Stationary X-ray Source Array for Breast Specimen Tomosynthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray imaging systems for breast specimens are limited by their two-dimensional imaging capabilities, which can lead to inaccurate margin assessment during excision procedures due to tissue displacement and overlapping dense fibroglandular tissue, necessitating multiple orthogonal views and increased surgical time.
Innovation Solution
A cabinet x-ray system utilizing a stationary or multiple stationary x-ray sources and a digital detector to generate three-dimensional tomosynthetic images through geometric magnification, allowing for improved visualization of specimen margins without physically rotating the specimen, thereby reducing errors and surgical time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple orthogonal views are taken by physically rotating the specimen, then margin assessment accuracy is improved, but tissue displacement occurs causing false measurements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the specimen to obtain multiple views, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the specimen stationary and rotating the x-ray source and detector assembly. This inversion eliminates tissue displacement while still providing multiple projection angles for accurate margin assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging system into a stationary specimen container and a movable x-ray source/detector assembly. This segmentation allows the specimen to remain fixed while the imaging components move, resolving the contradiction between needing multiple views and maintaining tissue stability.
2Productivity
If two-dimensional x-ray imaging is used, then imaging speed is improved, but overlapping dense fibroglandular tissue causes inaccurate margin assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional tomosynthesis by acquiring multiple projections at different angles and reconstructing tomographic slices. This dimensional change eliminates tissue overlap while maintaining imaging efficiency through rapid sequential acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from single-plane radiography to multi-planar tomosynthesis. By varying the projection angle parameter and reconstructing multiple slices, the system achieves both speed and accuracy in margin assessment.
3Reliability
If the specimen is rotated to obtain orthogonal views, then complete margin verification is improved, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by acquiring multiple projection images in rapid succession before the surgeon needs to make decisions. The tomosynthesis reconstruction is then performed quickly, providing complete margin verification information without extending surgical time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of the specimen with an automated x-ray source and detector rotation system. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual repositioning of tissue while maintaining complete margin verification capability.
4Illumination intensity
If digital magnification is used to enlarge the specimen image, then visualization of margins is improved, but image distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary geometric magnification step where the specimen is positioned at a distance from the detector to create a magnified projection. This intermediary approach provides true geometric magnification without the distortion inherent in digital zooming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter by adjusting the source-to-object and object-to-detector distances to achieve geometric magnification. This physical parameter change provides distortion-free enlargement compared to digital magnification methods.
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 accurate, expedited three-dimensional imaging of breast specimens, enhancing margin assessment and reducing the risk of missed cancer diagnoses by providing clear, distortion-free images with geometric magnification, thus improving surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray system including an x-ray detector; a plurality of x-ray sources
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of a cabinet x-ray incorporating a stationary x-ray source array, and an x-ray detector, for the production of organic and non-organic images. Stationary x-ray digital cabinet tomosynthesis systems and related methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include an x-ray tomosynthesis system having a plurality of stationary field emission x-ray sources configured to irradiate a location for positioning an object to be imaged with x-ray beams to generate projection images of the object. An x-ray detector can be configured to detect the projection images of the object. A projection image reconstruction function can be configured to reconstruct tomography images of the object based on the projection images of the object. In the preferred embodiment, the x-ray source or sources are statically affixed in a range from about 350° to and including about 10°.