Wide-Angle Tomosynthesis X-Ray Source Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mammographic imaging using separate cranio-caudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) projection views results in high rates of false negatives and positives due to superimposed tissue, requires multiple breast compressions, increasing radiation dose and patient discomfort, and is inefficient in terms of patient throughput.
Innovation Solution
A wide-angle tomosynthesis imaging system that translates an x-ray source along a path of 60-120 degrees to acquire a single tomosynthesis image dataset, allowing for the reconstruction of two or more three-dimensional volumes aligned outside the central view direction, eliminating the need for multiple compressions and repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate CC and MLO projection views are acquired using conventional mammographic imaging, then detection of lesions is improved, but radiation dose increases and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple projection views (CC and MLO) into a single tomosynthesis scan by moving the x-ray source through an arced path that captures images from multiple angles simultaneously. This merging of multiple separate acquisitions into one integrated scan reduces the total radiation dose while maintaining lesion detection capability through 3D reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D projection imaging to 3D tomosynthesis by adding the temporal/dimensional aspect of moving the x-ray source through an arced path. This creates a volumetric dataset that can be reconstructed in multiple view directions, eliminating the need for separate compressions and reducing radiation dose while improving detection reliability.
2Reliability
If separate CC and MLO projection views are acquired, then detection of lesions is improved, but patient throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acquisition of CC and MLO views into a single tomosynthesis scan procedure. By capturing multiple projection angles during one scan with the x-ray source moving through an arced path, the system eliminates the need for separate compressions and repositioning operations, thereby improving patient throughput while maintaining detection reliability.
3Reliability
If separate CC and MLO projection views are acquired, then detection of lesions is improved, but patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple projection views into a single scan, eliminating the need for repeated breast compressions and repositioning operations. This single tomosynthesis scan with x-ray source movement provides the same diagnostic information as separate CC and MLO views while significantly improving patient comfort by reducing the number of times the patient must be repositioned and compressed.
4Device complexity
If conventional projection views are used, then imaging simplicity is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to superimposed tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the third dimension of depth through tomosynthesis by moving the x-ray source through an arced path and reconstructing volumetric data. This creates sliced 3D images that separate superimposed tissue structures along the z-axis, dramatically improving image quality and lesion detectability while maintaining relative simplicity through automated reconstruction algorithms.
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 increases patient comfort and throughput while reducing radiation dose by generating optimized 3D images from a single scan, improving detection accuracy and minimizing image artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a patient's breast 102 is immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle 104 and a platform 106, shown in a horizontal orientation (i.e., generally perpendicular to the long patient axis). Below platform 106 is a detector 108, which receives x-ray beams emitted from an x-ray source 110.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a directed to an apparatus for tomosynthesis imaging, wherein the apparatus comprises an x-ray source configured to irradiate an object with a beam of x-rays and a detector configured to detect the x-ray beam that passes through the object. The apparatus further comprises a computer programmed to perform a scan, wherein the scan comprises a translation of at least one of the x-ray source and the detector along a path, an acquisition of a tomosynthesis image dataset, and a reconstruction of one or more three-dimensional (3D) volumes adapted to one or more predetermined view directions, wherein at least one of the one or more predetermined view directions is aligned outside of a central view direction.