines is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a breast imaging device. Background Technology

[0002] Breast examinations include ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-ray imaging. X-ray imaging includes two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) techniques. Two-dimensional X-ray imaging, generally referring to mammography, uses X-rays to penetrate breast tissue and create an image. Three-dimensional X-ray imaging, also known as three-dimensional tomography, constructs a three-dimensional image by acquiring multiple slices. During a mammogram, the technician places the breast between two flat plates, compresses it, and then takes images from two different angles (usually vertical and oblique). Currently, mammography is a widely accepted method for breast cancer screening due to its low cost. However, for women with dense breast tissue, the 2D images from a mammogram may not be clear enough to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissue, potentially missing small tumors or calcifications. Therefore, during a mammogram, healthcare professionals may recommend further 3D tomography, also known as digital breast tomography (DBT), or simply 3D mammography. In this case, the patient needs to switch machines and wait in line for the examination again. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a breast imaging device to solve the problem of needing to change machines when patients need to perform mammography and three-dimensional breast tomography at the same time.

[0004] This invention provides a breast imaging device, a breast clip assembly, an X-ray tube, and a detector;

[0005] The breast clip assembly includes: a base plate, a sliding connector, two first drive assemblies, two detachable breast clips, and a second drive assembly.

[0006] A first through hole is provided on the substrate;

[0007] The substrate is also provided with an annular first sliding track, and the first sliding track is arranged around the first through hole;

[0008] The sliding connector is slidably connected to the first sliding track; the second driving component drives the sliding connector to slide along the first sliding track.

[0009] The first drive component is fixedly connected to the sliding connector and is driven by the sliding connector to slide along the first sliding track, and the two first drive components are arranged opposite to each other;

[0010] The first driving component drives the two opposing breast clips to move towards each other or away from each other; the breast clips are driven by the sliding connector to rotate along the first sliding track;

[0011] The X-ray tube, the detector, and the breast clamp are all located on the same side of the substrate;

[0012] The X-ray tube and the detector are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the first through hole, and the X-ray tube and the detector can rotate simultaneously around the central axis of the first through hole.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the first through hole is circular, the sliding connector is a sliding ring, the first sliding track is disposed at the edge of the first through hole, and the sliding ring is coplanar with the substrate.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, two straight second sliding tracks are provided at opposite positions on the sliding ring component, and the two second sliding tracks are collinear;

[0015] One of the breast clips is slidably connected to a second sliding track.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the breast imaging device further includes a connecting plate, a rotating stage, and a third drive assembly; the third drive assembly is used to drive the rotating stage to rotate about a central axis, and the rotating stage drives the connecting plate to rotate about a central axis, wherein the central axis of the rotating stage, the central axis of the connecting plate, and the central axis of the first through hole are collinear;

[0017] The connecting plate is disposed between the rotary table and the substrate, and the X-ray tube and the detector are fixedly disposed on the connecting plate.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the breast imaging device may also include one or more connecting columns and connecting plate fixing members;

[0019] The first end of the connecting column is fixedly mounted on the rotating platform;

[0020] The connecting plate is provided with a second through hole, and the connecting post passes through the second through hole;

[0021] The connecting plate fastener is used to fix the connecting plate to the connecting column.

[0022] In some optional embodiments, the breast imaging device further includes a support plate, a first surface of which is fixedly connected to the second end of the connecting column, and a second surface of which is slidably connected to the substrate. The support plate includes a third through hole, the diameter of which is larger than that of the first through hole.

[0023] In some optional embodiments, the breast imaging apparatus also includes a base on which the rotating stage is disposed.

[0024] In some optional embodiments, the substrate is a lead plate.

[0025] In some optional embodiments, the substrate has a length of 40 to 200 centimeters and a width of 20 to 60 centimeters.

[0026] The breast imaging device provided in this embodiment of the invention not only allows the breast clamp to rotate along the first sliding track via a sliding connector, but also enables the X-ray tube and detector to rotate simultaneously. This satisfies both the needs of mammography and the requirements for X-ray tube and detector movement in three-dimensional breast tomography, thus integrating the two machines. When a patient needs to undergo three-dimensional breast tomography after mammography, there is no need to change the examination room or the machine; the procedure can be performed directly. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a breast imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another breast imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Reference numerals: 101-substrate, 102-breast clamp, 103-first sliding track, 104-X-ray tube, 105-detector, 106-connecting plate, 107-rotating stage, 108-connecting column, 109-connecting plate fixing component, 110-support plate, 111-base. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0032] This embodiment provides a breast imaging device, which can be used in breast imaging equipment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a breast imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the breast imaging device includes: a breast splint assembly, an X-ray tube 104, and a detector 105;

[0033] The breast clip assembly includes: a base plate 101, a sliding connector (not shown in the figure), two first drive assemblies (not shown in the figure), two detachable breast clips 102, and a second drive assembly;

[0034] A first through hole is provided on the substrate 101;

[0035] The substrate 101 is also provided with an annular first sliding track 103, and the first sliding track 103 is arranged around the first through hole;

[0036] The sliding connector is slidably connected to the first sliding track 103; the second driving component drives the sliding connector to slide along the first sliding track 103; when the second driving component does not drive the sliding connector to slide along the first sliding track 103, the sliding connector is relatively fixed to the first sliding track 103.

[0037] The first drive component is fixedly connected to the sliding connector and is driven by the sliding connector to slide along the first sliding track, and the two first drive components are arranged opposite to each other;

[0038] The first driving component drives the two breast clips 102 that are arranged opposite to each other to move towards each other or away from each other; the breast clips 102 are driven by the sliding connector to rotate along the first sliding track 103.

[0039] The X-ray tube 104, the detector 105, and the breast clamp 102 are all located on the same side of the substrate 101.

[0040] The X-ray tube 104 and the detector 105 are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the first through hole, and the X-ray tube 104 and the detector 105 can rotate simultaneously around the central axis of the first through hole.

[0041] The first sliding track 103 described above can be a slot. The X-ray tube 104 can be an X-ray tube. The first drive assembly can include a motor and a transmission component, which converts the rotational motion of the motor into telescopic motion to move the breast clip 102 toward or away from another breast clip 102. The breast clip 102 can be connected only to the transmission component of the first drive assembly, or it can be connected simultaneously to the sliding connector. Both methods can achieve the rotation of the breast clip 102 along the first sliding track 103 driven by the sliding connector, and the movement of the breast clip 102 toward or away from another breast clip 102 driven by the first drive assembly. In addition, to ensure the stability and accuracy of the transmission, a support structure, such as a support shaft, can be provided between the transmission component and the breast clip 102.

[0042] Mammography requires images to be captured from at least two different angles. This requires not only rotating the breast splint 102, but also rotating the X-ray tube 104 and detector 105. In the process of three-dimensional tomographic imaging of the breast, the X-ray tube 104 and detector 105 also need to be moved to ensure sufficient radiation coverage so that images of the breast tissue can be recorded from as many angles as possible.

[0043] The breast imaging device provided in this embodiment of the invention not only allows the breast clamp 102 to rotate along the first sliding track 103 via a sliding connector, but also enables the X-ray tube 104 and detector 105 to rotate simultaneously. This satisfies both the needs of mammography and the requirements for movement of the X-ray tube 104 and detector 105 in three-dimensional breast tomography, thus integrating the two machines. When a patient needs to undergo three-dimensional breast tomography after mammography, there is no need to change the examination room or the machine; the procedure can be performed directly.

[0044] The mammography device has an imaging magnification of 1.5, which is better than traditional imaging methods.

[0045] In addition, during the imaging process, the detector 105 of the breast imaging device provided by this utility model rotates together with the X-ray tube 104, which results in better three-dimensional imaging effect compared with the breast three-dimensional tomographic imaging device in which the detector 105 is fixed in position.

[0046] In some optional embodiments, the first through hole is circular, the sliding connector is a sliding ring, the first sliding track 103 is disposed at the edge of the first through hole, and the sliding ring is coplanar with the substrate 101.

[0047] As an alternative implementation, the first through hole does not have to be circular; for example, it can be square, elliptical, etc. The sliding connector can also be a sliding semi-circular ring, with the two first driving components respectively disposed at opposite ends of the sliding semi-circular ring. The sliding connector may also not be coplanar with the substrate 101, but is disposed on one side of the substrate 101, and can be disposed on the same side of the substrate 101 as the breast clip 102.

[0048] In some optional embodiments, two straight second sliding tracks are provided at opposite positions on the sliding ring component, and the two second sliding tracks are collinear;

[0049] One of the breast clips 102 is slidably connected to one of the second sliding tracks.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the breast clip 102 is connected to the sliding ring component via a second sliding track on the sliding ring component, thereby integrating the breast clip 102 into the overall breast clip 102 assembly. Compared to the breast clip 102 being connected only to the transmission component of the first transmission assembly, this improves the robustness of the connection. The breast clip 102 can also be connected to other components of the breast clip 102 assembly in other ways.

[0051] In some optional embodiments, the breast imaging apparatus also includes a connecting plate 106, a rotating stage 107, and a third drive assembly;

[0052] The third driving component is used to drive the rotary table 107 to rotate around the central axis. The rotary table 107 drives the connecting plate 106 to rotate around the central axis. The central axis of the rotary table 107, the central axis of the connecting plate 106 and the central axis of the first through hole are collinear.

[0053] The connecting plate 106 is disposed between the rotating stage 107 and the substrate 101, and the X-ray tube 104 and the detector 105 are fixedly disposed on the connecting plate 106.

[0054] The above structure of this utility model embodiment enables the X-ray tube and the detector to rotate simultaneously around the central axis of the first through hole.

[0055] In some optional embodiments, the breast imaging device also includes one or more connecting columns 108 and connecting plate fixing members 109;

[0056] The first end of the connecting column 108 is fixedly mounted on the rotary table 107;

[0057] The connecting plate 106 is provided with a second through hole, and the connecting post 108 passes through the second through hole;

[0058] The connecting plate fastener 109 is used to fix the connecting plate 106 onto the connecting post 108.

[0059] In this embodiment of the utility model, the distance between the connecting plate 106 and the substrate 101 is adjustable. Specifically, by loosening the connecting plate fixing member 109, the connecting plate 106 can be adjusted up and down along the connecting post 108, thereby adjusting the distance between the X-ray tube 104 and the detector 105 and the substrate 101.

[0060] In some optional embodiments, the breast imaging device further includes a support plate 110, a first surface of which is fixedly connected to the second end of the connecting post 108, and a second surface of which is slidably connected to the base plate 101. The support plate 110 includes a third through hole, the diameter of which is larger than that of the first through hole. The centers of the first and third through holes may be collinear. Alternatively, the centers of the first and third through holes may not be collinear, but the first through hole is within the enclosure of the third through hole.

[0061] In this embodiment of the invention, the substrate 101 is supported and fixed by a support plate 110 and a connecting post 108. However, to prevent the support plate 110 from being moved during the rotation of the rotary table, the support plate 110 is slidably connected to the substrate 101.

[0062] Of course, the substrate 101 can also be supported and fixed in other ways, and is not limited to the above methods.

[0063] The breast imaging device provided in this embodiment also includes a base 111, and the rotating stage 107 is disposed on the base 111. In this embodiment, the base 111, rotating stage 107, connecting plate 106, support plate 110, and base plate 101 are arranged sequentially from bottom to top. The base plate 101 serves as a bed board, and the patient lies prone on the base plate 101 during the examination.

[0064] In some optional embodiments, the substrate 101 is a lead plate. The length of the substrate 101 is 40 to 200 centimeters; the width of the substrate 101 is 20 to 60 centimeters.

[0065] When performing breast X-ray imaging using the breast splint 102 assembly provided in this embodiment, breast tissue passes through a first through-hole from one side of the substrate 101 to the side where the breast splint 102 is located, and the X-ray tube 104 is also located on the side of the breast splint 102. Therefore, the substrate 101 can isolate the human body from X-rays to a certain extent, protecting the human body.

[0066] The breast imaging device provided in this embodiment of the invention also includes a controller for controlling the first driving component, the second driving component, and the third driving component. Additionally, the controller controls the X-ray tube 104 to emit X-rays and controls the detector 105 to detect X-rays.

[0067] Of course, the breast imaging device also includes a human-computer interaction module.

[0068] The process of performing breast imaging using the breast imaging device provided in this embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0069] First, mammography is performed. The patient lies prone on substrate 101 with the breast placed in the first through-hole. Medical staff input control commands to the controller via the human-machine interface module, controlling the first drive components corresponding to the two breast clamps 102, causing the two breast clamps 102 to slowly move towards each other, pressing the breast in the middle. Medical staff then input control commands to the controller via the human-machine interface module, controlling the X-ray tube 104 to emit X-rays through the breast between the two plates, taking a frontal view (CC view) image. Next, medical staff input control commands to the controller via the human-machine interface module, controlling the corresponding first drive components to move the breast clamps 102 away from each other, releasing the patient's breast. Finally, medical staff input control commands to the controller via the human-machine interface module, controlling the second drive components to rotate the breast clamps 102 45° along the first sliding track 103, and correspondingly controlling the movement of the X-ray tube 104 and detector 105. The patient remained in the same prone position as before the mammogram, and the breast was again placed between the two breast clips 102 in the same manner. The machine was then operated to compress the breast and take oblique views (i.e., MLO images). After both sets of images were taken, the first drive assembly was controlled to move the breast clips 102 in opposite directions, releasing the patient's breast.

[0070] The controller controls the second drive assembly to restore the breast splint 102 to its original position, and accordingly controls the X-ray tube 104 and detector 105 to return to their original positions.

[0071] Following this, three-dimensional tomographic imaging of the breast is performed. Medical staff input control commands to the controller via the human-machine interface module. The patient remains in the same prone position as during the previous mammography, with the breast positioned between two breast clamps 102, similar to the method used in the anteroposterior view of a mammogram. After the staff initiates the imaging process via the human-machine interface module, the controller automatically moves the X-ray tube 104 and detector 105 to achieve multi-angle imaging. For example, using an imaging thickness of 1 mm, 40-70 images of the breast from different angles can be captured at once. These individual images are then reconstructed into a series of high-resolution tomographic images, which are displayed individually or dynamically in a continuous playback format. After the imaging is completed, the first drive component is controlled to move the breast clamps 102 in opposite directions, releasing the patient's breast.

[0072] In summary, the breast imaging device provided by this utility model embodiment has the function of breast X-ray computed tomography imaging, and also has the function of taking mammograms and three-dimensional tomographic images of the breast. It supports mammography or digital three-dimensional tomographic imaging of the breast before or after computed tomography imaging, thus achieving the effect of multiple uses in one device.

[0073] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A breast imaging device, characterized in that, include: Breast splint assembly, X-ray tube, and detector; The breast clip assembly includes: a base plate, a sliding connector, two first drive assemblies, two detachable breast clips, and a second drive assembly. A first through hole is provided on the substrate; The substrate is also provided with an annular first sliding track, and the first sliding track is arranged around the first through hole; The sliding connector is slidably connected to the first sliding track; the second driving component drives the sliding connector to slide along the first sliding track. The first drive component is fixedly connected to the sliding connector and is driven by the sliding connector to slide along the first sliding track, and the two first drive components are arranged opposite to each other; The first driving component drives the two opposing breast clips to move towards each other or away from each other; the breast clips are driven by the sliding connector to rotate along the first sliding track; The X-ray tube, the detector, and the breast clamp are all located on the same side of the substrate; The X-ray tube and the detector are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the first through hole, and the X-ray tube and the detector can rotate simultaneously around the central axis of the first through hole.

2. The breast imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first through hole is circular, the sliding connector is a sliding ring, the first sliding track is disposed at the edge of the first through hole, and the sliding ring is coplanar with the substrate.

3. The breast imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two straight second sliding tracks are provided at opposite positions on the sliding ring component, and the two second sliding tracks are collinear. One of the breast clips is slidably connected to a second sliding track.

4. The breast imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting plate, a rotary table, and a third drive assembly; the third drive assembly is used to drive the rotary table to rotate around the central axis, and the rotary table drives the connecting plate to rotate around the central axis, wherein the central axis of the rotary table, the central axis of the connecting plate, and the central axis of the first through hole are collinear; The connecting plate is disposed between the rotary table and the substrate, and the X-ray tube and the detector are fixedly disposed on the connecting plate.

5. The breast imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes one or more connecting posts and connecting plate fasteners; The first end of the connecting column is fixedly mounted on the rotating platform; The connecting plate is provided with a second through hole, and the connecting post passes through the second through hole; The connecting plate fastener is used to fix the connecting plate to the connecting column.

6. The breast imaging device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a support plate, the first surface of which is fixedly connected to the second end of the connecting column, and the second surface of which is slidably connected to the substrate. The support plate includes a third through hole, the diameter of which is larger than that of the first through hole.

7. The breast imaging device according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, It also includes a base, on which the rotating platform is mounted.

8. The breast imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate is a lead plate.

9. The breast imaging device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The substrate has a length of 40 to 200 centimeters and a width of 20 to 60 centimeters.

Images