Mammography apparatus and sample imaging support set

Abstract

To provide a mammography apparatus capable of improving accuracy of radiographing a sample, and a sample imaging support set.SOLUTION: A mammography apparatus 2 comprises: an imaging base 14 comprising a placement surface 14A to place a breast thereon; a protection cover 60 comprising a first magnetic body 91 at a first prescribed position and attached to the placement surface 14A; and a sample tray 80 which comprises a second magnetic body 92 magnetically attracted to the first magnetic body 91, and a sample housing part 82 and is placed on the placement surface 14A via the protection cover 60. The sample tray 80 can be magnetically fitted to the first prescribed position of the protection cover 60 by the first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mammography apparatus and a specimen imaging auxiliary set. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, mammography devices have been developed that are equipped with a biopsy unit for performing a detailed examination of tissue from a region of the breast suspected of being a lesion, i.e., a so-called biopsy. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a breast placed on an imaging table is compressed by a compression plate and radiographed, and a biopsy needle is inserted through an opening in the compression plate into the position of the biopsy region calculated based on the radiographic image, thereby obtaining tissue. It also discloses that the extracted tissue is placed in a petri dish, and the petri dish is placed on the compression plate while the breast is compressed, and radiographed, thereby inspecting whether the extracted tissue is the desired tissue, and re-extracting the tissue if necessary. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-024748 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, when radiography is performed on samples such as collected cells and tissues while the breast is compressed, it is necessary to place the sample in an appropriate position. Specifically, it is necessary to place the sample in a predetermined position within the radiation irradiation range and such that the shadows of devices, instruments, the breast, etc. are not captured on the sample. It is also necessary to keep the sample still until the imaging is completed.

[0005] However, in the past, the operator placed the sample at his / her own discretion, which meant that the sample would sometimes shift from the appropriate position. In addition, even if the sample was initially placed in the appropriate position, it could shift during imaging due to the movement of the operator and the subject during the imaging process. Depending on the location of the biopsy site, the imaging table may be tilted to compress the breast while the sample is collected and radiographed, and the sample may slip off due to the effects of gravity. In these cases, the accuracy of radiography of the sample is reduced.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a mammography apparatus and a specimen imaging auxiliary set that can improve the accuracy of radiation imaging of a specimen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a mammography device comprising: an imaging table having a mounting surface on which a breast is placed; a protective cover having a first magnetic body at a first predetermined position and attached to the mounting surface; a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body by magnetic force; a sample storage section; and a sample tray that is placed on the mounting surface via the protective cover, wherein the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are configured to magnetically attach the sample tray to the first predetermined position of the protective cover.

[0008] In the above aspect, the protective cover may include a first magnetic body at each of a plurality of first predetermined positions spaced apart from one another, and the sample tray may include a plurality of second magnetic bodies arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of first predetermined positions.

[0009] In the above aspect, the protective cover includes a tray mounting area on which the sample tray is placed when attached to the mounting surface, and which includes a first predetermined position, and the tray mounting area may be an area that is closer to the end than the center in a width direction perpendicular to a depth direction from the chest wall to the nipple of the breast placed on the protective cover.

[0010] In the above aspect, the protective cover includes a tray mounting area on which the sample tray is placed when attached to the mounting surface, and which includes a first predetermined position, and the tray mounting area may be an area closer to the chest wall than the center in the depth direction from the chest wall to the nipple of the breast placed on the protective cover.

[0011] In the above aspect, when the protective cover is attached to the mounting surface, it includes an irradiation area to which radiation can be irradiated, a non-irradiated area to which radiation is not irradiated, and a tray mounting area in which a sample tray is placed and which includes a first predetermined position, and of the tray mounting area, at least the first predetermined position may be included in the non-irradiated area, and the remaining area including the storage section may be included in the irradiation area.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the first magnetic body may be a magnetizable body, and the second magnetic body may be a magnet.

[0013] In the above aspect, the imaging stand may include a third magnetic body at a second predetermined position on the mounting surface, and the protective cover may further include a fourth magnetic body that is attracted to the third magnetic body by magnetic force, and the protective cover may be configured to be magnetically attached to the second predetermined position of the imaging stand by the third magnetic body and the fourth magnetic body.

[0014] In the above embodiment, the first magnetic body and the fourth magnetic body may have different forms.

[0015] In the above aspect, the protective cover comprises a plurality of first magnetic bodies arranged at equal intervals and a plurality of fourth magnetic bodies arranged at equal intervals, and the spacing between the plurality of first magnetic bodies and the spacing between the plurality of fourth magnetic bodies may be different.

[0016] In the above embodiment, the third magnetic body may be a magnetizable body, and the fourth magnetic body may be a magnet.

[0017] In the above-mentioned aspect, the mammography apparatus further includes an irradiation unit that irradiates radiation onto the placing surface, and a control unit that controls the irradiation unit, and the control unit may control the irradiation unit so that radiation is irradiated onto at least a portion of the storage unit and so that radiation is not irradiated onto at least a portion of the breast.

[0018] In the above aspect, the control unit may control the irradiating unit so that radiation is not irradiated onto at least a part of the breast and the first predetermined position.

[0019] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a mammography device comprising: an imaging table having a mounting surface on which a breast is placed and a first magnetic body arranged at a first predetermined position on the mounting surface; a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body by magnetic force; and a sample container and a sample tray that is placed on the mounting surface, wherein the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body enable the sample tray to be magnetically attached to the first predetermined position on the imaging table.

[0020] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a specimen imaging auxiliary set including a protective cover having a first magnetic body and attached to a support surface of a mammography device on which a breast is placed, a specimen tray having a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body by magnetic force, and a specimen storage section. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the above aspect, the mammography apparatus and specimen imaging auxiliary set disclosed herein can improve the accuracy of radiation imaging of a specimen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mammography apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a compression plate. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of a mammography apparatus. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging table, the protective cover, and the sample tray. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an imaging table, a protective cover, and a sample tray. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an appropriate placement position of a sample tray. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging table and the sample tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a mammography apparatus 2 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mammography device 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the mammography device 2 is connected to an arm 13 so that a radiation storage unit 16, which stores a radiation irradiator 17 therein, and an imaging table 14 face each other.

[0025] An image recording medium such as a radiation detector 15 is set inside the imaging stand 14 while being accommodated in a recording medium holder such as a cassette. The arm 13 is attached to the base 11 by a C-axis 12. Also, the C-axis 12, which serves as the center of rotation, is attached to the center position of the radiation detector 15 so that the center of rotation of the arm 13 becomes the center of the radiation detector 15 in the X direction (see FIG. 2), and the arm 13 is provided on the base 11.

[0026] The base 11 is provided with an operation unit 28 that receives an instruction to irradiate radiation from the radiation irradiator 17 and allows an operator to adjust the height of the imaging table 14 (i.e., the height of the arm 13) and the inclination of the imaging table 14 (i.e., the inclination of the arm 13), and an arm control unit 31 that moves the arm 13 up and down and rotates it in accordance with an input from the operation unit 28. The arm control unit 31 adjusts the inclination of the arm 13 by rotating the C-axis 12 attached to the base 11, and adjusts the height of the imaging table 14 by moving the arm 13 up and down.

[0027] At the center of the arm 13, there are provided a compression plate 18 that is disposed above the imaging table 14 and presses down on the breast M, a support section 20 that supports the compression plate 18, and a movement mechanism 19 that moves the support section 20 up and down along the arm 13. The position and compression pressure of the compression plate 18 are controlled by a compression plate controller 34.

[0028] 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of how the mammography apparatus 2 is used, viewed from above the imaging table 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging table 14 has a mounting surface 14A on which the breast M is placed, and a protective cover 60 is attached to the mounting surface 14A to protect the imaging table 14 from contamination by the subject's body fluids and the like. The breast M is placed on the protective cover 60, and the breast M is compressed by the compression plate 18. The compression plate 18 has an opening 25 so that a biopsy can be performed with the breast M fixed by the imaging table 14 and the compression plate 18. The size of the opening 25 is, for example, about 10×10 cm square.

[0029] A specimen tray 80 having a storage section 82 for a specimen S collected by biopsy is placed on the placement surface 14A at the end of the imaging table 14 via a protective cover 60. The storage section 82 has a concave cross-sectional shape and is capable of storing the specimen S therein. Note that, although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the specimen tray 80 is placed on the right side of the breast M and on the chest wall side, the placement position of the specimen tray 80 is not limited thereto and may be any position that does not interfere with the breast M, the compression paddle 18, etc.

[0030] The protective cover 60 and the sample tray 80 are preferably made of a material that has excellent radiation transparency and excellent strength such as drop strength and compression strength. Examples of such materials that can be used include resins such as polymethylpentene (PMP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0031] Biopsy unit 26 has biopsy needle 21 that is inserted into breast M, and biopsy needle unit 22, and further includes a moving mechanism 24 that moves biopsy needle unit 22 in the X, Y, and Z directions. The position of the tip of biopsy needle 21 of biopsy needle unit 22 is controlled by a needle position controller 35 provided in moving mechanism 24. Note that in Fig. 2, the horizontal direction is the X direction, the vertical direction is the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the XY plane is the Z direction.

[0032] Before puncturing, the mammography device 2 obtains scout images captured from two directions so as to include the target area of ​​the breast M to be biopsied. Scout images are images viewed from different viewpoints in order to confirm the position for pathological examination. For example, two partial images obtained by capturing images of the radiation irradiator 17 from directions tilted to the left and right from the direction along the arm 13 are used as scout images. From the deviation of the target contained in the two scout images, the distance z from the bottom surface of the compression plate 18 (the side that contacts and presses the breast) to the target and its position on the XY plane can be calculated to obtain three-dimensional position information of the target.

[0033] When the needle position controller 35 of the biopsy unit 26 receives the position information of the target, it moves the position of the tip of the biopsy needle 21 to the position of the target, and causes the biopsy needle 21 to puncture the breast M.

[0034] Next, the electrical configuration of the mammography apparatus 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the mammography apparatus 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the mammography apparatus 2 includes an operation panel 29 and a control unit 50 in addition to the radiation detector 15, radiation irradiator 17, and biopsy unit 26 described above. The control unit 50 is connected to the radiation irradiator 17, the radiation detector 15, the biopsy unit 26, and the operation panel 29. The radiation irradiator 17 is an example of an irradiation unit that irradiates radiation to the placement surface 14A of the present disclosure.

[0035] The radiation detector 15 is irradiated with radiation carrying image information, records the image information, and outputs the recorded image information, and is configured, for example, as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) on which a radiation sensitive layer is arranged and which converts radiation into digital data and outputs it. When irradiated with radiation, the radiation detector 15 outputs image information indicating a radiation image to the control unit 50. For example, the radiation detector 15 is irradiated with radiation that has passed through the breast M or a sample S (described in detail later) contained in the sample tray 80, and thereby image information indicating a radiation image of the breast M or the sample S is obtained.

[0036] The needle position controller 35 provided in the biopsy unit 26 drives the biopsy unit 26 in response to instructions from the control unit 50. Specifically, the biopsy unit 26 moves the biopsy needle 21 to a specified position and holds the biopsy needle 21 in a state inclined at an insertion angle.

[0037] The operation panel 29 has a function for setting various operation information such as exposure conditions and posture information, various operation instructions, etc. The exposure conditions set on the operation panel 29 include information such as tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, and posture information. The posture information specified on the operation panel 29 includes information indicating the imaging positions (imaging postures, angles) when imaging the breast M from multiple directions.

[0038] The control unit 50 has the function of controlling the overall operation of the mammography apparatus 2, and is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 52 as a processor, memory 54 including ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and a non-volatile storage unit 56 consisting of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and flash memory or the like. A control program 56A that controls the overall operation of the mammography apparatus 2 is stored in the storage unit 56. The CPU 52 reads out the control program 56A from the storage unit 56, loads it into the memory 54, and executes the loaded control program 56A.

[0039] When the control unit 50 receives an irradiation instruction from the operator via the operation panel 29 (exposure switch), it causes the radiation source 30 provided in the radiation irradiator 17 to irradiate radiation onto the upper surface of the imaging table 14 in accordance with an imaging menu set based on the specified exposure conditions. That is, radiation is irradiated onto the imaging site (breast M or specimen S) placed on the placement surface 14A, thereby capturing a radiation image.

[0040] In order to reduce the risk of radiation exposure to the subject, when performing radiography on the specimen S, it is preferable that the breast M is not irradiated with radiation. Specifically, when performing radiography on the specimen S, it is preferable that the control unit 50 controls the radiation irradiator 17 so that at least a portion of the container 82 (see FIG. 4) for the specimen S in the specimen tray 80 is irradiated with radiation, and at least a portion of the breast M is not irradiated with radiation.

[0041] Moreover, the sample tray 80 according to this embodiment is configured to be magnetically attached to a first predetermined position of the protective cover 60 by a first magnetic body 91 and a second magnetic body 92 (details will be described later). In order to suppress the influence of these magnetic bodies on the radiographic image, for example the occurrence of artifacts, it is preferable that the first predetermined position (i.e., the first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92) is not irradiated with radiation. Specifically, when performing radiography on the sample S, it is preferable that the control unit 50 controls the radiation irradiator 17 so that radiation is not irradiated to at least a part of the breast M and the first predetermined position.

[0042] Furthermore, when performing tomosynthesis imaging in which imaging is performed from multiple directions, the control unit 50 adjusts the attitude of the arm 13 so that the radiation irradiator 17 is positioned above the upper surface of the imaging table 14. Then, the control unit 50 rotates the arm 13 to move the radiation irradiator 17 in an arc shape from a predetermined initial angle by angles of predetermined increments, causing the radiation source 30 provided in the radiation irradiator 17 to irradiate radiation individually at different angles to the upper surface of the imaging table 14 based on the imaging conditions. In this way, multiple radiation images are obtained.

[0043] The exposure conditions, various operation information such as posture information, and various operation instructions are not limited to being set by an operator through the operation panel 29, and may be stored in a storage unit in advance. Also, they may be obtained from another control device such as a Radiology Information System (RIS).

[0044] With the above configuration, the mammography device 2 according to this embodiment is also capable of radiography of the sample S collected from the breast M while the breast M is in a compressed state. Therefore, based on the radiographic image of the sample S, while the breast M is in a compressed state, it is possible to confirm whether the sample S contains the desired tissue, and, if necessary, to re-collect the sample S.

[0045] Incidentally, when taking a radiograph of the collected specimen S while keeping the breast M in a compressed state, it is required to place the specimen S in an appropriate position. Specifically, it is desirable to place the specimen S in a predetermined position within the radiation irradiation range and such that the shadows of the devices, instruments, breast M, etc. are not captured. It is also desirable to keep the specimen S still until the radiographing is completed.

[0046] However, when the operator places the specimen S on the imaging table 14 at his / her own discretion, it may shift from the appropriate position. Furthermore, even if the specimen S is initially placed in the appropriate position, it may shift during imaging due to the operator and subject moving during the imaging process. Furthermore, depending on the position of the biopsy site, the imaging table 14 (i.e., the arm 13) may be tilted to collect the specimen S and perform radiography, and the specimen S may not be able to be placed on the imaging table 14 or may slip off due to the effect of gravity. In these cases, the accuracy of radiography of the specimen S may be reduced.

[0047] Therefore, in the mammography device 2 according to this embodiment, the sample tray 80, in which the sample S is stored, is magnetically attracted to the protective cover 60 attached to the mounting surface 14A of the imaging table 14, thereby easily achieving alignment and fixation of the sample tray 80. The detailed configurations of the imaging table 14, the protective cover 60, and the sample tray 80 will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 to 6.

[0048] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a state in which the imaging table 14, the protective cover 60, and the sample tray 80 are disassembled. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the imaging table 14, the protective cover 60, and the sample tray 80 are combined and used as the mammography device 2. Fig. 5 also shows the positions of the breast M and the sample S placed on the imaging table 14, and the radiation irradiation area A1.

[0049] 4, the protective cover 60 includes a first magnetic body 91 at a first predetermined position. The sample tray 80 includes a second magnetic body 92 that is attracted to the first magnetic body 91 of the protective cover 60 by magnetic force. That is, the first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92 allow the sample tray 80 to be magnetically attached to the first predetermined position of the protective cover 60. Here, the first predetermined position is a position on the protective cover 60 that is determined in advance, and when the sample tray 80 is placed at this position, it is a position where the sample S accommodated in the sample tray 80 can be appropriately photographed.

[0050] According to this configuration, the first magnetic body 91 of the protective cover 60 and the second magnetic body 92 of the sample tray 80 can magnetically attach the sample tray 80 to the first predetermined position (a position suitable for imaging the sample S). Therefore, the positioning of the sample tray 80 on the protective cover 60 is easy, and the sample S can be placed in an appropriate position without depending on the operator's discretion. In addition, by magnetically attaching the protective cover 60 and the sample tray 80, the sample tray 80 is less likely to shift, and stable radiation imaging of the sample S is possible. Furthermore, if the magnetic force is sufficiently strong, the sample tray 80 will not slip down due to gravity even if it is placed on the protective cover 60 with the imaging table 14 (i.e., the arm 13) tilted. Therefore, the degree of freedom in positioning the subject's posture and the breast M is improved, and it becomes possible to collect the sample S from a site that was previously difficult to collect.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4, the protective cover 60 preferably includes a first magnetic body 91 at each of a plurality of first predetermined positions arranged at intervals from each other. In this case, the sample tray 80 is configured to include a plurality of second magnetic bodies 92 arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of first predetermined positions on the protective cover 60 side. In the example of Fig. 4, the protective cover 60 includes two first magnetic bodies 91, and the sample tray 80 also includes two second magnetic bodies 92 correspondingly. The interval between the two first magnetic bodies 91 and the interval between the two second magnetic bodies 92 are the same.

[0052] In this manner, with a configuration having a plurality of combinations of corresponding first magnetic bodies 91 and second magnetic bodies 92, the protective cover 60 and the specimen tray 80 can be magnetically attached to each other at a plurality of locations (each of a plurality of first predetermined positions). Therefore, the specimen tray 80 can be placed on the protective cover 60 in a more accurate position and orientation than in the case of magnetic attachment at one location, and the accuracy of radiography of the specimen S can be improved. In addition, the specimen tray 80 is less likely to shift, and more stable radiography of the specimen S can be performed.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of a preferred position where the sample tray 80 is placed on the protective cover 60. Hereinafter, with the protective cover 60 attached to the placement surface 14A of the imaging stand 14, the area on the protective cover 60 where the sample tray 80 is placed and including the first predetermined position will be referred to as a "tray placement area."

[0054] As shown in Fig. 5, the tray placement area is preferably an area closer to the end (i.e., outside) than the center in the width direction (X direction in Fig. 5) perpendicular to the depth direction (opposite to the Y direction in Fig. 5) from the chest wall to the nipple of the breast M placed on the protective cover 60. In the example of Fig. 5, the breast M is placed biased to the left side as seen from the subject, and the sample tray 80 is placed at the end on the right side as seen from the subject. In this way, by placing the sample tray 80 closer to the end than the center where the breast M is placed, the risk of exposure of the subject when radiographing the sample S can be reduced.

[0055] 4 and 5, tray placement areas are provided on both the left and right sides as viewed from the subject (X direction in FIG. 5), allowing either the left or right tray placement area to be selectively used. In FIG. 4, the sample tray 80 placed on the tray placement area on the left side as viewed from the subject is indicated by a dotted line. With this configuration, the degree of freedom of placement position of the sample tray 80 is improved, so that the sample tray 80 can be placed on a more preferable end depending on, for example, whether the breast M is the right breast or the left breast, the subject's posture, etc.

[0056] 5 and 6, the tray placement area is preferably an area closer to the chest wall than the center in the depth direction from the chest wall to the nipple of the breast M placed on the protective cover 60 (the opposite direction to the Y direction in FIG. 5). FIG. 6 is a view of the sample tray 80 as viewed from the left side of the subject. As shown in FIG. 6, in general, in the mammography device 2, the radiation irradiator 17 is disposed at a position where radiation can be irradiated to the breast M at an emission angle close to perpendicular.

[0057] As shown by the solid line in Fig. 6, by placing the specimen tray 80 on the chest wall side (i.e., the side closer to the subject), radiation can be irradiated to the specimen S at an emission angle close to perpendicular, as in imaging of the breast M, and an appropriate radiological image of the specimen S can be obtained. On the other hand, as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 6, if the specimen tray 80 is placed on the opposite side of the chest wall side in the depth direction (i.e., the side farther from the subject), the irradiation angle of the radiation irradiated to the specimen S is no longer perpendicular. In this case, as shown in Fig. 6, there is a possibility that the side wall of the specimen tray 80 may be captured in the radiological image as so-called vignetting.

[0058] 5, the protective cover 60 includes an irradiation area A1 to which radiation can be irradiated and a non-irradiation area A2 to which radiation is not irradiated when the protective cover 60 is attached to the mounting surface 14A of the imaging table 14. In this case, it is preferable that at least a first predetermined position of the tray mounting area is included in the non-irradiation area A2, and the remaining area including the container 82 for the specimen S is included in the irradiation area A1. In other words, it is preferable that the specimen S is reflected in the radiation image, and the first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92 are not reflected in the radiation image. By arranging the first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92 in the non-irradiation area A2, it is possible to suppress effects on the radiation image, such as the occurrence of artifacts.

[0059] The above describes the alignment and fixation of the protective cover 60 and the specimen tray 80 using magnetic force. Similarly, the alignment and fixation of the protective cover 60 and the mounting surface 14A of the imaging table 14 may be performed using magnetic force. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the imaging table 14 may include a third magnetic body 93 at a second predetermined position on the mounting surface 14A. The protective cover 60 may further include a fourth magnetic body 94 that attracts the third magnetic body 93 of the imaging table 14 by magnetic force. That is, the protective cover 60 may be configured to be magnetically attached to the second predetermined position of the imaging table 14 by the third magnetic body 93 and the fourth magnetic body 94. Here, the second predetermined position is a predetermined position on the mounting surface 14A of the imaging table 14, and is a position where the positional relationship between the radiation irradiation area A1, the specimen tray 80, the breast M, etc. is matched when the protective cover 60 is attached to the second predetermined position.

[0060] For example, magnetic metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, and magnetic oxides such as ferrite and magnetite can be appropriately used as the first magnetic body 91, the second magnetic body 92, the third magnetic body 93, and the fourth magnetic body 94. A magnetizable body is a material that does not have magnetic properties by itself, or has a weaker magnetic force than a magnet, such as a ferromagnetic material.

[0061] The fact that the first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92 are attracted to each other by a magnetic force means that at least one of them is a magnet. That is, the first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92 are each a combination of a magnetizable body and a magnet, a magnet and a magnetizable body, or a magnet and a magnet with different poles. As shown in FIG. 4, when there are multiple combinations of corresponding first magnetic bodies 91 and second magnetic bodies 92, the first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92 may be different from each other in which one is a magnet for each combination.

[0062] Preferably, the first magnetic body 91 of the protective cover 60 is a magnetizable body, and the second magnetic body 92 of the specimen tray 80 is a magnet. The mammography device 2 can also be used for normal mammography that does not involve biopsy, and it is possible to use only the protective cover 60 from a hygienic standpoint, without using the specimen tray 80. By making the first magnetic body 91 of the protective cover 60 a magnetizable body rather than a magnet, it is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by the generation of magnetic force, such as the attraction of unintended magnetic bodies such as dust.

[0063] The fact that the third magnetic body 93 and the fourth magnetic body 94 are attracted to each other by a magnetic force means that at least one of them is a magnet. That is, the third magnetic body 93 and the fourth magnetic body 94 are each a combination of a magnetizable body and a magnet, a magnet and a magnetizable body, or a magnet and a magnet with different poles. As shown in FIG. 4, when there are multiple combinations of corresponding third magnetic bodies 93 and fourth magnetic bodies 94, which of the third magnetic body 93 and the fourth magnetic body 94 is a magnet may be different for each combination.

[0064] Preferably, the third magnetic body 93 of the imaging table 14 is a magnetizable body, and the fourth magnetic body 94 of the protective cover 60 is a magnet. The mammography apparatus 2 can also be used for normal mammography that does not involve biopsy, in which case it is possible to place the breast M directly on the imaging table 14 without using the sample tray 80 or the protective cover 60. By making the third magnetic body 93 of the imaging table 14 a magnetizable body rather than a magnet, it is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by the generation of magnetic force, for example, the attraction of unintended magnetic bodies such as dust.

[0065] In addition, in the protective cover 60, it is preferable that the first magnetic body 91 for attracting the sample tray 80 and the fourth magnetic body for attracting the imaging table 14 can be distinguished. For example, at least one of the size, shape, color, and pattern may be different. For example, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, when the protective cover 60 includes a plurality of first magnetic bodies 91 arranged at equal intervals and a plurality of fourth magnetic bodies 94 arranged at equal intervals, the intervals between the plurality of first magnetic bodies 91 and the intervals between the plurality of fourth magnetic bodies 94 may be different.

[0066] 4 and 5, the first magnetic bodies 91 and the fourth magnetic bodies 94 have different sizes. Also, the interval D91 between the first magnetic bodies 91 and the interval D94 between the fourth magnetic bodies 94 are different. In this way, by making the shapes different or changing the interval, the first magnetic bodies 91 and the fourth magnetic bodies 94 can be distinguished, and it is possible to prevent the sample tray 80 from being placed in the wrong position (the fourth magnetic body 94).

[0067] 4 and 5 show a configuration in which two each of the first magnetic bodies 91 and the second magnetic bodies 92 are arranged, and four each of the third magnetic bodies 93 and the fourth magnetic bodies 94 are arranged, but this is not limiting. The number, intervals, and arrangement of the first magnetic bodies 91, the second magnetic bodies 92, the third magnetic bodies 93, and the fourth magnetic bodies 94 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first magnetic bodies 91 and the second magnetic bodies 92 may be arranged in a rectangular shape, four each, in an L-shape, or in a plurality of positions at different intervals.

[0068] 4 shows an example in which a plate serving as the third magnetic body 93 is embedded inside the imaging stand 14 so as not to be visible from the outside, but this is not limiting. The third magnetic body 93 only needs to be provided so as to have a magnetic force sufficient to attract the fourth magnetic body 94 of the protective cover 60. Therefore, for example, the third magnetic body 93 such as a plate or a magnet may be adhered to the mounting surface 14A (i.e., visible from the outside).

[0069] As described above, the mammography device 2 according to this embodiment includes the imaging table 14 having a mounting surface 14A on which a breast M is placed, a protective cover 60 having a first magnetic body 91 at a first predetermined position and attached to the mounting surface 14A, a second magnetic body 92 that is attracted to the first magnetic body 91 by magnetic force, and a sample tray 80 having a container 82 for a sample S and placed on the mounting surface 14A via the protective cover 60. The first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92 enable the sample tray 80 to be magnetically attracted to the first predetermined position of the protective cover 60.

[0070] That is, with the mammography device 2 according to this embodiment, when performing radiography of a sample S taken from the breast M while the breast M is kept in a compressed state, the sample S can be placed in an appropriate position. Therefore, shadows of each device, instrument, breast M, etc. are not captured in the image, and the accuracy of radiography of the sample S can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, even when the imaging table 14 (i.e., the arm 13) is tilted to collect and radiograph the sample S, the sample tray 80 is magnetically attached to the protective cover 60, so that it is possible to prevent the sample tray 80 from slipping down due to the influence of gravity. This improves the degree of freedom in positioning the subject's posture and the breast M, making it possible to collect the sample S from a site that was previously difficult to collect, and improving the accuracy of radiographing the sample S.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the protective cover 60 is attached to the mounting surface 14A of the imaging table 14, and the sample tray 80 is placed on the protective cover 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, instead of the protective cover 60, a first magnetic body 91 may be provided on the imaging table 14 so that the imaging table 14 and the sample tray 80 are directly magnetically attached to each other. In this case, a protective cover that does not block magnetic force to prevent contamination may or may not be attached to the mounting surface 14A of the imaging table 14.

[0073] Specifically, a mammography apparatus 2 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an imaging table 14 having a mounting surface 14A on which a breast M is placed and a first magnetic body 91 arranged at a first predetermined position on the mounting surface 14A, and a sample tray 80 mounted on the mounting surface 14A, the sample tray 80 including a second magnetic body 92 that is attracted to the first magnetic body 91 by magnetic force and a container 82 for a sample S. The first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92 configure the sample tray 80 to be magnetically attached to the first predetermined position on the imaging table 14. This configuration also improves the accuracy of radiography of the sample S.

[0074] The technology of the present disclosure is also applicable to existing mammography devices (i.e., mammography devices that do not have a third magnetic body 93 on the imaging table 14). For example, a specimen imaging auxiliary set according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a protective cover 60 that has a first magnetic body 91 and is attached to a mounting surface 14A of a mammography device on which a breast M is placed, a second magnetic body 92 that is attracted to the first magnetic body 91 by magnetic force, and a specimen tray 80 that has a storage section 82 for the specimen S. In other words, the combination of the protective cover 60 and the specimen tray 80 makes it easy to align the specimen S when performing radiography on any mammography device, and can improve the accuracy of radiography of the specimen S.

[0075] In the above embodiment, for example, the hardware structure of a processing unit such as the control unit 50 that executes various processes may be any of the following processors. The above processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, as described above, as well as a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processes such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0076] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor.

[0077] As an example of configuring multiple processing units with one processor, first, there is a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units, as represented by computers such as client and server. Second, there is a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as represented by a system on chip (SoC). In this way, the various processing units are configured using one or more of the above various processors as a hardware structure.

[0078] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the control program 56A is pre-stored (installed) in the memory unit 56 of the mammography apparatus 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The program may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The program may also be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0080] From the above description, the invention described in the following appendix can be understood. [Appendix 1] an imaging table having a placement surface on which the breast is placed; a protective cover having a first magnetic body at a first predetermined position and attached to the placement surface; a sample tray including a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body by a magnetic force and a sample storage section, the sample tray being placed on the placement surface via the protective cover; Equipped with The sample tray is configured to be magnetically attracted to the first predetermined position of the protective cover by the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body. Mammography machine. [Appendix 2] the protective cover includes the first magnetic body at each of a plurality of first predetermined positions that are spaced apart from one another; The sample tray includes a plurality of the second magnetic bodies arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of first predetermined positions. 2. A mammography apparatus as described in appendix 1. [Appendix 3] the protective cover includes a tray placement area on which the sample tray is placed when the protective cover is attached to the placement surface and includes the first predetermined position; The tray placement area is an area closer to the end than the center in a width direction perpendicular to a depth direction from the chest wall to the nipple of the breast placed on the protective cover. 10. A mammography apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] the protective cover includes a tray placement area on which the sample tray is placed when the protective cover is attached to the placement surface and includes the first predetermined position; The tray placement area is an area closer to the chest wall than the center in a depth direction from the chest wall to the nipple of the breast placed on the protective cover. 4. A mammography device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. [Appendix 5] The protective cover, when attached to the placement surface, an irradiation area to which radiation can be irradiated; a non-irradiated region that is not irradiated with radiation; a tray placement area on which the sample tray is placed and which includes the first predetermined position; In the tray placement area, at least the first predetermined position is included in the non-irradiation area, and the remaining area including the storage portion is included in the irradiation area. 5. A mammography device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [Appendix 6] The first magnetic body is a magnetizable body, The second magnetic body is a magnet. 6. A mammography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Appendix 7] the imaging table includes a third magnetic body at a second predetermined position on the placement surface; The protective cover further includes a fourth magnetic body that is attracted to the third magnetic body by magnetic force, The protective cover is configured to be magnetically attached to the second predetermined position of the imaging stand by the third magnetic body and the fourth magnetic body. 7. A mammography device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [Appendix 8] The first magnetic body and the fourth magnetic body have different shapes. 8. The mammography apparatus of claim 7. [Appendix 9] The protective cover includes a plurality of the first magnetic bodies arranged at equal intervals and a plurality of the fourth magnetic bodies arranged at equal intervals, The intervals between the plurality of first magnetic bodies are different from the intervals between the plurality of fourth magnetic bodies. 9. A mammography apparatus as described in claim 7 or 8. [Appendix 10] The third magnetic body is a magnetic body, The fourth magnetic body is a magnet. 10. A mammography device according to any one of appendices 7 to 9. [Appendix 11] an irradiation unit that irradiates the placement surface with radiation; A control unit that controls the irradiation unit; Further comprising: The control unit controls the irradiation unit so that at least a portion of the storage unit is irradiated with radiation and at least a portion of the breast is not irradiated with radiation. 2. A mammography apparatus as described in appendix 1. [Appendix 12] The control unit controls the irradiation unit so that radiation is not irradiated onto at least a part of the breast and the first predetermined position. 12. The mammography apparatus of claim 11. [Appendix 13] an imaging table including a placement surface on which a breast is placed and a first magnetic body disposed at a first predetermined position on the placement surface; a sample tray that is placed on the placement surface and includes a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body by magnetic force and a sample storage section; Equipped with The sample tray is configured to be magnetically attracted to the first predetermined position on the imaging table by the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body. Mammography machine. [Appendix 14] a protective cover including a first magnetic body and attached to a support surface of a mammography device on which a breast is placed; a sample tray including a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body by magnetic force and a sample storage section; A sample photography support set including: [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 2 Mammography equipment 11 Foundation 12 C-axis 13 Arm 14. Shooting stand 14A Placement surface 15 Radiation detector 16 Radiation storage section 17 Radiation Irradiator 18 Compression plate 19 Moving mechanism 20 Support part 21 Biopsy Needle 22 Biopsy Needle Unit 24 Moving mechanism 25 Opening 26 Biopsy unit (biopsy device) 28 Control section 29 Operation Panel 30 Radiation source 31 Arm control section 34 Compression plate controller 35 Needle Position Controller 50 Control section 52 CPU 54 Memory 56 Memory section 56A Control Program 60 Protective Cover 80 sample trays 82 Storage unit 91 First magnetic body 92 Second magnetic body 93 Third magnetic substance 94 Fourth magnetic substance A1 Irradiation area A2 Non-irradiated area M Breast S specimen

Claims

1. an imaging table having a placement surface on which the breast is placed; a protective cover provided on the placement surface and including a first magnetic body at a first predetermined position; a sample tray including a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body by a magnetic force and a sample container, the sample tray being placed on the placement surface via the protective cover; Equipped with The sample tray is configured to be magnetically attracted to the first predetermined position of the protective cover by the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body. Mammography machine.

2. the protective cover includes the first magnetic body at each of a plurality of first predetermined positions that are spaced apart from one another; The sample tray includes a plurality of the second magnetic bodies arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of first predetermined positions.

2. The mammography apparatus according to claim 1.

3. the protective cover includes a tray placement area on which the sample tray is placed when the protective cover is attached to the placement surface and includes the first predetermined position; The tray placement area is an area closer to the end than the center in a width direction perpendicular to a depth direction from the chest wall to the nipple of the breast placed on the protective cover.

2. The mammography apparatus according to claim 1.

4. the protective cover includes a tray placement area on which the sample tray is placed when the protective cover is attached to the placement surface and includes the first predetermined position; The tray placement area is an area closer to the chest wall than the center in a depth direction from the chest wall to the nipple of the breast placed on the protective cover.

2. The mammography apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The protective cover, when attached to the placement surface, an irradiation area to which radiation can be irradiated; a non-irradiated region that is not irradiated with radiation; a tray placement area on which the sample tray is placed and which includes the first predetermined position; In the tray placement area, at least the first predetermined position is included in the non-irradiation area, and the remaining area including the storage portion is included in the irradiation area.

2. The mammography apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The first magnetic body is a magnetizable body, The second magnetic body is a magnet.

2. The mammography apparatus according to claim 1.

7. the imaging table includes a third magnetic body at a second predetermined position on the placement surface; The protective cover further includes a fourth magnetic body that is attracted to the third magnetic body by a magnetic force, The protective cover is configured to be magnetically attached to the second predetermined position of the imaging stand by the third magnetic body and the fourth magnetic body.

2. The mammography apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The first magnetic body and the fourth magnetic body have different shapes.

8. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 7.

9. The protective cover includes a plurality of the first magnetic bodies arranged at equal intervals and a plurality of the fourth magnetic bodies arranged at equal intervals, The intervals between the first magnetic bodies are different from the intervals between the fourth magnetic bodies.

8. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 7.

10. The third magnetic body is a magnetizable body, The fourth magnetic body is a magnet.

8. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 7.

11. an irradiation unit that irradiates the placement surface with radiation; A control unit that controls the irradiation unit; Further comprising: The control unit controls the irradiation unit so that at least a portion of the storage unit is irradiated with radiation and at least a portion of the breast is not irradiated with radiation.

2. The mammography apparatus according to claim 1.

12. The control unit controls the irradiation unit so that radiation is not irradiated onto at least a part of the breast and the first predetermined position.

12. The mammography apparatus according to claim 11.

13. an imaging table including a placement surface on which a breast is placed and a first magnetic body disposed at a first predetermined position on the placement surface; a sample tray that is placed on the placement surface and includes a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body by magnetic force and a sample storage section; Equipped with The sample tray is configured to be magnetically attracted to the first predetermined position on the imaging table by the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body. Mammography machine.

14. a protective cover including a first magnetic body and attached to a support surface of a mammography device on which a breast is placed; a sample tray including a second magnetic body that is attracted to the first magnetic body by a magnetic force and a sample storage section; A sample photography support set including:

Images