Slot-Scanning Breast Imaging With Tilted Compression and Low Scatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mammography systems face challenges in reducing scatter radiation and breast compression discomfort, which affect image quality and patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
The use of slot scanning technology with adjustable compression and AEC parameters, combined with a narrow, collimated X-ray beam and a slotted detector, to reduce scatter and optimize exposure settings based on breast thickness, along with arcuate fiber optic bundles to align the beam orthogonally with the detector, ensuring uniform compression and reduced radiation dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If anti-scatter grids are used to reduce scatter radiation, then image quality is improved, but radiation dose to the patient increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the anti-scatter grid from the imaging system entirely, replacing it with a different approach that does not require the grid structure. This extraction eliminates the need for increased radiation dose that would be required to compensate for grid attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameters by using a slit-based collimation system that geometrically restricts the X-ray beam. This parameter change allows scatter reduction without the need for high-dose compensation that would be required with traditional grid-based methods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If vigorous breast compression is applied to reduce thickness and radiation dose, then radiation dose is reduced, but patient discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple sequential slit scans across different portions of the breast. This segmentation allows for reduced compression forces during each individual scan while still achieving complete breast imaging through the accumulation of multiple scan segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement of the slit collimator and detector across the breast during imaging. This dynamic scanning approach allows the system to capture the entire breast volume with reduced compression compared to static full-field imaging, thereby reducing patient discomfort.
3Measurement precision
If flat compression is applied to equalize breast thickness for uniform imaging, then image uniformity is improved, but pain and discomfort during compression increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using region-specific exposure parameters and slit positioning for different portions of the breast. Each scanned region can be optimized independently, allowing adequate imaging of thick areas without requiring uniform high compression across the entire breast, thereby reducing patient pain.
4Measurement precision
If a narrow slit beam is used to reduce scatter, then scatter reduction is achieved, but imaging time increases due to sequential scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by continuously moving the slit collimator and detector across the breast in a coordinated scanning motion. This continuous scanning process efficiently collects image data from all breast regions without interruption, minimizing total imaging time despite the sequential nature of slit-based imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning and alignment of the slit collimator and detector before initiating the scanning sequence. This preliminary action ensures that the scanning process proceeds efficiently without interruptions for real-time adjustment, thereby reducing overall imaging time.
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
This approach enhances image quality by reducing scatter, optimizing SNR and CNR, and alleviating breast compression discomfort, leading to improved detection of breast features and reduced radiation dosage.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator positioned to receive the beam after it has translated through a breast and generate light in response to receiving the beam
Implementation Method 2
an arcuate fiber optic bundle configured to receive the light from the scintillator and carry the light to a receptor
Implementation Method 3
an x-ray tube configured to move to different positions
Data Source
AI summary
To improve breast mammography imagery via use of a digital “slot scanning” imaging system that accommodates the changing thickness of the breast from the chest wall to the nipple by scanning the breast from the chest outward to the nipple or vice versa instead of the side-to-side methodology and using Automatic Exposure Control or AEC parameters optimized for the changing thickness and composition of the breast at each scan location and an improved breast compression device, wherein uniform breast compression mechanism includes a first breast plate and a second breast plate, wherein at least one of said first breast plate and said second breast plates includes an angle adjustment or tilt to account for the high variability in breast sizes and configurations while maintaining optimal immobilization with excellent patient comfort.