Supine Breast CT Scanner with Lifted Receiving Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography techniques struggle to differentiate overlapping tissues in the projection direction, particularly in patients with dense breast tissues, and lack effective methods for imaging breasts in the supine position, which is common in radiotherapy and surgery.
Innovation Solution
A cone beam CT scanner designed for supine breast imaging, featuring a receiving section that can be lifted to position the breast for imaging, along with a radiation imaging section comprising an x-ray tube and detector, and a drive unit to adjust the scanner's position and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated prone breast CT is used, then breast imaging in 3D geometry is improved, but compatibility with supine treatment position is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional imaging approach by designing a supine breast CT scanner instead of a prone scanner. The receiving section is configured to receive the breast in the supine position, and the drive unit moves the receiving section to position it above the breast, enabling imaging in the same position as radiotherapy and surgery treatments.
2Measurement precision
If whole-body CT is used for breast imaging, then 3D breast images are obtained, but radiation dose efficiency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system from whole-body CT by designing a dedicated breast CT scanner with a receiving section that selectively receives and images only the breast tissue. This segmentation allows concentrated radiation dose on the breast area, improving dose efficiency while maintaining 3D imaging capability.
3Measurement precision
If mammography compression is applied, then 2D image quality is improved, but patient compliance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D mammography to 3D cone beam CT imaging. The receiving section captures breast tissue in three dimensions without requiring compression, eliminating patient discomfort while maintaining superior tissue differentiation through volumetric imaging.
4Adaptability or versatility
If supine breast imaging is implemented, then compatibility with treatment geometry is improved, but breast separation from chest wall is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning device as an intermediary between the breast and the receiving section. This device gently separates the breast from the chest wall in the supine position, enabling both treatment geometry compatibility and adequate tissue differentiation without requiring prone positioning.
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
Enables high-quality 3D imaging of the breast in the supine position, improving tissue differentiation and disease detection while reducing radiation dose and enhancing compatibility with treatment modalities.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation imaging section comprising an x-ray tube and a detector
Implementation Method 2
a radiation imaging section comprising an x-ray tube and a detector which face each other
Data Source
AI summary
A cone beam CT scanner comprises a receiving section configured to receive a breast of the subject whilst in the supine position, a radiation imaging section comprising an x-ray tube and a detector which face each other and have the receiving section interposed therebetween, and a drive unit operable to move the receiving section to a position suitable for imaging the breast of the subject. A method for breast radiography is also disclosed.