Biopsy Needle Route Planning Using Reconstructed Breast Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy technologies do not allow for optimal route planning of a biopsy needle through a patient's breast before execution, making it difficult for healthcare operators to avoid certain areas and ensure accurate tissue sampling.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that uses a mobile X-ray detection system and computerized unit to generate reconstructed images of the breast, allowing users to select a target position and calculate the shortest, safest route for the biopsy needle while avoiding collisions and specific areas, with adjustable needle angles and movement directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a biopsy needle route is planned without pre-calculation and optimization, then the examination process is simpler, but the needle may pass through undesired areas or fail to include adjacent tissue areas in the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the optimal needle route before the actual biopsy procedure. The computerized unit calculates the shortest path from the entry point to the target position, determines the optimal needle angle, and identifies any obstacles or undesired areas that the needle should avoid. This pre-planning ensures precise needle positioning while maintaining operational simplicity during the actual procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model (reconstructed image) of the breast anatomy based on X-ray detection data. This digital copy allows operators to plan and visualize the needle route without physically performing the procedure first. The reconstructed image displays anatomical structures, target positions, and calculated needle paths, enabling precise route optimization before the actual biopsy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the needle route is fixed and cannot be adjusted, then the examination procedure is more straightforward, but the operator cannot avoid certain parts of the breast or include desired adjacent areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the needle route based on anatomical variations and clinical requirements. The computerized unit can recalculate the optimal path when the entry point or target position is modified, and can identify alternative routes that avoid obstacles or include desired adjacent tissue areas. This dynamic adaptability ensures the procedure can be customized while maintaining ease of operation through automated calculations.
3Measurement precision
If the needle angle and movement direction are not optimized, then the procedure is simpler to perform, but the tissue sampling accuracy and completeness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the calculated needle route, optimal angle, and direction on the reconstructed image. The operator can review the proposed path, verify it avoids undesired areas and includes target tissue, and make adjustments if needed. This feedback loop ensures high sampling accuracy while keeping the system manageable through intuitive visualization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and precise adjustment of the biopsy needle route, ensuring optimal tissue sampling by providing a quick and easy method to plan the needle's path, reducing the complexity of the examination and avoiding unnecessary tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one source 4 of X-rays to emit a corresponding beam of X-rays towards the detector 2
Implementation Method 2
images of the patient's breast acquired by the detection device 2 in different working positions
Implementation Method 3
produce at least one reconstructed image I of a cross-section of the breast representative of anatomical portions of the breast at a predetermined depth along a direction at right angles to the detection plane
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for carrying out at least one biopsy examination on the breast of a patient, comprises: an analysis head (5) provided with at least one radiation detection device (2) configured to detect X-rays on a detection plane, and at least one source (4) of X-rays to emit a corresponding beam of X-rays towards the detector (2), the source (4) and the detection device (2) being mobile with respect to each other so that they can be placed in a plurality of different working acquisition positions; a breast support surface (11); a support base (10) and a biopsy probe (6) which can be fixed to the support base (10) and which is equipped with a needle (9) for the extraction of a sample of breast tissue and with a housing (21) for the needle (9), this housing (21) being rotatably mounted on the support base (10) to allow modification of the angle of the needle (9) with respect to the breast support surface (11); a computerized unit (7), connected to the detector (2) and configured to produce at least one reconstructed image (I) of a cross-section of the breast.