Removable PET Panels for Mammography Spatial Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current positron emission tomography (PET) systems are limited in their ability to provide high-resolution images and accurate characterization of early-stage breast cancer, particularly due to the limited spatial resolution of whole-body scanners, which hinders effective lesion imaging and treatment planning.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a PET system with mammography machines, featuring removably coupled PET detection panels that surround the tissue platform to obtain 360-degree data samples, enabling high-resolution imaging, quantitative accuracy, and biopsy guidance, using radiotracers like 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose to characterize breast cancer and assess treatment response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If whole-body PET scanners are used for breast cancer imaging, then the system can detect and image breast lesions, but the spatial resolution is limited and insufficient for early-stage breast cancer characterization
Solution Approach 1:
The PET scanner is segmented into separate detection panels that can be independently positioned and configured. This allows the system to be divided into multiple modular components that can be arranged to optimize spatial resolution for breast imaging while maintaining system flexibility and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from whole-body imaging to a focused breast imaging configuration by positioning detection panels in close proximity to the breast tissue. This dimensional change in detector-to-target distance significantly improves spatial resolution for early-stage lesion detection.
2Measurement precision
If PET detection panels are positioned close to the breast tissue, then spatial resolution improves, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection panels are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to be adjusted and repositioned as needed. This dynamic configuration enables optimal placement for high-resolution imaging while maintaining operational flexibility and ease of use through programmable positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning mechanisms and control systems serve as intermediaries between the operator and the detection panels. These intermediary systems simplify the complex task of panel positioning by providing automated or assisted positioning features that reduce the operational burden on users.
3Measurement precision
If removable PET detection panels are integrated with mammography machines, then the system provides high-resolution imaging and quantitative accuracy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PET detection panels are designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow them to be integrated with existing mammography machines. This multi-functionality approach enables the same panel design to be used across different imaging platforms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The PET detection panels are nested within or integrated into the existing mammography machine structure. This nesting approach allows the PET components to be housed within the available space of the mammography system, reducing the need for separate dedicated facilities and minimizing additional structural complexity.
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 integrated PET-mammography system provides high spatial resolution images and quantitative accuracy, facilitating effective treatment planning, guiding biopsy procedures, and assessing treatment response, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing treatment-related morbidity.
Implementation Method 1
obtain an approximately 360 degree data sample of tissue... using radiotracers like 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose to characterize breast cancer
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology describes various embodiments of positron emission tomography (PET) systems for use with mammography machines and associated devices and methods. In several embodiments, a PET system includes a tissue platform and one or more PET detection panels removably coupled to the mammography machine. The panels are configured to generally surround the tissue platform and obtain an approximately 360 degree data sample of tissue. The system can further include an output device configured to output the data sample for image reconstruction. In some embodiments, the system is configured to provide high resolution images, quantitative image accuracy, dynamic imaging, and/or biopsy guidance.