Prone Tomosynthesis Biopsy Geometry for Needle Artifact Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy systems face challenges with image artifacts from the biopsy needle, space limitations for thin breasts, and complex setup procedures, especially in tomotactic guidance, which complicates precision and accessibility for breast biopsies.
Innovation Solution
A table and stage arm assembly system that supports a patient in a prone position, combined with a tomosynthesis imaging system, allowing for independent rotational and linear adjustments, and a biopsy needle positioned using the imaging system information, enabling 360-degree access and avoiding needle artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the biopsy needle is aligned with the path between the x-ray source and x-ray detector, then the needle can be imaged for localization, but the needle creates undesirable artifacts in the images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane 2D projection approach to a 3D tomosynthesis approach. By acquiring multiple x-ray images at different angles and reconstructing a 3D dataset, the system can localize the needle tip precisely in three-dimensional space without the needle being in the direct x-ray path during any single projection, thereby eliminating artifacts while maintaining localization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary tomosynthesis imaging to create a 3D representation of the breast tissue and identify the target lesion before performing the biopsy. This preliminary 3D mapping allows the biopsy needle to be guided to the precise location without requiring the needle to be visible in the final diagnostic images, thus avoiding artifact generation.
2Ease of operation
If a side entry approach is used for thin breasts, then the biopsy can be performed, but the lateral arm must be detached and reattached and manual calculations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The tomosynthesis imaging system and stage arm assembly are designed to accommodate various breast thicknesses and positions universally. The system can perform imaging and biopsy guidance in a prone position with the breast on the table surface, eliminating the need for separate side-entry setups and arm reattachment procedures while maintaining accessibility for thin breasts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual calculations and mechanical adjustments with an automated image-guided system. The tomosynthesis images are processed by a computer system that automatically calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the target lesion and guides the biopsy needle to the precise location, eliminating the need for manual measurements and complex setup procedures.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If tomotactic guidance is used, then artifacts from the biopsy gun can be avoided by skipping certain exposures, but the setup becomes more complex and precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs complete tomosynthesis imaging with multiple exposures at various angles before the biopsy procedure. This preliminary 3D dataset is then used to guide the biopsy needle to the precise location of the target lesion. By having the complete 3D information available beforehand, the system can avoid the need to skip exposures during the biopsy phase, maintaining both artifact avoidance and precision while simplifying the overall setup.
4Ease of operation
If the breast platform or x-ray detector interferes with the path of the biopsy gun, then space limitations are exceeded, but the biopsy cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional tomosynthesis imaging to overcome two-dimensional space constraints. By creating a 3D map of the breast tissue and target lesion, the system can calculate optimal biopsy paths that avoid interference from the breast platform and x-ray detector. This allows the biopsy needle to be guided through available space in three-dimensional space rather than being constrained by two-dimensional planar limitations.
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
Facilitates simple setup, accommodates thin breasts, and reduces image artifacts, providing precise and accessible biopsy procedures with enhanced geometry to avoid interference, thus improving biopsy efficiency and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a tomosynthesis imaging system disposed below the table for imaging a breast of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A station for tomotactic-guided biopsy in prone includes a table with an aperture, and a tomosynthesis imaging system. A biopsy gun can be mounted on a stage arm assembly disposed below the table. The imaging system and stage arm assembly can be independently rotated and linearly repositioned in one or more dimensions, thereby allowing the tomotactic scan axis to be located relative to a breast being imaged.