Breast Imaging Device with Rotating C-Arm for CT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mammography devices are not configured for computed tomography (CT) imaging, leading to reduced contrast separation for dense breast tissues and requiring breast compression, which can cause discomfort and image blurring.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device and method that integrates a breast positioning structure designed for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with a conventional 2D mammography device, allowing relative rotational movement of the breast positioning structure and the C-arm, enabling CT imaging without compression and allowing patients to position their breasts independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If breast compression is applied in traditional 2D mammography, then radiation penetration and image sharpness are improved, but patient discomfort increases and tissue density changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D projection imaging to 3D tomographic imaging, fundamentally changing the imaging phase. This allows obtaining sharp images without compression by capturing multiple angular projections and reconstructing them computationally, eliminating the need for mechanical compression while maintaining or improving image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a computational imaging system. Instead of using mechanical force to flatten and position the breast, the system uses multiple angular X-ray projections and computer algorithms to reconstruct 3D images, substituting mechanical action with optical and computational processes.
2Measurement precision
If breast compression is applied to spread tissue over wider area, then tissue overlap aggregation is reduced, but breast density changes and image contrast decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the third dimension (depth) to breast imaging by implementing tomographic capability. Instead of spreading tissue in two dimensions through compression, the system captures images from multiple angular perspectives and reconstructs 3D volume data, allowing tissue separation in the depth dimension while preserving original tissue density and contrast information.
3Device complexity
If a conventional 2D mammography device is used for CT imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but the device is not originally configured for CT imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conventional 2D mammography device universal by adding a rotating C-arm mechanism that enables both 2D projection imaging and 3D tomographic imaging modes. The same X-ray source and detector can perform both functions by varying the angular positioning, allowing one device to serve multiple imaging purposes without requiring separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic angular positioning capability to the previously static 2D mammography system. The C-arm can rotate to different angles, transforming the device from a fixed 2D imaging system to a dynamic multi-angular system capable of acquiring projection data for 3D reconstruction, enabling versatility through motion.
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 better contrast separation for dense breast tissues, reduces patient discomfort by eliminating compression, and allows for painless imaging while generating CT images using a traditional 2D mammography device.
Implementation Method 1
Radiographing a thick object requires using higher energy radiation to enable sufficient penetration of X-ray quanta through the object
Implementation Method 2
When the energy of the radiation increases, the contrast of the soft tissues in the image decreases
Implementation Method 3
By tomographic imaging one may be able to detect features within an object which in a mere conventional 2D image get imaged on top of each other
Implementation Method 4
Thereby, the breast positioning structure may remain in place relative to a standing or a sitting patient during rotation of the rotating C-arm
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to imaging devices and methods for x-ray imaging a breast. wherein when changing an operation mode of the imaging device for CT imaging a specific-kind breast positioning structure may be connected to the imaging device.