Mammography Contrast Agent Injector Synchronization Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current contrast agent injection-based mammography systems lack patient-specific and time-controlled parameters, leading to underdosing or overdosing of contrast agents and suboptimal image quality due to manual estimation and lack of synchronization between contrast agent injection and mammography processes.

Innovation Solution

A computer-assisted control module that calculates patient-specific and injection-specific data to synchronize the contrast agent injection, breast compression/decompression, and mammography exposure, ensuring optimal timing and energy levels for the second tomoscan, with a monitoring mechanism to prevent incorrect contrast agent usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual estimation is used for contrast agent dosing, then the operation is simple, but the dosing precision is poor leading to underdosing or overdosing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrast agent dosing precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts contrast agent dosing parameters based on patient-specific data (breast volume, tissue density, lesion characteristics) calculated from 3D tomosynthesis images. The control unit modifies injection volume, flow rate, and timing parameters to optimize contrast enhancement while minimizing radiation exposure and contrast agent usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration and automatic dosing calculation by processing patient-specific imaging data through embedded algorithms. The control unit automatically determines optimal contrast agent parameters without requiring manual intervention, reducing operator workload and improving dosing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If contrast agent injection and mammography exposure are performed independently, then the operational flexibility is high, but the synchronization is poor leading to suboptimal image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality reliabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the contrast agent injection system with the mammography imaging system through a centralized control unit. The control unit coordinates the injection pump, compression apparatus, and x-ray generator to execute synchronized protocols, ensuring contrast agent delivery is precisely timed with image acquisition sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback control where the control unit monitors injection progress, compression force, and imaging timing continuously. Based on patient response and image quality metrics, the system automatically adjusts subsequent injection rates and imaging parameters to maintain optimal contrast enhancement throughout the examination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the second exposure is performed too early or too late, then the workflow is faster, but the image quality is insufficient requiring additional system passes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination efficiencyVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of optimal imaging timing based on patient-specific pharmacokinetic parameters derived from breast tissue characteristics. The control unit pre-determines the exact timing for contrast agent injection and subsequent imaging sequences, ensuring peak contrast enhancement is captured during the tomosynthesis scan without requiring trial-and-error adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution enables precise control of contrast agent administration and mammography processes, reducing contrast agent exposure, improving image quality, and ensuring synchronized execution of procedures, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of mammography.

Implementation Method 1

a first and at least one second tomoscan are executed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

image data of a positionally fixed (normally compressed) breast can be acquired from different angles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

An iodine-containing contrast agent is normally used in digital full-field mammography

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

dual energy subtraction mammography, in which two exposures with differing energy level are acquired after application of a (normally iodine-containing) contrast agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDual energy subtraction:

Data Source

PatentUS8406855B2Computer-operated mammography system with a contrast agent injector, and controller and operating method therefor

Publication Date: 2013.03.26 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A controller for a contrast agent-based, dual energy or two-spectrum tomosynthesis, has a control module that is designed for synchronized control of an injector and the mammography system. The control is based on measured, patient-specific values.