Synchronized Contrast-Enhanced Mammography Imaging Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contrast-enhanced mammography techniques face challenges in capturing high-resolution images of vessels feeding tumors during the arterial phase and monitoring contrast agent uptake over time, due to dilution of the contrast agent and variations in patient positioning and operator procedures, which hinder accurate vascularity assessment and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that synchronize the operation of an automatic injector with an x-ray imaging system to inject a contrast agent and acquire high and low energy images during both arterial and diffusion phases, using a programmable synchronization controller to standardize and automate imaging tasks, ensuring precise image capture and minimizing operator variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If images are acquired several minutes after IV injection of contrast agent, then contrast agent diffusion in interstitial tissue can be imaged, but vessels feeding tumors become invisible due to contrast agent dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic imaging acquisitions at multiple time points after contrast agent injection, capturing images during both the arterial phase (immediate post-injection) and the diffusion phase (several minutes post-injection). This periodic sampling allows visualization of contrast agent progression through different physiological stages, preserving both vascular and interstitial diffusion information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary imaging during the arterial phase immediately after contrast agent injection, before the contrast agent dilutes in the bloodstream. This preliminary capture of vascular information occurs while contrast concentration in vessels is still high, enabling visualization of tumor-feeding vessels before they become invisible in later diffusion phases.
2Stability of the object's composition
If breast compression is maintained during arterial and diffusion phases, then anatomical stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and contrast agent diffusion may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts breast compression levels based on the imaging phase. During the arterial phase, higher compression is applied to maintain anatomical stability and minimize motion artifacts. During the diffusion phase, compression is reduced or removed to improve patient comfort and allow natural contrast agent diffusion in interstitial tissue. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between stability and comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning and injection procedures are performed by technologist, then flexibility in procedure is improved, but operator variability reduces quantitative image accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the imaging system and automatic injector are electronically coupled. The imaging system provides real-time feedback on breast positioning and compression status, while the automatic injector uses feedback from timing signals to precisely control contrast agent injection rate and volume. This closed-loop feedback system standardizes procedures across different operators while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to individual patient anatomy through programmable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation through automatic injector control and programmable imaging sequences. The technologist simply positions the breast and initiates the protocol; the system then automatically executes the imaging sequence and contrast agent injection according to pre-programmed parameters, eliminating manual variability in injection rate, timing, and image acquisition parameters while maintaining adaptability through programmable settings.
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 fast acquisition of high-resolution images that capture the arterial phase information, monitor contrast agent uptake, and reduce variations in image acquisition, allowing for improved visualization of small vessels and contrast agent drainage, thereby enhancing clinical accuracy and reducing patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
Contrast-enhanced Mammography (CEM) images can be acquired through 1) a temporal sequence of acquisitions using a single x-ray spectrum followed by image subtraction (Temporal-CEM); 2) through a dual or multi-energy sequence using several x-ray spectra followed by recombination of images acquired with different spectra (CESM)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of obtaining x-ray images includes controlling operation of an automatic injector to inject a contrast agent into a patient at a predetermined time, synchronizing operations of an x-ray imaging system with the operation of the automatic injector, and obtaining images of a region of interest of the patient during arterial and diffusion phases of the contrast agent.