Integrated Tomosynthesis and Molecular Breast Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast cancer imaging techniques, such as mammography and MRI, face challenges in sensitivity and specificity, particularly in dense breast tissue, with mammography being two-dimensional and MRI being costly, while breast tomosynthesis improves sensitivity but not specificity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated multi-modal breast imaging system combining tomosynthesis and molecular imaging capabilities in a single device, using x-ray components for anatomical imaging and molecular imaging components for physiological imaging, allowing for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and reduced unnecessary biopsies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mammography is used for breast cancer screening, then the imaging process is simple and cost-effective, but the sensitivity is compromised due to overlapping structures in compressed breast tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the breast tissue into multiple thin slices through tomosynthesis reconstruction, allowing individual evaluation of each slice rather than viewing overlapping structures in a single 2D image. This segmentation eliminates the tissue overlap problem while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of x-ray based imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D mammography to 3D tomosynthesis by acquiring images at multiple angles and reconstructing them into volumetric data. This dimensional change allows radiologists to navigate through slices in the third dimension, resolving overlapping structures while keeping the system relatively simple and cost-effective compared to full MRI.
2Reliability
If breast tomosynthesis is used to improve sensitivity, then sensitivity of x-ray cancer screening is greatly improved, but specificity issues associated with dense breasts remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tomosynthesis imaging with molecular imaging (such as SPECT or PET) into an integrated system. The tomosynthesis provides high-sensitivity anatomical imaging while the molecular imaging component provides functional information that improves specificity. The combination allows differentiation of benign from malignant lesions through complementary imaging modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses molecular tracers as intermediaries that provide functional information about tissue metabolism and receptor expression. These tracers act as mediators between the anatomical structure seen in tomosynthesis and the physiological state of the tissue, enabling more specific characterization of lesions.
3Reliability
If MRI is used for breast imaging, then sensitivity is maximized, but the cost of devices limits general deployment and specificity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs molecular tracers with short half-lives that are administered temporarily for the imaging procedure. These short-lived radiopharmaceuticals provide the necessary functional information without requiring permanent, expensive infrastructure like MRI machines. The integrated system uses relatively inexpensive x-ray and nuclear medicine components compared to MRI.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system that combines anatomical imaging (tomosynthesis) and functional imaging (molecular imaging) in a single platform. This universal system can perform multiple imaging functions that would otherwise require separate expensive devices, making high-sensitivity imaging more accessible and cost-effective.
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 integrated system increases diagnostic speed and accuracy by enabling radiologists to choose imaging modalities based on patient needs, reducing anxiety and improving tissue differentiation, thereby enhancing breast cancer diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
The x-ray components generate two-dimensional and three-dimensional anatomical images based on the absorption of x-rays by the breast
Implementation Method 2
Molecular breast imaging generates a physiological image of the breast based on the absorption and decay of radioisotopes that have been injected into the breast
Implementation Method 3
Molecular breast imaging generates a physiological image of the breast based on the absorption and decay of radioisotopes that have been injected into the breast
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated tomosynthesis/molecular breast imaging device having improved sensitivity includes tomosynthesis imaging components and molecular breast imaging components. The imaging components may be used individually or in combination to provide a system with improved sensitivity and specificity. Molecular imaging components may be smoothly advanced or withdrawn depending upon the desired imaging mode. The system supports both PET and SPECT imaging and enables SPECT collimation to be modified in accordance with image capture requirements.