Breast Tomosynthesis Needle Localization via Radiolucency and 3D Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for guiding needles and wires during breast biopsies, such as mammography and stereotactic techniques, face challenges in accurately localizing and positioning them due to limitations in two-dimensional imaging, which can lead to inaccurate targeting of breast pathologies, especially when radio-opaque materials cause image artifacts.
Innovation Solution
The use of breast tomosynthesis imaging technology for three-dimensional localization, combined with radiolucent needle and sheathing materials, asymmetric scan geometries, and artifact suppression algorithms, allows for precise guidance and verification of needle placement, minimizing image artifacts and enhancing the visibility of breast pathologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mammography or stereotactic techniques are used for needle guidance, then the imaging system is simpler and easier to operate, but the localization precision and accuracy of needle placement deteriorate due to two-dimensional imaging limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional mammography imaging to three-dimensional tomosynthesis imaging, adding a depth dimension to the imaging system. This enables precise localization of breast pathologies in 3D space, directly resolving the contradiction by improving measurement precision through dimensional enhancement while managing the associated system complexity.
2Loss of information
If radio-opaque needle materials are used, then the needle is more visible in conventional x-ray images, but image artifacts increase and pathology visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiographic properties of the needle from radio-opaque to radiolucent, making the needle transparent to x-rays. This eliminates the harmful artifacts generated by radio-opaque materials while maintaining needle visibility through alternative methods, thereby preventing information loss about pathology visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of radio-opacity (which causes artifacts) into a beneficial property by using radiolucent materials. The radiolucency allows x-rays to pass through the needle without creating artifacts, and the needle's position is instead visualized through its interaction with the tomosynthesis imaging system and contrast with surrounding tissues.
3Manufacturing precision
If asymmetric scan geometries and artifact suppression algorithms are implemented, then needle placement accuracy improves, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetric scan geometries and artifact suppression algorithms as preliminary processing steps before needle placement. By pre-configuring the scan geometry to avoid artifact-prone angles and pre-processing images to suppress potential artifacts, the system achieves high needle placement accuracy without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the procedure.
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 more accurate and precise localization and placement of needles in three-dimensional space, improving the detection and sampling of breast pathologies by reducing image artifacts and leveraging the superior contrast visibility of tomosynthesis imaging.
Implementation Method 1
Tomosynthesis (tomo) is a method of performing three dimensional (3D) breast x-ray imaging
Implementation Method 2
breast tomosynthesis imaging technology for three-dimensional localization
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for performing mammography, such as utilizing tomosynthesis in combination with breast biopsy.