Imaging device and imaging method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an imaging device and method for X-ray imaging of the breast, whereby a particular type of breast positioning structure can be connected to the imaging device when changing the operating mode of the imaging device for CT imaging.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to imaging devices, and more particularly to imaging devices and methods for x-raying a patient's breast. [Background technology]

[0002] Mammography is concerned with the detection of breast tumors and changes in breast tissue. Mammography is the most widely used method in the diagnosis of breast cancer. It combines good diagnostic accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and general applicability to a wide range of people. Mass screening of the female population aims to detect cancer as early as possible. Early detection allows for more efficient treatment of the disease. Mammography typically uses low-energy radiation X-ray machines specially designed for imaging of the breast.

[0003] One typical type of mammography machine includes a vertical frame and a rotating C-arm connected to it. The rotating C-arm is connected to the vertical frame via a pivot shaft. The pivot shaft allows the C-arm to be rotated to different orientations. The vertical frame may be vertically adjustable by a motor so that the C-arm can be positioned for patients of different heights.

[0004] Breast compression may be used in conjunction with mammography imaging. To x-ray a thick object, higher energy radiation must be used to allow sufficient penetration of the x-rays through the object. As the energy of the radiation increases, the soft tissue contrast in the image decreases. Because the breast is primarily fluid, compression does not change density, but spreads the tissue over a larger area. Breast proliferation during compression also reduces clumping due to tissue overlap. Compression also reduces the radiation dose. Thicker objects also scatter radiation more than thinner objects, reducing image sharpness. Compression can also reduce image blurring caused by movement during exposure.

[0005] Compression is typically applied in conventional 2D mammography for projection-specific observations when the observation and compression directions are parallel. Radiation tomography has also been applied in the context of mammography. Tomographic imaging allows the detection of internal features of objects that in purely conventional 2D the images are imaged on top of each other and therefore potentially remain at least partially undetected.

[0006] A method called tomosynthesis has been applied in the context of conventional mammography equipment, where multiple images of the breast are taken at limited tomographic angles while the breast remains in the same position. In tomosynthesis, 2D images are taken from different directions, typically covering an angular range of + / - 10 degrees or some order of it.

[0007] Conventional mammography machines are generally not configured to allow for true computed tomography (CT), such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Machines designed for conventional breast CT include a patient in a prone position with the breast hanging through an opening in a horizontally extending patient support. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that at least partially overcomes the problems encountered in the prior art and provides an innovative solution for versatile mammography, which problem is solved by an imaging device and an imaging method having various embodiments disclosed herein.

[0009] The present disclosure allows for computed tomography in a typical conventional 2D mammography device. This is achieved by arranging a breast localization structure, specifically designed for breast computed tomography, in particular cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), connectable to a conventional mammography machine. This solution allows for relative rotational movement of the breast localization structure and the rotating C-arm, so that the breast localization structure can remain in a predetermined position with respect to a standing or sitting patient during rotation of the rotating C-arm.

[0010] An example of an advantage that the present disclosure provides over conventional mammography devices is the ability to generate CT images of the breast while using a conventional type of 2D mammography imaging device, which can allow for relatively good contrast separation for dense breast tissue. Other advantages include that in computed tomography mode, the patient positions the breast in the imaging volume of the imaging device by herself, and since the breast is not compressed, the imaging is painless and therefore the examination is more comfortable for the patient.

[0011] Further aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following drawings and detailed description of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

[0012] It will be understood that features of the present disclosure are capable of being combined in various configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0013] The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, may be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, example structures are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the particular methods or structures disclosed herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings may not be to scale. Similar elements may be designated with the same numerals.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a breast positioning structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a side view of a breast positioning structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, excluding the breast positioning structure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a side view of the imaging device shown in FIG. 3 including a breast positioning structure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device shown in FIG. 3, with the breast positioning structure and imaging device separated. [Figure 5A] During imaging, the patient stands at the imaging device and the rotatable arm rotates around the patient's breast through a scan angle of approximately 200 degrees in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] During imaging, the patient sits in the imaging device and a rotating arm rotates around the patient's breast through a scan angle of approximately 200 degrees in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] During imaging, the patient sits in the imaging device and the rotating arm rotates around the patient's breast through a scan angle of about 200 degrees. FIG. 5B is a side view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] In the accompanying drawings, underlined numbers are used to represent the underlined item or the item to which the underline is adjacent. Non-underlined numbers relate to the item identified by the line connecting the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is not underlined and has an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify the general item to which the arrow is pointing.

[0017] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and how they may be implemented. Although several modes of implementing the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that other forms of implementing or practicing the present disclosure are possible.

[0018] 1A and 1B, a breast locating structure 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the breast locating structure 110, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the breast locating structure 110. The breast locating structure 110 comprises a first component in the form of an elongated support element 112 extending in a first direction and having a connecting means 111 at a first end thereof. The breast locating structure 110 further comprises a second component of the breast locating structure 110 at a second end of the elongated support element 112 and associated therewith, the second component being a plate-shaped protective cover 103. The plate-shaped protective cover 103 comprises a surface extending in a substantially plane in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction in which the elongated support element 112 extends.

[0019] 1A includes an elongated support element 112 that is tubular, but has an open breast positioning surface 101 along a portion of its length. A plate-like protective cover 103 has an opening 104 that fits over the breast positioning surface 101 of the elongated support element 112.

[0020] The opening in the plate-shaped protective cover 103 which joins to the inner surface of the elongated support element 112 can be referred to as the first opening 104, whereas if an opening section is present in the elongated tubular support element 112, it can be referred to as the second opening 104'.

[0021] The breast positioning structure 110 may have a wall thickness of 2-5 mm, for example 2 mm.

[0022] The protective cover 103 has a lower portion 103'' configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the elongated support element 112 and an upper portion 103' angularly oriented relative to the lower portion 103'', the upper portion 103' configured to extend in a direction away from the lower portion. The upper portion 103' has an upwardly tapered shape. The lower portion 103'' is wider than the upper portion 103'. Associated with the lower portion 103'' is a protective portion 105 extending from the plate-like protective cover 103 in the same direction as the elongated support element 112.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an X-ray imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The imaging device 200 includes a vertically extending frame 201 and an elongated rotatable arm 202 operatively connected to the vertically extending frame 201, the elongated rotatable arm 202 having a first end and a second end. The rotatable arm 202 includes a radiation source 203 disposed near the first end and an image detector 206 near the second end. The imaging device 200 further includes a compression plate 205 connected to the rotatable arm 202 between the radiation source 203 and the image detector 206 and movably disposed along the rotatable arm 202 by a motorized mechanism 208, and a control system 207 for operating the imaging device. The control system 207 may further include algorithms, for example, for processing image data, and a workstation, which may further include a computer, a display, a table, and a radiation shield (not shown in FIG. 2). The imaging device 200 may further include a stand that may be free-standing and fixed to the floor or bolted to the floor, and may further have pedals for controlling the imaging device.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the X-ray imaging device shown in Fig. 2 when the breast locating structure is connected. For operation in computed tomography mode, the compression plate (and the so-called bucky) can be removed. In Fig. 3 the connection element 305' is raised towards the radiation source. The image detector 306 can be moved a certain distance downwards relative to the radiation source 203. The breast locating structure 310 is arranged above the image detector 306 and is connected to a connection structure 309 arranged on the elongated rotatable arm 202. The breast locating structure 310 has a tubular and open breast locating surface 301 for at least a part of its length.

[0025] In FIG. 3 , the breast positioning structure 310 comprises a first component in the form of an elongated element extending in a first direction and having at a first end a connection means 311 compatible with said connection structure 309, and a second component of the breast positioning structure 310 at a second end as incorporated therein, said elongated element of the breast positioning structure comprising, over at least a portion of its length, a tubular but open breast positioning surface 301, said second component being a plate-like protective cover 303 with a surface that essentially extends in a plane in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, said protective cover 303 including an opening that combs into the breast positioning surface 301.

[0026] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the X-ray imaging device shown in Figure 3 with the breast positioning structure 410 separated. The breast positioning structure 410 is shown on the right and the imaging device is shown on the left. The imaging device includes a connecting structure 409 that is compatible with the connecting means 411.

[0027] 5A is an embodiment of the present disclosure in which during imaging, the patient stands at the imaging device and the rotatable arm rotates around the patient's breast on the left side through a scan angle of about 200 degrees. The dashed line indicates the scan angle.

[0028] 5B is an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the patient sits on the imaging device during imaging and the rotatable arm rotates around the patient's breast through a scan angle of about 200 degrees. The dashed line indicates the scan angle.

[0029] FIG. 5C is a side view of FIG. 5B with the patient seated in the imaging device during imaging.

[0030] While using the arrangement as described above, the patient can position the breast to be imaged in the imaging device by herself. For positioning of the breast, the breast locating structure may be provided with an opening, which may be of a predetermined size and shape. The breast locating structure may be at least partially open upwards so that the opening can extend along the breast locating structure. The purpose is to facilitate the patient to position the breast in the structure by herself, without the assistance of an outside person, such as an operator of the imaging device.

[0031] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an imaging device for x-raying a breast of a standing or seated patient, the imaging device including a vertically extending frame and an elongated rotatable arm having an axis of rotation, the rotatable arm operatively connected to the vertically extending frame. The rotatable arm has a first end and a second end, a radiation source disposed proximate the first end, and an image detector proximate the second end. A compression plate may be connected or connectably disposed to the rotatable arm between the radiation source and the image detector, and may be movably disposed along the rotatable arm. The imaging device may include a control system.

[0032] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the rotatable arm comprises a connection structure between a first end and a second end for releasably receiving a breast locating structure, the breast locating structure comprising a first component in the form of an elongated element extending in a first direction and having at its first end a connection means matching said connection structure on the rotatable arm, and integrally at its second end a second component of the breast locating structure extending generally in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The elongated element of the breast locating structure comprises a tubular but open breast locating surface for at least a portion of its length. The second component may be a plate-like protective cover comprising a substantially planar extending surface in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the protective cover having an opening combing against the breast locating surface.

[0033] The imaging device described in the present disclosure provides a mammography device and a computed tomography device integrated in the same imaging device. The imaging device can thus be used in different operating modes and can be configured to be selectively used for both conventional 2D mammography and computed tomography. Considering the imaging device in a vertically extending position with the first end of the rotatable arm being the upper end, the transition from the mammography mode to the computed tomography mode can be performed by removing the compression plate that may be used in the mammography mode from the rotatable arm and connecting the breast positioning structure with a protective cover to the rotatable arm. The rotatable arm can include a connector structure for the breast positioning structure above the image detector. In relation to the transition, the image detector can be moved downwards from the radiation source at a distance ranging from 1 mm to 100 mm, for example 50 mm, 80 mm, or 100 mm.

[0034] The imaging volume of the imaging device in the context of the present disclosure may be designed to have a diameter of 200 mm and may be dimensioned based on a maximum breast diameter of 190 mm and a defined maximum breast length of 135 mm. When the patient's breast is supported on a breast positioning surface, its shape changes due to gravity. The deformation spreads the breast, while the amount of spreading depends on the density of the breast tissue. Therefore, the inner surface of the positioning structure is formed in a concave or tubular shape to prevent the breast from spreading in the width direction and outside the imaging volume. The positioning structure is positioned on the imaging device such that its lowest point is 20 mm, for example, above the lowest point of the imaging volume.

[0035] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a breast positioning structure comprising a protective cover, which has "a portion at a lowermost end configured to extend substantially parallel to an elongate element that connects to a rotatable arm, and an uppermost portion, the upper portion configured to extend in an angular direction away from an imaging device."

[0036] The role of the protective cover in the breast positioning structure is to adequately protect the patient in a standing or sitting position from collision with the movable rotating arm, and also to ensure that the patient's anatomical structures remote from the breast are not exposed to radiation during the imaging operation. The protective cover is adapted to extend from the edge of the first opening along the patient's body beyond the patient's chest and head, thereby advantageously adapting to the shape of the patient's body and protecting it. The protective cover may have a width substantially greater than the width of the patient's breast. The height of the protective cover may be adapted to extend close to the radiation source. The protective cover may be a separate or integral part of the positioning structure and is made of a rigid and radiotransparent material, for example carbon fiber. The protective cover may be, for example, multi-part. The upper part of the protective cover may be transparent, for example made of polycarbonate, and the lower part may be opaque. The protective cover may be molded in a predetermined angular position relative to the lower part of the protective cover, for example the upper part projects at a predetermined angle relative to the patient's face into a guide position for the patient's head and body members, as desired. In the sitting position, for computed tomography, the protective cover is further configured to have a sufficient distance from the floor. This distance can be, for example, 750 mm, this value being based on statistics regarding the average patient size when the patient is in a sitting position. The distance from the edge of the protective cover to the thighs of a sitting patient is as small as possible, for example about 160 mm, so that the image detector can rotate around the subject in the sitting position of the patient. In the mammography mode, the minimum size is larger.

[0037] During use, the patient can position the breast to be imaged on the imaging device by herself. For positioning of the breast, the positioning structure may be provided with a second opening, which may have a different size and shape. The positioning structure may be at least partially open upwards so that the opening can extend along the positioning structure. The objective is to facilitate the patient to position the breast on the positioning structure by herself, without the assistance of an external person, such as an operator of the imaging device, while allowing positioning of the breast without compression or flattening. If the second opening is appropriately dimensioned according to the size of the patient's breast, it is easy for the patient to place it in the right position on the breast positioning surface.

[0038] The mechanism for moving the image detector in the imaging device has a connection structure, e.g., a locking or quick locking means, and is, e.g., equipped with a bearing, and the second end of the positioning structure has a connection means designed to releasably engage with each other and configured to allow rotational movement of the positioning structure in opposite directions relative to the arm and the image detector, such that the positioning structure maintains a fixed position relative to the patient during rotation. The connection of the positioning structure can, e.g., be implemented coaxially, such that the positioning structure engages with an independent rotation mechanism that allows rotation about the same axis as the arm of the imaging device. Furthermore, the breast positioning surface of the positioning structure is spaced from the image detector, e.g., 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 50 mm or 80 mm above the image detector, and is arranged such that the radiation source and the image detector are free to rotate in opposite directions about the positioning structure while the user's breast is in the breast positioning surface.

[0039] In the present disclosure, when the positioning structure is connected to the imaging device, there are two specific operating modes for the imaging device. In the computed tomography mode, when the patient is in a standing position, the rotatable arm having the radiation source and the image detector is adapted to be rotated in a scanning trajectory that extends from above the patient's head to the left by more than 180 degrees or more than 200 degrees when imaging the left breast, and from above the patient's head to the right by more than 180 degrees or more than 200 degrees when imaging the right breast. Furthermore, when the patient is in a sitting position, the rotatable arm having the radiation source and the image detector is adapted to be rotated in a scanning trajectory that extends from above the patient's head to the left by more than 100 degrees or more than 100 degrees or more to the right. The above modes allow the imaging device to image one breast while the patient is sitting and one breast while the patient is standing.

[0040] The use of an imaging device according to the present disclosure will now be described.

[0041] When the imaging device is in mammography mode and is to be switched to computed tomography mode, the upper compression plate and the bucky are removed from the imaging device and transferred so as not to interfere with the imaging in the computed tomography mode. The assembly in the image imaging device formed by the compression mechanism and the image detector is then moved downwards, for example 80 mm, from the radiation source by the control system in a motorized manner. When the upper compression plate is removed, the connection mechanism for the compression plate can be moved upwards as well. The above-mentioned positioning structure is then connected to the imaging device via the connection structure. The positioning structure is connected so that the protective cover faces the patient and the connection means of the positioning structure faces the imaging device.

[0042] In the computed tomography mode, the patient to be imaged is positioned in an upright position relative to the positioning structure such that the patient's breast is positioned through a first opening of the trough-shaped breast positioning surface. The patient can position the breast to be imaged on the surface by herself, since no compression is used. During imaging, the arm and the corresponding radiation source and image detector rotate around the breast to be imaged, exposing, for example, 350 images at a scanning angle of 180 degrees or 200 degrees from above the patient's head to the left or right. The positioning structure rotates in the opposite direction to the movement of the arm, thereby remaining stationary relative to the patient. The imaging trajectory can be defined as symmetrical or asymmetrical. When the patient is in a seated position, the vertical frame of the imaging device is adjusted so that the lower edge of the protective cover is approximately 160 mm above the patient's thigh when in a seated position.

[0043] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an imaging device for x-raying a breast of a patient in a standing or sitting position, the imaging device comprising a vertically extending frame (201), an elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) having an axis of rotation, the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) having a first end and a second end, operably connected to the elongated rotatable frame (201), the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) being disposed adjacent its first end. The imaging device includes an elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) including a radiation source (203) positioned adjacent a second end thereof and an image detector (206, 306) near a second end thereof, a compression plate (205, 305) optionally removably connected to the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) between the radiation source (203) and the image detector (206, 306) and movably positioned along the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302), and a control system (207). The elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) comprises a connection structure (309, 409) between a first end and a second end thereof for removably receiving a breast positioning structure (110, 310, 410), the breast positioning structure (110, 310, 410) being an elongated support element having a first end and a second end, extending in a first direction and having a connection means (111) at its first end that fits with the connection structure (309, 409) on the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302). The breast positioning structure (110, 310, 410) further comprises a second component in the form of a plate-like protective cover (103) having a surface extending essentially in a plane in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, the protective cover (103) having an opening (104) at least partially adjoining the breast positioning surface (101, 301).

[0044] The elongate support element (112) may be tubular for part of its length and tubular for another part, but may be open ended as well as its upper portion.

[0045] The breast positioning structure (110, 310, 410) may be configured to be rotatable coaxially with the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302).

[0046] The image detector (206, 306) may be movably positioned relative to the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) so as to be located at different distances from the radiation source (203).

[0047] The control system may be equipped with different operating modes for imaging, as used in conventional 2D mammography on the one hand, and in computed tomography on the other.

[0048] The computed tomography mode can include adjusting the distance from the radiation source (203) to the image detector (206, 306) to be in the range of 1-100 mm longer than the 2D mammography mode.

[0049] The elongated rotatable arms (202, 302) may be configured to rotate over an angular range of greater than 180 degrees.

[0050] The elongated support elements (112) may be formed from carbon fiber.

[0051] The protective cover (103) can have a width substantially greater than the width of the patient's breast and a height adapted to extend proximate to the radiation source.

[0052] The breast positioning structure (110, 310, 410) may have a protective portion (105) extending from the lower end of the plate-shaped protective cover (103) in the same direction as the elongated support element (112).

[0053] The method may further include adjusting the distance between the radiation source (203) and the image detector (206, 306) when switching from the mammography imaging mode to the computed tomography mode.

[0054] Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a method for X-raying the breast of a patient in a standing or sitting position using an imaging device (200, 300), comprising, when switching from a mammography imaging mode to a computed tomography mode, connecting a positioning structure (110, 310, 410) having a breast positioning surface (101) to the imaging device (200, 300), optionally adjusting the distance between the breast positioning surface (101) and the image detector (206, 306) so that the breast positioning surface (101) is at a desired distance from the image detector (206, 306), positioning the patient's breast to be imaged on the breast positioning surface (101) such that the breast is on the breast positioning surface (101), and operating the imaging device in the computed tomography mode.

[0055] The method can include adjusting the distance between the radiation source (203) and the image detector (206, 306) when switching from a mammography imaging mode to a computed tomography mode.

[0056] When switching from the mammography imaging mode to the computed tomography mode, the compression plate (205, 305) of the mammography device is removed from the imaging device (200, 300).

[0057] If the positioning structure (110, 310, 410) comprises a protective cover having an opening (104), the method may include, before commencing imaging in the computed tomography mode, positioning the patient relative to the protective cover (103) so that the patient's chest faces the imaging device (200, 300) and positioning the breast to be imaged on the breast positioning surface (101) so that the breast to be imaged passes through the opening (104).

[0058] The protective cover (103) can adjust and guide the patient's body so that the patient's breasts are in a substantially vertical position during imaging when the patient is in contact with the protective cover (103).

[0059] In computed tomography mode, when the patient is in a standing position, the rotatable arm (202, 302) can be rotated in a scan trajectory that extends approximately 200 degrees or more to the left from the vertical position of the elongated rotatable arm when imaging the left breast, and approximately 200 degrees or more to the right from the vertical position of the elongated rotatable arm when imaging the right breast.

[0060] In computed tomography mode, further, when the patient is in a seated position, the rotatable arm (202, 302) can be rotated through a scanning trajectory of about 200 degrees or more, extending about 100 degrees to the left and about 100 degrees to the right from the vertical position of the elongated rotatable arm.

[0061] During a computed tomography exposure, the positioning structure can be rotated (110, 310, 410) in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotatable arm (102) and about the same axis of rotation.

[0062] Modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims. Words such as "including," "comprising," "incorporated," "have," "is," and the like, used to describe and claim the present disclosure, are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., to allow for the presence of items, components, or elements not expressly recited. References to the singular should also be interpreted as referring to the plural.

Claims

Claim 1 An imaging apparatus for X-ray imaging of a patient's breast in a standing or sitting position, a vertically extending frame (201), an elongate rotatable arm (202, 302) having a rotation axis, the elongate rotatable arm (202, 302) having a first end and a second end, operably connected to the vertically extending frame (201), the elongate rotatable arm (202, 302) including a radiation source (203) disposed in the vicinity of the first end thereof and an image detector (206, 306) in the vicinity of the second end thereof, the elongate rotatable arm (202, 302); a compression plate (205, 305) removably and optionally connected to the elongate rotatable arm (202, 302) between the radiation source (203) and the image detector (206, 306) and movably disposed along the elongate rotatable arm (202, 302); a control system (207), wherein the elongate rotatable arm (202, 302) has a connection structure (309, 409) between the first end and the second end for removably receiving a breast positioning structure (110, 310, 410), the breast positioning structure (110, 310, 410) having a first end and a second end, extending in a first direction, and having, at the first end, a first component in the form of an elongate support element (112) having connection means (111) adapted to the connection structure (309, 409) in the elongate rotatable arm (202, 302), the elongate support element (112) having a tubular breast positioning surface (101, 301) for at least a part of its length, the breast positioning structure (110, 310, 410) further comprising a second component in the form of a plate-like protective cover (103) having a surface essentially extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the protective cover (103) having an opening (104) at least partially joining to the breast positioning surface (101, 301), characterized in that, the control system (207); comprising, the imaging apparatus. Claim 2 The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongate support element (112) is tubular for a part of its length and tubular for other parts but open at its upper part. Claim 3 The breast positioning structure (110, 310, 410) is configured to be rotatable coaxially with the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302). The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

4. The image detector (206, 306) is movably arranged with respect to the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) so as to be located at different distances from the radiation source (203). The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

5. The control system includes different operation modes for imaging, which are used in conventional 2D mammography and, on the other hand, in computed tomography. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

6. The computed tomography mode includes adjusting the distance from the radiation source (203) to the image detector (206, 306) so as to be in a range 1 to 100 mm longer than the 2D mammography mode. The imaging device according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. The elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) is configured to rotate in an angular range exceeding 180 degrees. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

8. The elongated support element (112) is made of carbon fiber. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that.

9. The protective cover (103) has a width that is substantially larger than the height adapted to extend to the width of the patient's breast and in the vicinity of the radiation source. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

10. The breast positioning structure (110, 310, 410) has a protective portion (105) extending in the same direction as the elongated support element (112) from the lower end of the plate-shaped protective cover (103). The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

11. A method for X-ray imaging of a patient's breast in a standing or sitting position using an imaging device (200, 300), the method comprising, when switching from a mammography imaging mode to a computed tomography mode, - Connecting a positioning structure (110, 310, 410) having a breast positioning surface (101) to the imaging device (200, 300), - Optionally, adjusting the distance between the breast positioning surface (101) and the image detector (206, 306) such that the breast positioning surface (101) is at a desired distance from the image detector (206, 306); - Placing the breast of the patient to be imaged on the breast positioning surface (101) such that the breast is on the breast positioning surface (101); - Operating the imaging device in the computed tomography mode, wherein the method is characterized by including the above steps.

12. The method is - When switching from the mammography imaging mode to the computed tomography mode, adjusting the distance between the radiation source (203) and the image detector (206, 306) and / or removing the compression plates (205, 305) of the mammography device from the imaging device (200, 300), wherein the method according to claim 11 is characterized by including the above steps.

13. The positioning structure (110, 310, 410) further comprises a protective cover having an opening (104), and the method is - Positioning the patient with respect to the protective cover (103) such that the chest of the patient faces the imaging device (200, 300), and positioning the breast to be imaged on the breast positioning surface (101) such that the breast to be imaged passes through the opening (104), wherein the method according to claim 11 or 12 is characterized by including the above steps.

14. The method is - When the patient is in contact with the protective cover (103), arranging the protective cover (103) to adjust and guide the body of the patient such that the chest of the patient is in a substantially vertical position during imaging, wherein the method according to claim 11 or 12 is characterized by including the above steps.

15. The method is in the computed tomography mode - When the patient is in a standing position, the elongated rotatable arm (202, 302) extends approximately 200 degrees or more to the left from the vertical position of the elongated rotatable arm when imaging the left breast, and extends approximately 200 degrees or more to the right from the vertical position of the elongated rotatable arm when imaging the right breast, and rotates along a scanning trajectory that extends along the scanning trajectory, and / or when the patient is in a sitting position, the rotatable arm (202, 302) is rotated along a scanning trajectory of approximately 200 degrees or more that extends approximately 100 degrees to the left and approximately 100 degrees to the right from the vertical position of the elongated rotatable arm. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by including the above.

16. The imaging device includes a rotatable arm (102), and the method includes - During the exposure of computed tomography, rotating the positioning structure (110, 310, 410) about the same rotation axis in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotatable arm (102). The method according to claim 11 or 12.

Images