Mammography Compression Monitoring for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breast movements during mammography examinations lead to image artefacts and localization errors, causing deterioration in image quality and making images unusable, as existing compensation and correction methods are cumbersome and often oversize, and the use of markers is not recommended due to potential interference and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A mammography system with sensors to monitor pressure and thickness variations between compression members, providing a user interface to signal breast movement and record estimations of risk, allowing for real-time adjustment and correction of image acquisition to maintain breast immobility and improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the examination lasts longer to capture multiple images for three-dimensional reconstruction, then the completeness of image data is improved, but breast movement increases causing image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors compression force during the examination and provides real-time feedback to the operator. When breast movement is detected through changes in compression force, the system alerts the operator to re-compress the breast, ensuring image quality is maintained throughout the extended examination period
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary compression and positioning before image acquisition begins. By establishing proper breast compression and alignment in advance, the system prepares the breast in an optimal position that reduces movement during the subsequent image sequence, enabling longer examination durations
2Reliability
If compression force is increased to prevent breast movement, then image quality is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression force sensor provides continuous feedback to the operator about the actual compression level. This allows the operator to apply sufficient compression to prevent breast movement while avoiding excessive compression that would cause patient discomfort, by adjusting the force based on real-time measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and reports compression force variations, allowing the operator to respond appropriately without manually adjusting compression force throughout the examination. The sensor system serves itself by detecting and reporting changes, reducing the operator's workload while maintaining optimal compression
3Reliability
If multiple images are taken at different angles for three-dimensional reconstruction, then the completeness of image data is improved, but the time required for examination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time compression monitoring provides feedback that ensures each image is captured under optimal conditions. By quickly identifying and correcting compression issues, the system minimizes the time needed for each image acquisition, allowing the complete multi-angle sequence to be obtained more efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous compression monitoring throughout the entire image sequence, ensuring that breast position remains stable from one image to the next. This continuous oversight prevents movement artifacts and eliminates the need for repeated acquisitions, maintaining examination efficiency while ensuring complete image data
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
The system effectively reduces breast movement-related artefacts, enhancing image quality by providing timely alerts and adjustments to maintain consistent breast compression, thus improving the reliability of three-dimensional reconstructions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor to sense the pressure exerted by the breast on at least one of the compression members
Implementation Method 2
a device to determine the distance between the two compression members, representing the thickness of the breast compressed between the members
Implementation Method 3
a system to acquire X-ray images of the breast arranged between the compression members
Data Source
AI summary
A mammography system including a compression device, comprising two compression members to compress a breast, a sensor to sense the pressure exerted by the breast on one of the members and/or a device to determine the distance between the two members, an X-ray image acquisition system, means to adjust an initial position of the members. The system further comprises means to monitor variations in pressure and/or variations in thickness relative to their initial value, for an estimation of the risk of breast movement. The system further comprises means to present the user with information signaling breast movement, in relation to the estimation.