Molecular Breast Imaging System Dynamic Acquisition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional molecular breast imaging (MBI) systems require prolonged acquisition times to gather sufficient gamma photon counts for diagnostic imaging, relying on subjective operator evaluation, which is inefficient and time-consuming for patients.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the average counts per pixel in non-target tissue during an MBI acquisition, automatically stopping the process when a threshold is reached, optimizing acquisition time and enabling more efficient data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the acquisition time is extended to gather sufficient gamma photon counts, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the accumulated gamma photon counts during the acquisition process and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the acquisition duration. When a predetermined count threshold is reached, the system automatically terminates the acquisition, eliminating the need for fixed prolonged scan times while ensuring sufficient data quality for diagnostic imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The acquisition time is transformed from a static predetermined value to a dynamic parameter that adapts based on the actual photon count accumulation rate. The system adjusts the acquisition duration in real-time according to the detected signal strength, allowing optimal balance between measurement precision and time efficiency for each patient scan.
2Device complexity
If the acquisition is stopped based on operator evaluation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system performs self-evaluation by automatically monitoring its own acquisition data and determining when sufficient photon counts have been accumulated. The system independently makes the decision to terminate the scan based on predefined quality criteria, eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention while significantly improving acquisition efficiency and reducing patient wait time.
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 approach reduces the time spent on MBI procedures by ensuring sufficient emission data is collected efficiently, allowing for accurate detection of lesions and potentially reducing the need for additional biopsy or treatment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
injection of a radiotracer into a patient wherein the radiotracer is carried by the bloodstream throughout the patient's body while emitting high-energy gamma photons
Implementation Method 2
detected by a detection and imaging system, such as a system of cadmium zinc tellurium (CZT)-based detectors
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for molecular breast imaging. In one embodiment, a method for nuclear medicine imaging comprises: during an acquisition of emission data from an anatomy of interest, calculating an average counts per pixel in non-target tissue; and responsive to the average counts per pixel reaching a threshold, automatically stopping the acquisition. In this way, an amount of time spent by a patient undergoing an MBI procedure is optimized for the patient.