Vacuum Breast Holder Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mammography methods require breast compression to immobilize tissue and reduce motion artifacts, but this increases patient discomfort and may reduce compliance with screening intervals due to the force needed for flattening the breast.
Innovation Solution
A breast imaging system using a flexible membrane breast holder coupled with a vacuum pump to create a partial vacuum, which immobilizes the breast without the need for excessive compression, allowing for comfortable imaging and maximum tissue coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If breast compression is used to immobilize tissue and reduce motion artifacts, then image sharpness is improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a vacuum pump to create negative pressure within a flexible membrane breast holder, drawing the breast tissue into the holder and immobilizing it without requiring external compression forces. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical compression with vacuum suction, achieving tissue immobilization while reducing patient discomfort from excessive compressive forces
Solution Approach 2:
The breast holder employs a flexible membrane that can conform to the breast tissue shape while maintaining vacuum sealing. This flexible shell allows the breast to be drawn into the holder and held in place through vacuum pressure distributed across the flexible surface, providing immobilization without rigid compression structures
2Area of stationary object
If breast compression is used to flatten the breast for imaging, then tissue coverage is improved, but patient compliance with screening intervals decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump creates negative pressure that draws the entire breast tissue volume into the flexible membrane holder, ensuring complete tissue coverage for imaging. Because this method avoids painful compression forces, patients experience greater comfort and are more likely to comply with recommended screening intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter from positive compression pressure to negative vacuum pressure. This parameter change fundamentally alters how the breast is positioned and immobilized, achieving full tissue coverage through suction rather than compression, thereby improving patient comfort and compliance
3Measurement precision
If compression force is increased to reduce patient motion artifacts, then image quality is improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump generates negative pressure within the flexible membrane, creating a suction force that draws and holds the breast tissue firmly in place. This pneumatic immobilization prevents patient motion artifacts effectively, while the distributed vacuum pressure is more comfortable than concentrated compressive forces applied by traditional compression paddles
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 system effectively reduces patient discomfort by minimizing the force required for compression, enhances image sharpness by reducing motion artifacts, and improves compliance with recommended screening intervals by ensuring good tissue positioning and coverage.
Implementation Method 1
creating at least a partial vacuum within the flexible membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A method for imaging a breast is provided. The method includes positioning a breast within a breast holder including a flexible membrane and creating at least a partial vacuum within the flexible membrane. A method of upgrading a mammography system and various configurations of breast holders are also provided.