Breast X-Ray Imaging With an External Biopsy Needle Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional breast X-ray imaging devices face issues with the needle holder obstructing images during different angles of capture, affecting diagnosis and requiring repeated repositioning and calibration, which reduces efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A breast X-ray imaging apparatus with a mechanical arm-mounted needle holder that moves outside the irradiated region, allowing flexible movement and insertion angles, and a rotating support that rotates independently of the compression plate, enabling high-quality imaging without repositioning the breast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the needle holder is mounted on the gantry between the ray tube and detector, then the needle holder can be positioned for imaging, but it blocks part of the captured image during stereo pair frames, pre-fire frame, and post-fire frame capture
Solution Approach 1:
The needle holder is extracted from the gantry structure and mounted on an independent mechanical arm that can be positioned outside the irradiated region. This separation allows the needle holder to be removed from the imaging path during image capture, eliminating image blocking while maintaining its functionality for puncture procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle holder is mounted on a mechanical arm with multiple degrees of freedom, enabling dynamic positioning. The mechanical arm can move the needle holder to appropriate positions for both imaging and puncture operations, adapting its position based on the operational phase (imaging vs. puncture) without requiring fixed mounting on the gantry.
2Reliability
If the needle holder is moved to the farthest end to avoid the irradiated region during scout frame capture, then image capture is improved, but the needle holder cannot avoid being captured during stereo pair frames, pre-fire frame, and post-fire frame
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical arm provides dynamic positioning capability with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the needle holder to be precisely positioned at optimal locations for different operational phases. During imaging, it can be positioned outside the irradiated region; during puncture, it can be positioned at the optimal insertion angle. This eliminates the need for repeated manual repositioning and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes calibration functionality that can automatically determine the position relationship between the mechanical arm and the detection mechanism. This feedback mechanism reduces the need for manual calibration and ensures accurate positioning without time-consuming repeated adjustments.
3Device complexity
If the needle holder is mounted on the gantry, then it is integrated with the detection mechanism, but it requires repeated disassemble and assemble and calibration before each use
Solution Approach 1:
The needle holder system is segmented from the detection mechanism (gantry) and mounted on an independent mechanical arm. This segmentation allows the needle holder to be independently positioned and calibrated, reducing the need for repeated disassembly and assembly with the detection mechanism while maintaining functional integration through coordinate calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic calibration functionality that determines the position relationship between the mechanical arm and detection mechanism through coordinate transformation. This feedback mechanism reduces calibration time and complexity compared to manual repeated calibration, improving productivity without sacrificing integration.
4Device complexity
If the mechanical arm is fixed to the breast device, then it is integrated with the system, but it requires frequent position calibration before each usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes automatic calibration functionality that uses the X-ray detection mechanism to determine the position relationship between the mechanical arm and the detection mechanism. This feedback-based calibration reduces the time and complexity compared to manual calibration, and can be performed less frequently (every 1-3 months) rather than before each use.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is automated through the system's control unit, which can automatically determine coordinate transformations and position relationships. This self-service calibration reduces manual intervention and time investment compared to traditional manual calibration procedures.
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
Enhances diagnostic efficiency by minimizing image obstruction, reducing wound depth, and improving accuracy through flexible needle insertion angles and reduced calibration frequency.
Implementation Method 1
a ray tube and a detector that are arranged opposite to each other, in which an irradiated region is arranged between the ray tube and the detector
Data Source
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AI summary
A breast X-ray imaging apparatus comprising a detection mechanism and a needle holder. The detection mechanism may include a ray tube and a detector that is arranged opposite to the ray tube. An irradiated region may be arranged between the ray tube and the detector. The needle holder may be configured to move relative to the detection mechanism, and the needle holder may be arranged outside the irradiated region. A breast biopsy positioning device may be mounted on the breast X-ray imaging apparatus. The needle holder of the breast biopsy positioning device may be driven to move based on different workflows of the correction process and the verification process to move the needle tip of the puncture needle to a preset position, and a pair of stereo positioning images may be collected and identified. The accuracy correction and verification of the breast biopsy positioning device may be achieved by measuring the position of the needle tip and the preset position.