Biopsy Needle Positioning via Tomosynthesis Image Reprojection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for performing breast biopsies guided by 3D digital breast tomosynthesis face challenges such as the need for explicit coordinate computation and transfer, bulky and costly needle positioning stages, and systematic errors in 2D localization approaches, leading to potential misses of the target lesion.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses graphical superimposition and reprojection to position a biopsy tool directly over the target lesion within a 3D image of the breast, eliminating the need for coordinate transfer and relying on a needle positioning stage, by transforming and overlaying an image of a tool holder onto the DBT image slices to ensure accurate needle placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If explicit computation of x-y-z coordinates and transfer to a stage is used to position the biopsy tool, then the needle can be directed to the target location, but the system becomes complex and requires bulky, expensive motorized stages with position displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coordinate computation and transfer function from the physical stage system. By computing the relationship between detector coordinates and patient anatomy coordinates separately, and using a simple positioning stage without motors or displays, the system eliminates the need for complex motorized stages while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the motorized mechanical stage system with a simple positioning stage combined with computational methods. Instead of using motors and electronic controls to position the needle, the system uses coordinate transformation mathematics to determine the correct needle insertion point, substituting mechanical complexity with computational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If a motorized stage with position display is used to position the biopsy tool, then accurate needle placement can be achieved, but the cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive positioning stage without motors or electronic displays. This disposable-like simplicity in the positioning mechanism reduces both manufacturing cost and space requirements while maintaining the necessary positioning functionality through computational coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational model that copies and transforms the coordinate system from the detector space to the patient anatomy space. This virtual coordinate transformation allows accurate positioning without requiring expensive physical positioning infrastructure, as the coordinate relationships are computed and applied software-based.
3Ease of operation
If 2D localization approaches are used to determine needle entry point, then the procedure can be simplified, but systematic errors occur when the needle is inserted at significant angles causing target misses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D detector coordinates to 3D patient anatomy coordinates by incorporating the z-coordinate (depth) into the coordinate transformation. This dimensional extension allows the system to account for needle insertion angles and depth variations, eliminating the systematic errors inherent in 2D approaches while maintaining procedural simplicity.
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
This approach allows for accurate and cost-effective positioning of the biopsy needle without the need for expensive and bulky stages, reducing procedural time and improving the likelihood of successfully reaching the target lesion, while minimizing patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
performing a tomosynthesis scan using an x-ray source and an x-ray detector
Implementation Method 2
an image of the marker has been reprojected or transformed and superimposed on the tomosynthesis image
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method for performing a biopsy guided by a 3D image of an object obtained from digital tomosynthesis and related systems for performing the method, variations of the method, and biopsies in general, are described. The method includes applying a compression paddle to an object; performing a tomosynthesis scan; reconstructing at least a portion of the scan; locating a lesion using a displayed or reprojected marker to determine a location of the lesion; correlating the location of the lesion in the scan to a marker on the compression paddle or tool holder; and proposing a needle entry point of a biopsy tool based off of the correlation so that a needle or penetration device will effectively reach the lesion or target if it is inserted at the proposed entry point.