Automated Breast Compression Force Control via Sensor Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast imaging technologies face challenges in consistently applying the appropriate compression force, leading to discomfort for patients and variability in image quality due to inconsistent technologist techniques.
Innovation Solution
The described technology involves a method for compressing a breast using a breast imaging system, which includes obtaining an x-ray area of the breast, comparing it to a data set to identify a target force, and applying a compressive force based on this target force. This method also includes emitting guidance signals and providing tactile feedback to ensure accurate force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual compression by technologist is used, then flexibility in breast positioning is improved, but compression force consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates force sensors that continuously measure the compression force applied to the breast and provide real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables the automated compression arm to adjust and maintain a consistent target compression force, eliminating the variability inherent in manual compression while preserving positioning flexibility through automated adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical compression system with an automated compression arm that uses motorized actuation and sensor-based force control. This substitution transforms the compression process from a manually-operated mechanical system to an automated electromechanical system, ensuring consistent force application while maintaining the ability to adapt to different breast positions and sizes.
2Reliability
If increased compression force is applied, then breast tissue immobilization is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compression force parameter based on real-time sensor measurements of breast tissue properties, breast size, and position. By changing the compression force parameter to match the specific characteristics of each patient's breast, the system achieves sufficient immobilization for high-quality imaging while minimizing unnecessary compression that would cause discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the breast characteristics (size, density, position) before applying compression force. This preliminary action allows the control system to pre-calculate the optimal target compression force required for immobilization, thereby applying only the necessary amount of force needed for stable imaging without excessive compression that would increase patient discomfort.
3Measurement precision
If higher radiation dose is used, then image quality is improved, but patient radiation exposure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compression and positioning adjustments to ensure the breast is optimally positioned and uniformly compressed before the x-ray exposure. This preliminary preparation maximizes the quality of the captured image by reducing the need for repeat exposures, thereby minimizing the total radiation dose received by the patient while maintaining high image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated compression and positioning system performs self-adjustment to achieve optimal imaging conditions without requiring additional radiation exposures. By using sensors and feedback control to automatically correct positioning and compression issues, the system eliminates the need for repeat images that would increase patient radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of compressing a breast of a patient with a breast imaging system includes obtaining an x-ray area of the breast of the patient. The x-ray area of the breast is compared to a data set, and a target force is based at least in part on the comparison is identified. A compressive force is applied to the breast, and is based at least in part on the target force. The breast is imaged with the breast imaging system.