Rotating Analysis Head for Compact Breast Biopsy and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast examination apparatuses are bulky and not versatile enough to perform mammography, tomosynthesis, and biopsy in both prone and vertical positions, limiting their use in space-constrained settings and compromising patient comfort and procedure efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with a modular design featuring a rotating analysis head and telescopic columns, allowing the detection plane to be adjusted in height and the analysis head to be positioned in both prone and vertical configurations, enabling flexible use in various examination types, including nuclear medicine, with a biopsy system for stereotaxic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated prone biopsy system is used, then patient comfort and accessibility are improved, but the apparatus requires additional space and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: mammography, tomosynthesis, and both prone and vertical biopsies using a single integrated system. The analysis head can rotate between vertical and prone positions, and the table can be configured for different patient positions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with the analysis head capable of rotating between vertical and prone positions, and the table able to adjust to accommodate different patient positions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows one apparatus to replace multiple static systems.
2Area of stationary object
If the apparatus structure is made compact, then space requirement is reduced, but the movement from vertical to prone position may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses vertical rotation of the analysis head around a horizontal axis to transition between positions, rather than lateral movement. This dimensional approach allows the prone position to be achieved within a compact footprint by utilizing the vertical space above the patient table.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into independent segments: the table positioning system and the analysis head rotation system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the analysis head rotating on a compact radius that does not interfere with the overall apparatus footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple examination types are integrated, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single analysis head serves multiple purposes by rotating to different positions for mammography, tomosynthesis, and biopsy procedures. The same detector and source assembly is used across all examination types, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic positioning of the analysis head and table to accommodate different examination types rather than having separate fixed installations for each procedure. The rotation mechanism and table positioning work together to provide access for various breast regions and patient positions.
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 apparatus provides a compact, versatile solution for breast examinations, enhancing patient comfort and procedure efficiency by allowing both prone and vertical positions, reducing the risk of complications, and accommodating patients of varying heights, while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for diverse clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
a source configured to emit X-rays and a detector configured to receive the X-rays emitted by the source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for carrying out an examination on the breast of a patient, includes an analysis head including at least one radiation detection device, configured to receive and detect radiation on a detection plane and at least one X-ray source to emit a corresponding beam of X-rays towards the detection plane. A first frame is provided with a floor support; a second frame supports the analysis head; and a third frame is connected to the first frame so that it can be moved from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and which supports the second frame. A movement mechanism moves the third frame from the horizontal position to the vertical position.