Combined FFDM and DBT Imaging for Lesion Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging techniques for breast cancer diagnosis, such as standard mammography and tomosynthesis, are performed sequentially, which can lead to increased radiation dose and limitations in lesion localization due to superposition of tissues in 2D projection images.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for combined acquisition and processing of tomosynthesis projection images and X-ray images, using a C-arm with a rotatable X-ray emitter and detector to acquire both full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images at various angles, allowing for reconstruction of a 3D volume and creation of a navigational map for enhanced imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard mammography is used, then microcalcifications are imaged well, but tissue superposition hides lesions and position information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D projection imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by acquiring multiple projection images at different angles and reconstructing a 3D volume. This dimensional change allows lesions to be localized in three dimensions while maintaining microcalcification detection capability, as the 3D volume can be sliced and viewed from different perspectives to eliminate tissue superposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D volume is segmented into multiple 2D slices that can be individually examined. This segmentation allows radiologists to separate overlapping tissues by viewing different slices at different depths, thereby locating lesions in the third dimension while preserving the ability to detect microcalcifications in each slice.
2Measurement precision
If tomosynthesis is used, then lesion localization is improved, but radiation dose increases due to multiple projections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the 3D volume data from tomosynthesis acquisitions with the 2D mammography image data into a single integrated data structure. This merging allows the system to leverage the localization capability of tomosynthesis while using the 2D mammography image (acquired at higher energy and dose) for primary lesion detection, thereby reducing the need for additional tomosynthesis acquisitions and lowering overall radiation dose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a synthetic 2D mammography image from the 3D volume data that can be used in place of or in addition to the actual 2D mammography acquisition. This synthetic copy provides the necessary 2D information for lesion detection without requiring a separate high-dose mammography acquisition, thereby reducing radiation dose while maintaining lesion localization capability.
3Measurement precision
If both standard mammography and tomosynthesis are acquired sequentially, then advantages of each technique are leveraged, but radiation dose increases and imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the 3D volume data from tomosynthesis with the 2D mammography image data into a single integrated data structure that can be processed and displayed together. This unified approach eliminates the need for sequential processing of separate image sets, reducing imaging time and workflow complexity while maintaining the diagnostic advantages of both techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated data structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides 2D mammography-like images for general screening, 3D volume data for lesion localization, and the ability to generate synthetic 2D images from the 3D data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate acquisition and processing workflows, thereby reducing imaging time while maintaining comprehensive lesion detection capability.
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 enhanced imaging with reduced radiation dose and improved lesion localization by combining FFDM and DBT images, providing superior detection of microcalcifications and spiculated masses while reducing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
A radiography image represents a projection of an object, for example an organ of a patient. The radiography image is generally obtained by placing the object between a source emitting X-rays and a detector of X-rays
Implementation Method 2
In tomosynthesis a 3D representation of an organ may be obtained as a series of successive slices. The slices arc reconstructed from projections of the object of interest under various angles
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems 10 and methods 200 of imaging an organ 0 of a patient include obtaining a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) tomosynthesis projection images of the organ 0. An x-ray image of the organ is obtained. A three-dimensional (3D) volume of the organ is reconstructed from the plurality of projection images and the x-ray image. A synthetic 2D image of the organ 0 is generated from the plurality of projection images and the x-ray image. The x-ray image is mapped to the 3D volume. A user selection of an object of interest in the x-ray image or the synthetic 2D image is received. A plane through the 3D volume that crosses the selected object of interest is identified and displayed.