Dynamic CBBCT Patient Support for Accessible Prone Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cone beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) systems pose ergonomic challenges for patients who find it difficult to assume a prone position, particularly for elderly, obese, pregnant, disabled, or amputee individuals, leading to difficulties in positioning the breast for imaging.
Innovation Solution
A CBBCT system designed for upright patient entry and subsequent automatic repositioning into a scanning orientation, utilizing a saddle for support during upright entry and a pivotable patient interface panel that can move between vertical and horizontal orientations, along with adjustable patient steps and safety features to facilitate comfortable and secure patient positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional prone position table is used for CBBCT imaging, then the imaging capability is maintained, but patient accessibility and comfort deteriorate for elderly, obese, pregnant, disabled, or amputee individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support system transitions from a static prone table to a dynamic system with movable components including an adjustable head support, movable breast support, and reconfigurable step assembly. These components can be adjusted during patient positioning to accommodate various body types and abilities, enabling elderly, obese, pregnant, disabled, or amputee individuals to access the imaging capability comfortably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient support system is divided into separate adjustable modules: a head support assembly, a breast support assembly, and a step assembly. Each module can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing flexible accommodation of different patient morphologies and abilities while maintaining the overall imaging geometry required for CBBCT.
2Measurement precision
If breast compression is applied during mammography, then imaging quality improves, but patient comfort and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical compression mechanism of traditional mammography with a gravity-based positioning system. The breast support assembly allows the breast to be positioned and held in place by gravity and the supporting structure, eliminating the need for compressing forces while maintaining adequate breast tissue positioning for imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of breast support from compression to gravitational positioning. By adjusting the angle and position of the breast support assembly, the system achieves adequate breast positioning without applying compressive forces, thereby maintaining imaging quality while eliminating patient discomfort associated with compression.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed patient table configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to diverse patient populations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support system employs dynamic, adjustable components including a movable head support, adjustable breast support, and reconfigurable step assembly. These components can be modified during patient positioning to accommodate various body types, abilities, and anatomical variations, enabling inclusive imaging across diverse patient populations while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A cone beam breast computed tomography system includes a pivotable patient interface panel such that a patient can be introduced to the panel in an upright position and the panel can then be pivoted to dispose the patient in a generally prone orientation for imaging.