Digital Mammography Biopsy Target Tracking via Image Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
During breast biopsy procedures, the visibility of biopsy targets can be compromised due to contrast agent washout, leading to challenges in continuing the procedure effectively using non-contrast enhanced imaging techniques, as morphological information may not clearly depict the target, potentially resulting in aborted procedures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image registration process that recalculates and highlights the biopsy target position in subsequent morphological images using a marker or contour defined in a reference image where the contrast agent is still present, allowing the procedure to continue with increased confidence even after contrast agent washout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-contrast enhanced imaging techniques are used after contrast agent washout, then the biopsy procedure can continue, but the visibility and accuracy of biopsy target identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs image registration and target position calculation in advance while the contrast agent is still visible. By pre-calculating and storing the target position in the reference image before washout occurs, the system prepares the necessary information ahead of time, enabling accurate target identification to be maintained even after the contrast agent washes out and visibility deteriorates.
2Measurement precision
If contrast agent is used to enhance biopsy target visibility, then target identification accuracy is improved, but the procedure may be aborted when contrast agent washout occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures and stores reference images with contrast enhancement in advance, calculates and stores target positions while the contrast agent is still visible, and prepares registration data before washout occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that even when the contrast agent washes out and visibility deteriorates, the system still has the necessary information to accurately identify and track the target, thereby maintaining procedure reliability and preventing abortion.
3Measurement precision
If image registration process is implemented to track target position, then targeting confidence is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the reference image with contrast enhancement and superimposes graphical representations of the target position on subsequent non-contrast images. Instead of requiring complex real-time tracking systems, the invention uses pre-processed reference data and graphical overlays to maintain targeting confidence, thereby enhancing precision while controlling system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for tracking a biopsy target across one or more images. In one example, a method includes determining a position of a biopsy target in a selected image of a patient based on an image registration process with a reference image of the patient, and displaying a graphical representation of the position of the biopsy target on the selected image.