Upright CBBCT Patient Support Saddle for Accessible Breast Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cone beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) systems pose ergonomic challenges for patients who find it difficult to assume a prone position, particularly for those who are elderly, obese, pregnant, disabled, or suffering from paralysis or amputation, making it hard for them to undergo breast imaging effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of a CBBCT system that allows for upright patient positioning using a saddle for support during scanning, with a gantry that can move linearly toward the patient and adjust to facilitate entry and scanning, enabling patients to be imaged in an upright position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional prone positioning is used for CBBCT imaging, then imaging geometry is optimized, but patient accessibility and comfort deteriorate for elderly, obese, pregnant, disabled, or paralyzed patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional imaging geometry by allowing the patient to remain upright rather than requiring them to lie prone. The gantry rotates in a vertical plane around the upright patient, swapping the traditional roles of patient positioning and imaging geometry to improve accessibility while maintaining imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by enabling the gantry to rotate in a vertical plane rather than the conventional horizontal plane. This vertical plane rotation allows the imaging system to accommodate upright patient positioning, adding a new degree of freedom to the imaging geometry.
2Measurement precision
If breast compression is applied during mammography, then imaging quality improves, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system used in conventional mammography with a cone beam CT imaging approach that does not require compression. The volumetric imaging capability of CBBCT allows high-quality images to be obtained without applying compressive forces to the breast tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameters from projection radiography (mammography) to volumetric cone beam computed tomography. This parameter change enables the system to achieve superior contrast resolution and spatial frequency response without requiring breast compression, as the 3D imaging inherently provides better tissue separation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional mammography is used, then early detection capability is limited to larger tumors, but sensitivity to small cancers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging modality from 2D projection mammography to 3D cone beam computed tomography. This parameter change enables detection of smaller tumors (down to 2-3 mm) by providing volumetric imaging with superior contrast resolution and spatial frequency response, allowing visualization of microcalcifications and small masses that are invisible on conventional mammography.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite imaging approach combining cone beam X-ray imaging with advanced image processing techniques. The system integrates multiple imaging parameters and processing algorithms to enhance the detection of small cancers, achieving sensitivity exceeding 90% for tumors 2-3 mm in size.
4Ease of operation
If upright positioning with saddle support is implemented, then patient comfort improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle support structure serves multiple functions: it provides ergonomic support for upright positioning, acts as a positioning fixture to align the patient's breast with the imaging aperture, and functions as a safety constraint to prevent patient movement during scanning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle acts as an intermediary element between the patient and the imaging system. It translates the patient's upright position into the required imaging geometry, mediating between the comfort requirement (upright positioning) and the imaging requirement (precise breast alignment with the aperture).
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 configuration enhances patient comfort and accessibility, allowing a wider range of individuals to undergo breast imaging without the need for breast compression, thereby improving imaging efficacy and reducing discomfort and difficulty in positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a cone beam X-ray source positioned at a first location and configured to emit a divergent beam of X-rays through a patient's breast to a detector
Implementation Method 2
a detector positioned at a second location and configured to receive the divergent beam
Data Source
AI summary
A cone beam breast computer tomographic scanning system includes a vertical plane gantry and a patient support subsystem, where the patient support subsystem has a patient support saddle for patient positioning during imaging.