Transparent Breast Compression Sheet for Tomosynthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mammography compression methods cause discomfort due to non-uniform force distribution and lack of transparency, which are less suitable for digital mammography and tomosynthesis, where uniform thickness is not as critical, and visibility during positioning is essential.
Innovation Solution
A transparent, air-filled or liquid-filled pillow or sheet device that redistributes compression forces, with adjustable air pressure and sticky surfaces to prevent slippage, and optional x-ray opaque markers for image artifacts, facilitating breast positioning and reducing discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid clear plastic compression paddle is used to compress the breast, then the breast is immobilized and radiation exposure is reduced, but patient discomfort increases due to non-uniform force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid clear plastic compression paddle with a transparent sheet or film that can be stretched and tightened around the breast. This flexible membrane conformally contacts the breast surface, distributing compression forces more uniformly while maintaining immobilization. The sheet can be made of materials like cellophane, plastic wrap, or other transparent flexible materials that allow visibility and provide gentle, even pressure across the entire breast surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the compression interface from rigid to flexible. By using a stretchable transparent sheet instead of a rigid paddle, the system transforms the compression mechanism into one that adapts to the breast's contours. The sheet can be tightened to various degrees, allowing adjustment of compression force while maintaining uniform distribution across the breast surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If foam pads are used to improve patient comfort, then pressure distribution is improved, but visibility of the breast is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a transparent flexible sheet instead of opaque foam pads. This thin film provides the necessary cushioning and pressure distribution while remaining visually transparent, allowing the technologist to see the breast surface and positioning markers through the material. The transparency resolves the contradiction between comfort and visibility by providing both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs materials that are transparent or translucent to visible light, allowing visualization of the breast through the compression medium. The transparent sheet may have markings or patterns that enhance visibility without blocking the view, and can be positioned to allow visualization of positioning markers and breast tissue during the compression process.
3Force
If a rigid compression paddle is used, then compression force is applied, but the force is non-uniformly distributed with concentration at the thickest portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible transparent sheet that conformally contacts the breast surface, allowing the compression force to be distributed uniformly across the entire breast. The sheet's flexibility enables it to adapt to the breast's three-dimensional contours, ensuring even pressure distribution rather than concentration at specific points like the chest wall area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a curved, conformal compression interface rather than a flat rigid surface. The transparent sheet wraps around the breast's natural curvature, providing contact across the entire surface area. This curved geometry allows uniform force distribution by matching the breast's shape, preventing stress concentration at flat contact points.
4Manufacturing precision
If analog screen-film mammography is used, then uniform breast thickness is required for proper exposure, but this increases patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compression requirement from achieving uniform thickness to achieving conformal contact and immobilization. The transparent sheet provides gentle, uniform pressure that immobilizes the breast without forcing it into a uniformly thin shape. This parameter change in the compression objective reduces the discomfort associated with high-force rigid compression while still achieving the necessary imaging conditions for digital and tomosynthesis modalities.
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
Improves patient comfort by evenly distributing compression forces, maintaining visibility during positioning, and minimizing image artifacts, while being suitable for digital mammography and tomosynthesis modalities.
Implementation Method 1
A transparent, air-filled or liquid-filled pillow or sheet device that redistributes compression forces, with adjustable air pressure
Implementation Method 2
air-filled or liquid-filled pillow or sheet device that redistributes compression forces
Implementation Method 3
sticky surfaces to prevent slippage
Data Source
AI summary
A breast x-ray imaging method and system that is particularly suited for tomosynthesis imaging but also is useful for conventional mammography. A fluid containing pillow or bag is placed between the breast and a paddle that compresses the breast against a breast platform covering an imaging device, to enhance patient comfort and provide other benefits. Alternatives include a flexible sheet compressing the breast, and a compressible foam, preferably contoured to accommodate a patient's breast.