Breast Compression Paddle Sensing for Imaging Accuracy and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast compression methods for mammography and tomosynthesis cause patient discomfort due to the need for sufficient force to immobilize the breast, which can lead to patient movement and compromised image quality, and often fail to ensure adequate tissue coverage within the imaging field.
Innovation Solution
The use of sensors, including laser, time-of-flight, and optical sensors, to monitor breast conditions and features during compression, allowing for precise control of the compression force and positioning to minimize discomfort and ensure proper immobilization without overcompression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sufficient compression force is applied to immobilize the breast, then image quality is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors (optical, laser, time-of-flight) to continuously monitor breast position, thickness, and tissue distribution during compression. This real-time feedback allows the compression mechanism to adjust force application dynamically, maintaining sufficient compression for image quality while reducing excessive force that causes discomfort. The feedback loop enables automated adjustment of compression parameters based on actual breast response.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression system transitions from static, fixed-force compression to dynamic, adaptive compression. The compression force is continuously adjusted based on real-time sensor data about breast position and tissue distribution. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to apply just enough force for proper imaging while avoiding overcompression that causes patient discomfort, thereby resolving the contradiction between image quality and comfort.
2Measurement precision
If compression force is increased to ensure adequate tissue coverage, then imaging accuracy is improved, but patient movement increases due to discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor breast position and tissue distribution during compression, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables precise adjustment of compression force to maintain adequate tissue coverage for imaging accuracy while preventing excessive force that would cause patient discomfort and movement. The system adapts compression parameters based on actual breast response to maintain optimal imaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical compression control with automated sensor-based control. Optical sensors, laser sensors, and time-of-flight sensors detect breast position and tissue distribution, substituting the need for manual adjustment and physical feedback from the patient. This substitution allows precise control of compression force to ensure adequate tissue coverage without causing discomfort that would lead to patient movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation by technician is used to position breast, then tissue coverage is adjusted, but imaging consistency deteriorates due to operator skill variation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated positioning and compression based on sensor feedback. The sensors automatically detect breast features and tissue distribution, and the control system autonomously adjusts compression parameters and positioning without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates variability in imaging consistency that arises from different operator skills while maintaining the ability to adapt to individual breast characteristics for optimal tissue coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical manipulation by technicians is replaced with automated optical and sensor-based positioning systems. The system uses optical sensors and time-of-flight sensors to detect breast features and automatically adjusts positioning and compression parameters. This substitution eliminates the variability in imaging consistency caused by operator skill differences while maintaining adaptability to individual breast anatomy for optimal tissue coverage.
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
The sensor-based system enhances patient comfort by reducing unnecessary compression forces, improves image quality by ensuring adequate tissue coverage, and automates the compression process, independent of technician skill, thereby improving imaging accuracy and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
The identifying operation includes activating at least one of a laser sensor, a time-of-flight sensor, and an optical sensor from a location opposite the compression paddle from the breast
Implementation Method 2
The identifying operation includes activating at least one of a laser sensor, a time-of-flight sensor, and an optical sensor from a location opposite the compression paddle from the breast
Implementation Method 3
The identifying operation includes activating at least one of a laser sensor, a time-of-flight sensor, and an optical sensor from a location opposite the compression paddle from the breast
Data Source
AI summary
A compression paddle with a plurality of markers is advanced towards a patient's breast which has been positioned on a support platform for an imaging procedure. An initial position of the compression paddle is detected relative to the support platform when a portion of the breast is contacted. An initial marker is identified which is associated with a feature of the breast when the compression paddle is in the initial position. A compression target marker is based at least in part on the initial position and the initial marker.