Breast Biopsy Probe Positioning Across Multiple X-Ray Access Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical X-ray apparatuses face challenges in flexibility and versatility during breast biopsy procedures, particularly in positioning the biopsy needle, leading to increased positioning time and the need for repositioning the patient's breast or disassembling machine parts.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a movable biopsy probe and immobilizer, with multiple actuators allowing precise movement along various directions and angles, enabling flexible needle positioning without repositioning the patient's breast, and includes sensors for collision detection and a control unit for optimized biopsy procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the needle positioning is performed using fixed source and detector positions, then the machine structure is simple, but the positioning flexibility and versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the probe movable along multiple directions (first direction X, second direction Y, and third direction Z) relative to the supporting frame. This allows the needle to approach the breast from various angles and positions without changing the fixed source-detector configuration, thereby achieving positioning flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movement along a third direction Z that is perpendicular to the detection plane S, adding a new dimension to the probe's positioning capability. This three-dimensional movement capability enables the needle to access targets from multiple approaches without complicating the fundamental source-detector geometry.
2Measurement precision
If the needle positioning is performed by repositioning the patient's breast or disassembling machine parts, then the positioning accuracy can be improved, but the positioning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the probe with multi-directional movement capabilities along directions X, Y, and Z. This allows the system to achieve accurate needle positioning through coordinated movement of the probe itself rather than requiring time-consuming repositioning of the breast or disassembly of machine parts during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the movable probe as an intermediary element between the fixed source-detector system and the breast tissue. The probe's ability to move along three directions enables it to reach the target position without requiring changes to the patient's breast position or the machine's fixed components, thus reducing positioning time while maintaining accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple probes are mounted in different positions to achieve versatile needle approach, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single probe that can perform multiple positioning functions through movement along three directions (X, Y, and Z). This single multi-functional probe replaces the need for multiple specialized probes mounted at different positions, thereby achieving versatile needle approaches while simplifying the overall device structure and operation.
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
Facilitates efficient and versatile biopsy examinations by allowing the needle to approach the breast from multiple directions, reducing positioning time and enhancing operational safety and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
at least one source 3 configured to emit X-rays
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Described is a medical apparatus (1) for X-ray analysis, comprising a machine (2) for allowing a diagnosis provided with at least one source (3) configured for emitting X-rays, at least one X-ray detector (4) defining a detection plane (S), a probe (50) equipped with a needle (51) for treating the body of a patient, an immobiliser (10) comprising an immobilising element (11), a supporting frame (6), supporting the at least one source (3), the at least one X-ray detector (4), the immobiliser (10) and the probe (50); a control unit (U) connected at least to the source (3) and to the X-ray detector (4); the probe (50) is connected to the supporting frame (6) movably along a first direction (X), along a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X) and along a third direction (Z) at right angles to the detection plane (S), the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) lying in a plane parallel to the detection plane (S); The apparatus (1) is configured for moving said probe (50) in the zone (5) above the immobiliser (10) and allow a positioning of the needle (51), along the first direction (X), selectively in the zone (5) above the immobiliser (10) and in the right and left side relative to the immobiliser (10); the immobiliser (10) is connected to the supporting frame (6) and is movable, independently of the probe (50), at least along the third direction (Z).