Compression Paddle Ultrasound Assembly for Faster Breast Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast ultrasound imaging systems are time-consuming due to manual manipulation of the transducer, which hinders efficient breast cancer screening.
Innovation Solution
A gantry-based ultrasound system with pivoting compression paddles and integrated transducers that allow for multiple scan positions and orientations, including cranial-caudal, mediolateral oblique, and lateral scans, enabling simultaneous imaging from different sides of the breast and reducing tissue movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transducer movement is used, then the medical professional has freedom to examine regions of interest, but the scanning time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic positioning system that allows the transducer to move automatically along pre-programmed paths while maintaining the ability to pause and examine regions of interest. The positioning system can be controlled to move at variable speeds and stop at designated locations, combining automated efficiency with manual flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about transducer position and imaging quality, allowing the operator to make informed decisions about which regions require additional examination. This feedback loop enables efficient allocation of scanning time while maintaining thoroughness in examining regions of interest.
2Measurement precision
If thorough ultrasound image capture is performed, then diagnostic quality is improved, but the time required for complete scan increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary action by pre-planning scan paths and identifying regions of interest before the actual scanning begins. This allows the system to prioritize areas requiring detailed examination while maintaining comprehensive coverage, thereby improving diagnostic quality without proportionally increasing scan time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by focusing detailed scanning efforts on specific regions of interest rather than uniformly scanning the entire breast tissue. This targeted approach maintains high diagnostic quality in critical areas while reducing overall scan time by using faster, less detailed imaging in less suspicious regions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If compression is applied to immobilize the breast, then image stability is improved, but patient comfort may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compression system applies local quality by providing differential compression - firmer compression in areas requiring stable imaging and softer compression in sensitive areas. This localized approach maintains breast stability for high-quality imaging while minimizing patient discomfort through varied compression intensity across different regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by applying compression in controlled cycles rather than continuous constant pressure. This allows brief periods of reduced compression that relieve patient discomfort while maintaining sufficient stability during actual image capture moments, balancing comfort and imaging quality.
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
Facilitates rapid and comprehensive breast imaging, improving workflow efficiency and reducing patient discomfort by stabilizing the breast for improved image capture.
Implementation Method 1
exposing breast tissue to high-frequency sound waves. As the sound waves reflect off different features within the breast, the reflections can be used to produce two and three dimensional images
Implementation Method 2
each compression paddle housing a transducer and having a patient contact surface including a compression material: and a motor for moving at least one of the compression paddles along the positioning track to immobilize a breast
Data Source
AI summary
A compression assembly is coupled to the gantry of an ultrasound breast imaging system. The compression assembly includes a pair of compression paddles mounted on a positioning track. Each compression paddle houses a transducer and has a compression material surface for patient contact. A motor moves the compression paddles along the positioning track to immobilize the breast for ultrasound imaging.