Predicted View Module for Mammography ROI Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography imaging systems face challenges in accurately positioning regions of interest (ROI) within the breast for diagnostic imaging procedures, particularly when an ML/LM view is not available, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignment during procedures like biopsy.
Innovation Solution
A radiography imaging system equipped with an image prediction module that uses prior screening images to generate predicted views of the breast in predefined views (such as ML or LM), assisting in accurate positioning of ROIs within the field of view during diagnostic imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual estimation or triangulation is used to position the ROI, then the procedure can be performed without additional imaging, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to misalignment during biopsy
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the breast anatomy by generating a synthesized ML/LM view image from the available CC and MLO screening images. This virtual image serves as a reference guide that accurately represents the ROI position in the required diagnostic view, eliminating the need for manual estimation while providing precise positioning information for the biopsy procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediate synthesized image as a mediator between the screening images and the actual biopsy procedure. This intermediate representation provides the missing anatomical view information, enabling accurate ROI localization without requiring additional patient positioning or multiple diagnostic images
2Measurement precision
If multiple diagnostic images are acquired to ensure proper ROI positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but the procedure time and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating the synthesized ML/LM view image from the screening images before the biopsy procedure begins. This advance preparation provides all necessary positioning information in advance, eliminating the need for iterative image acquisition and repositioning during the actual procedure
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a virtual synthesized image that replicates the appearance and anatomical relationships of a true ML/LM view, the system provides accurate positioning guidance without requiring actual acquisition of multiple diagnostic images, thus saving time while maintaining precision
3Measurement precision
If additional diagnostic imaging procedures are performed to locate the ROI, then positioning accuracy improves, but patient discomfort and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual synthesized image that replicates the anatomical information of a true ML/LM view without requiring actual exposure of the patient to additional radiation. This virtual copy provides all necessary positioning information while avoiding the harmful effects of repeated imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The synthesized image serves as an intermediary that provides the necessary anatomical reference information without requiring additional diagnostic imaging procedures. This mediator delivers the positioning guidance function while eliminating the harmful side effects associated with repeated patient exposure to radiation and compression
4Measurement precision
If the field of view is reduced to focus on the ROI, then imaging precision for the ROI improves, but the ability to assess overall breast positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates a synthesized full-breast ML/LM view image that maintains the complete anatomical context while highlighting the ROI position. This virtual full-view image allows operators to assess overall breast positioning and anatomy while still providing precise ROI location information, combining the benefits of both wide and focused views
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 enables precise alignment of ROIs within the field of view, reducing the need for multiple diagnostic images and improving the efficiency and comfort of diagnostic procedures by utilizing existing information from screening images.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source, a detector adapted to receive radiation emitted from the radiation source to generate image data
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a radiography imaging system adapted to perform a diagnostic imaging procedure includes a radiation source, a detector adapted to receive radiation emitted from the radiation source to generate image data, a controller operably connected to the radiation source and the detector to control the operation of the radiation source and detector to generate the image data, the controller including a central processing unit and interconnected electronic memory unit for processing the image data from the detector, a display operably connected to the controller, and a user interface operably connected to the controller to enable user input to the controller. The radiography imaging system also includes an image prediction module operably connected to the controller and configured to receive a prior screening image of a patient, and generate a prediction view of the patient for presentation on the display.