Deformable Mesh Breast Compression Paddle for Anatomical Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast imaging methods require uniform compression of breast tissue, which can be uncomfortable for patients and may not accommodate varying breast anatomy, limiting the effectiveness and comfort of imaging procedures.
Innovation Solution
A non-rigid breast compression paddle with a deformable mesh material is used, allowing for tapered or angled compression that conforms to the breast shape, and an automated system to measure and control the compression force to ensure optimal tissue compression based on threshold criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uniform compression is applied to breast tissue, then imaging quality is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression paddle applies different compression forces to different regions of the breast tissue. The deformable mesh material allows localized adaptation to breast anatomy, providing higher compression where needed for imaging quality while reducing compression in sensitive areas to maintain patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression paddle transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, deformable structure using mesh material. This allows the paddle to adapt its shape and compression distribution in real-time based on breast anatomy, optimizing both imaging quality and patient comfort during the imaging process.
2Force
If rigid compression paddle is used, then compression force is maintained, but adaptability to breast anatomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression paddle incorporates a deformable mesh material that functions as a flexible structure. This mesh material can bend and conform to the contours of different breast anatomies while still providing the necessary compression force for high-quality imaging.
3Measurement precision
If uniform thickness compression is applied, then X-ray transmission is optimized, but patient comfort and anatomical accommodation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The compression paddle applies variable compression forces to different regions of the breast tissue. The deformable mesh material allows localized adaptation to breast anatomy, providing higher compression where needed for imaging quality while reducing compression in sensitive areas to maintain patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression paddle transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, deformable structure using mesh material. This allows the paddle to adapt its shape and compression distribution in real-time based on breast anatomy, optimizing both imaging quality and patient comfort during the imaging process.
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 solution reduces patient discomfort by accommodating breast anatomy and ensures effective compression for accurate imaging without requiring uniform tissue thickness, enhancing the comfort and efficacy of breast imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The mesh material is deformable relative to the frame
Implementation Method 2
One or more measurements are acquired indicative of a force measured at the compression paddle
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the manufacture and use of a non-rigid breast compression paddle, such as a compression paddle having a mesh material forming the primary interface with patient tissue. In certain implementations, an automatic feedback driven approach may be used in conjunction with such a compression paddle for compressing breast tissue.