Automated Mammographic Positioning QA Using Low-Dose Pre-Diagnostic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning techniques in breast imaging are inefficient, leading to unnecessary radiation exposure, potential loss of accreditation, and additional patient burden due to re-imaging, without adequate quality assurance mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an x-ray source and detector to generate pre-diagnostic images at low radiation levels, analyzed by a position analysis module to determine correct patient positioning based on predefined criteria, allowing for automated or semi-automated adjustments before taking diagnostic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual patient positioning verification is performed before mammographic image acquisition, then positioning quality may be improved, but radiation exposure increases due to additional pre-positioning images
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning verification using the first detector to capture a positioning image before the main diagnostic image acquisition. This preliminary action allows the system to verify positioning quality and determine whether repositioning is needed, thereby avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure from multiple diagnostic re-imaging attempts while ensuring proper positioning before the actual diagnostic exposure.
2Productivity
If positioning verification is performed before image acquisition, then unnecessary re-imaging may be prevented, but additional imaging equipment and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a single imaging system capable of performing multiple functions: positioning verification using the first detector, diagnostic image acquisition using the second detector, and automated positioning assessment through the position analysis module. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate positioning devices while maintaining workflow efficiency and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The position analysis module automatically analyzes the positioning image to determine whether the patient is properly positioned, eliminating the need for manual review by radiographers. This automated self-assessment service improves workflow efficiency by providing immediate positioning verification and reducing the time and expertise required for positioning checks.
3Manufacturing precision
If proper positioning is ensured before diagnostic imaging, then diagnostic image quality improves, but the imaging process time increases due to positioning verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures the positioning image using the first detector before the main diagnostic exposure, performing the positioning verification action in advance. This allows the positioning check to occur during what would otherwise be setup time, ensuring proper positioning is confirmed before diagnostic imaging begins without significantly extending the overall imaging process time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual positioning verification by radiographers with an automated position analysis module that uses image processing algorithms to assess positioning quality. This substitution eliminates the time required for manual visual inspection and decision-making, automating the positioning assessment process to maintain diagnostic image quality while reducing process time.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If low dose pre-diagnostic images are used for positioning verification, then radiation exposure is reduced, but image quality is insufficient for diagnostic interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging process into two distinct segments: a positioning verification segment using the first detector at low dose levels for positioning assessment only, and a diagnostic imaging segment using the second detector at full dose levels for diagnostic interpretation. This segmentation allows the low-dose positioning image to be used solely for positioning verification purposes, while the high-quality diagnostic image is acquired separately for clinical interpretation, thus achieving both radiation reduction and maintained diagnostic 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
Reduces radiation exposure by ensuring proper patient positioning, preventing unnecessary re-imaging, and maintaining accreditation standards through efficient quality assurance.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source configured to expose human tissue to radiation
Implementation Method 2
An x-ray detector may be configured to detect the radiation and generate a pre-diagnostic image of the human tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Techniques for patient positioning quality assurance prior to mammographic image acquisition are described. A system may include an x-ray source configured to expose human tissue to radiation. An x-ray detector module may be configured to detect the radiation and generate a pre-diagnostic image of the human tissue. A position analysis module may be configured to receive the pre-diagnostic image and determine whether the human tissue is positioned correctly based upon one or more predefined positioning criteria. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be configured to store the results of the positional analysis module determination. A display may be configured to display the determination of the position analysis module within a user interface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.