Digital Architectural Map for Breast Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for marking biopsy sites in breast tissue are inadequate, as foreign markers can be uncomfortable and difficult to locate during follow-up surgeries, with approximately 15% of markers being unfindable, and many biopsied lesions turn out to be benign, leading to unnecessary reminders and challenges in surgical navigation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating a digital architectural map of breast tissue using combined imaging techniques such as x-ray, ultrasound, elastography, and Doppler, which records unique features like vascularity and stiffness patterns, allowing for virtual marking and navigation of biopsy sites during future procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical markers are embedded in biopsy sites, then the location can be identified during future imaging procedures, but the patient experiences discomfort and the markers may be difficult to locate during follow-up surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (3D model) of the breast tissue and biopsy site location, replacing the physical marker with a virtual representation in a computational model. This digital twin allows surgeons to navigate to the biopsy site using the 3D model during surgery, eliminating the need for physical markers that cause patient discomfort while maintaining accurate location identification.
2Reliability
If physical markers are embedded in biopsy sites, then the location can be identified during future imaging procedures, but approximately 15% of markers cannot be located by surgeons for follow up surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (3D model) of the breast tissue and biopsy site location, replacing the physical marker with a virtual representation in a computational model. This digital twin allows surgeons to navigate to the biopsy site using the 3D model during surgery, eliminating the need for physical markers that cause patient discomfort while maintaining accurate location identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional modeling, creating a volumetric representation of the breast tissue that includes the biopsy site. This 3D model provides spatial context and depth information that improves surgeon navigation and location accuracy compared to traditional 2D imaging methods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging techniques are combined to create architectural map, then the precision of tissue characterization is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (ultrasound, MRI, CT, mammography) into a single integrated 3D architectural model. By merging these different imaging techniques, the system achieves comprehensive tissue characterization with improved precision while managing complexity through unified data processing and model integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system that can perform multiple functions: visualizing tissue structure, characterizing tissue properties, locating biopsy sites, and guiding surgical navigation. This universal system handles diverse imaging tasks through a single integrated platform, managing complexity through shared processing architecture.
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
This approach enables accurate and comfortable virtual marking of biopsy sites, reducing the need for physical markers and improving the ability to locate them during surgeries, thus enhancing surgical precision and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasound uses sound waves, typically produced by piezoelectric transducers, to image tissue in a patient. The reflected sound wave is detected by the transducers and converted into electrical signals that can be processed by the ultrasound scanner to form an ultrasound image of the tissue.
Implementation Method 2
Mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) utilize x-ray radiation to visualize breast tissue.
Implementation Method 3
measuring, using microflow Doppler, vascularity of the breast tissue including the region of interest
Implementation Method 4
measuring, using shear-wave elastography, stiffness of the breast tissue including the region of interest
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for mapping a region of interest within breast tissue utilize multiple layers of information to produce a unique digital fingerprint of breast tissue. X-ray and ultrasound imaging is combined with elastography and Doppler to create an architectural map of a breast including coordinates to mark one or more regions of interest. The architectural map can be utilized during future imaging procedures and surgeries to automatically and virtually indicate the location of previously biopsied lesions. The architectural map can be displayed on a user interface of a computing device to guide a user to the region of interest during imaging.