Breast Compression Paddle Imaging for Real-Time Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast imaging systems using opaque foam compressive elements hinder visibility during compression, making it difficult for technologists to position the breast correctly for imaging.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of cameras and displays or projectors to capture and display images of the breast under the compression paddle, allowing technologists to visualize the breast positioning in real-time, either on integrated screens or projected onto the paddle itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an opaque foam compressive element is used, then comfort during compression is improved, but visibility of the breast for positioning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A camera system is introduced as an intermediary to capture images of the breast through or around the opaque compression paddle. The camera acts as a mediator that allows the technologist to see the breast positioning without requiring direct visual access through the paddle itself, thus preserving both the opacity/comfort benefits and the positioning visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring direct viewing of the breast through the opaque paddle, the system creates a visual copy (image) of the breast using a camera. This copy is then displayed on a monitor or projected, allowing the technologist to assess positioning accuracy without compromising the opacity and comfort provided by the foam element.
2Ease of operation
If the compression paddle is made opaque for comfort, then patient comfort is improved, but technologist ability to position breast is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the opaque compression paddle and the technologist's need to visualize breast positioning. The camera captures images that would otherwise be invisible, enabling accurate positioning assessment while maintaining the comfort benefits of the opaque foam paddle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/physical requirement of direct visual inspection through the paddle with an optical/electronic imaging system. Instead of relying on light transmission through the foam (mechanical/optical property), the solution uses electronic image capture and display to provide positioning feedback.
3Measurement precision
If cameras and displays are added to visualize breast under paddle, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a camera to create a visual copy of the breast and displays it on a monitor or projects it onto the compression paddle itself. This copying approach provides accurate positioning information without requiring complex structural modifications to the compression system, as the imaging components can be added as separate modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression paddle is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides compression and comfort through its foam structure, while also serving as a display surface for projected images or allowing camera mounting. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining imaging and compression functions within the same physical structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A system for imaging a breast includes a gantry and a tube head rotatably coupled thereto. An x-ray source is disposed within the tube head. A support arm is movably coupled to the gantry and includes a breast support platform. An x-ray detector is disposed within the breast support platform and a compression arm is movably coupled to the support arm. An opaque breast compression paddle is coupled to the compression arm. The breast support platform and the opaque compression paddle at least partially define a compression volume for compressing a breast and a camera is arranged to capture images of the compression volume. An image display is at least partially disposed on the system and is configured to display the images of the compression volume captured by the camera.