Breast Imaging Apparatus with Radioactive Tracer Density Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image capturing apparatuses for breast examinations are unable to provide a reliable index representing the properties of the entire breast, specifically lacking the capability to calculate mammary gland density, which is essential for comprehensive breast imaging.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a detector ring configured as an arc, generating three-dimensional images of radioactive pharmaceutical distribution, discriminating between breast and mammary gland voxels, and calculating mammary gland density based on active mammary gland tissue activity, using radioactive-labelling glucose to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an image capturing apparatus for breast examination is configured to detect radioactive pharmaceutical distribution, then it can image nidus appearing in the breast, but it cannot provide an index representing the properties of the entire breast such as mammary gland density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the breast tissue into different types (mammary gland tissue, fatty tissue, connective tissue) by classifying voxels based on their radioactive pharmaceutical uptake characteristics. This segmentation enables the system to not only detect abnormalities but also to calculate the density and distribution of different tissue types, thereby providing comprehensive breast tissue property information while maintaining nidus detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray mammography is used to calculate mammary gland density, then the calculation can be performed, but the tissue distinguishing method lacks reliability and cannot determine breast tissue properties accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from X-ray transmission characteristics to radioactive pharmaceutical uptake distribution. By using the concentration distribution of radioactive pharmaceuticals (such as 18F-FDG) that accumulate differently in various tissue types, the system achieves more reliable tissue classification and mammary gland density calculation, as the uptake pattern provides functional information about tissue activity and composition.
3Measurement precision
If a detector ring is used to detect annihilation radiations, then the distribution of radioactive pharmaceuticals can be imaged, but no index representing overall breast properties can be derived
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the functionality of the detector ring system to perform multiple tasks: it not only images the distribution of radioactive pharmaceuticals to detect abnormalities but also calculates comprehensive breast tissue properties including mammary gland density, fatty tissue distribution, and connective tissue characteristics. This multi-functionality is achieved by analyzing the spatial distribution patterns of radioactive uptake across the entire breast volume.
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 the calculation of breakthrough mammary gland density by recognizing active mammary gland tissue distribution, providing a more reliable and accurate representation of breast tissue properties compared to traditional X-ray mammography methods.
Implementation Method 1
a detector ring configured by arranging a radiation detector detecting a radiation into the shape of a circular ring, and detects a pair of radiations (a pair of annihilation radiations) in directions opposite to each other, which are emitted from radioactive pharmaceuticals in a subject
Implementation Method 2
using radioactive-labelling glucose to enhance accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus for a breast examination in which a breakthrough mammary gland density can be adduced. A mammary gland density is calculated by recognizing a distribution of mammary gland tissues of a subject according to a distribution of radioactive pharmaceuticals distributed in a breast. An imaged image of the distribution of the radioactive pharmaceuticals is one type of function image, and represents activity in the subject. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the mammary gland density based on a mammary gland tissue of which the activity is active (an active mammary gland tissue) in the mammary gland tissues.