Molecular Imaging System for Breast Tissue Without Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mammography imaging systems, including film screen and nuclear imaging, face challenges with dense breasts and patient discomfort due to compression forces, leading to suboptimal image quality and potential missed diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
A molecular imaging system featuring a gantry with two gamma cameras positioned in H-mode or L-mode configurations, utilizing retractable retaining walls and chamfered edges to maintain the breast within the field of view without compression, enhancing image quality and patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compression force is applied to the breast during imaging, then image quality is improved by reducing breast thickness and spreading tissue, but patient comfort deteriorates and patient acceptance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compression mechanism from the imaging system entirely. The gamma camera system captures images without applying compression force to the breast, extracting the harmful compression element while retaining the imaging capability through alternative positioning methods using retaining walls and gravity assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single anterior-posterior imaging dimension to multiple dimensional approaches including mediolateral oblique views and positioning the breast in different orientations against the detector using retaining walls, allowing imaging without compression in additional spatial dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If gamma detector is placed close to the breast to minimize resolution loss, then spatial resolution is improved, but background activity from thorax structures degrades sensitivity for detecting small lesions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple separate gamma detectors positioned at different locations and orientations around the breast. Each detector captures a specific view or segment of the breast tissue, allowing the system to reconstruct comprehensive images while maintaining close detector-to-breast distance for high resolution without excessive background interference from any single viewpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mediolateral oblique imaging views that approach the breast from lateral and oblique angles rather than only from the anterior direction. This dimensional change in detector positioning reduces the overlap with thoracic structures while maintaining close proximity to the breast tissue for high spatial resolution.
3Loss of information
If compact imaging system is used with medial lateral oblique view, then background activity from thorax is reduced, but gravity pulls the breast out of the field of view requiring compression to secure the breast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements retaining walls and positioning structures that are prepared in advance to support and secure the breast in the correct position before imaging begins. These structures prevent gravity from displacing the breast out of the field of view during the imaging process, eliminating the need for compression while maintaining stable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces retaining walls and positioning devices as intermediary structures between the breast and the imaging detector. These intermediaries support the breast tissue, maintain it within the field of view, and transfer minimal force, allowing gravity-assisted positioning without requiring compressive forces to secure the breast.
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 improves image resolution and comfort by minimizing compression forces, maintaining the breast within the field of view, and facilitating accurate tumor detection and biopsy guidance.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging system includes conventional gamma detectors that are placed adjacent to a surface of the subject to monitor and record emitted radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for performing molecular imaging of an anatomy of interest is provided. The molecular imaging system includes a gantry, a first gamma camera coupled to the gantry, and a second gamma camera coupled to the gantry, the first and second cameras are positionable in an L-mode imaging configuration, the first and second gamma cameras are configured to immobilize an anatomy of interest there between in the L-mode configuration. The molecular imaging system is also configured to operate in an H-mode imaging configuration wherein the first and second gamma cameras are configured to immobilize an anatomy of interest there between in the H-mode configuration.