Foam Breast Compression Paddle Markers for Local Thickness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of flexible foam compressive materials in breast imaging systems complicates the accurate measurement of breast thickness, leading to challenges in achieving uniform image quality and proper exposure control, which can be exacerbated by non-uniform breast compression.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a foam paddle with movable lower markers and fixed upper markers to measure local breast thickness at discrete locations, enabling accurate calculation of automatic exposure control, image processing, and identification of breast boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible foam compressive materials are used in compression paddles, then patient comfort is improved, but measurement precision of breast thickness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses radiopaque markers (which appear as distinct signals in x-ray images) attached to the foam paddle at known positions. These markers enable the system to track and measure the actual position and deflection of the foam paddle surface, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the use of flexible foam material that improves patient comfort.
2Ease of operation
If flexible foam compressive materials are used in compression paddles, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of compression force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque markers embedded in the foam paddle allow the imaging system to detect and measure the actual compression applied at different locations. This enables verification and control of compression uniformity, ensuring that the flexible foam material does not compromise the precision of compression force application.
3Measurement precision
If markers are added to the foam paddle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates radiopaque markers (which are simple high-density objects visible in x-ray images) into the foam paddle structure. These markers provide the necessary measurement capability without requiring complex sensors, electronics, or additional mechanical systems, thus maintaining relative simplicity while enabling precise thickness measurement.
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
Enables improved image quality by accurately measuring breast thickness, allowing for optimized exposure control, reduced patient discomfort, and enhanced image processing to ensure diagnostically relevant results.
Implementation Method 1
emitting an x-ray energy from an x-ray source towards the breast and the foam paddle... detecting the x-ray energy at a detector disposed opposite the breast from the x-ray source
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A method of imaging a breast compressed with a foam paddle includes emitting an x-ray energy from an x-ray source towards the breast and the foam paddle having a plurality of upper markers and a plurality of lower markers, wherein the plurality of lower markers are movable relative to the upper markers. The x-ray energy is detected at a detector disposed opposite the breast from the x-ray source. An image of the compressed breast is generated based on the detected x-ray energy. At least one of the plurality of upper markers and at least one of the plurality of lower markers is identified in the image. A thickness of the compressed breast at a plurality of thickness locations is determined, wherein each of the plurality of thickness locations corresponds to at least one of the plurality of lower markers.