Virtual 2D Image Mapping for Breast Biopsy Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for guiding breast biopsy procedures using 3D breast imaging systems are inefficient, as they require heavy calculations and modify the tomosynthetic image, making them unsuitable for real-time use and increasing patient discomfort and X-ray exposure.
Innovation Solution
Combining 3D tomosynthesis with 2D dual-energy or Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) imaging, allowing for precise correlation between images through 3D to 2D mapping and transformation, enabling accurate positioning of the biopsy needle while reducing X-ray dose and examination time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D breast imaging systems are used to guide biopsy procedures, then positioning accuracy is improved, but calculation complexity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual 2D mammographic image from the 3D tomosynthetic image data. This virtual copy allows operators to view and annotate lesion positions in a 2D format that closely resembles conventional mammography, eliminating the need for complex real-time 3D navigation calculations while maintaining positioning accuracy. The virtual image serves as a simplified representation that preserves essential spatial information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual 2D image as an intermediary between the 3D tomosynthetic data and the operator's annotation process. This intermediary layer allows operators to mark lesion positions on a familiar 2D interface, which then gets translated back to 3D coordinates for biopsy guidance, simplifying the interaction without sacrificing precision.
2Measurement precision
If tomosynthetic images are modified for biopsy guidance, then needle positioning is improved, but image integrity and diagnostic quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the diagnostic imaging function from the biopsy guidance function by creating a virtual 2D copy from the 3D data. The original 3D tomosynthetic images remain unmodified and preserve full diagnostic quality, while the virtual copy is used for annotation and guidance purposes. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without compromising either image integrity or positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a virtual copy of the tomosynthetic image in 2D format, the patent enables annotations and markings to be made on the copy without affecting the original diagnostic images. The original images retain their full integrity and can be used for both diagnosis and as the source data for generating guidance images.
3Productivity
If single-energy mammography is used, then examination time is reduced, but lesion visibility and contrast enhancement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the advantages of dual-energy mammography (improved lesion visibility through spectral separation) with the speed of single-energy imaging. By performing spectral separation on already-acquired dual-energy images and then creating virtual 2D representations, the system achieves both enhanced contrast for lesion detection and efficient processing for rapid examination completion.
4Measurement precision
If compression force is increased for better imaging, then image quality is improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual 2D mammographic images from 3D tomosynthetic data, allowing operators to perform repeat views and additional imaging without requiring additional physical compression of the breast. This eliminates repeated compression events that cause patient discomfort while maintaining the ability to obtain multiple imaging perspectives for diagnostic quality.
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 significantly shortens biopsy procedure times, reduces patient discomfort, and minimizes X-ray exposure by allowing for precise image correlation and accurate needle placement, even with contrast media, enhancing the visibility of lesions and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises an X-ray emitter (2) and an X-ray detector (6)
Implementation Method 2
perform a 3D imaging procedure of the breast in a compressed state, of the tomosynthesis type
Implementation Method 3
two images are obtained by irradiating the breast with two different spectra (in the X-ray range) because they are centred on two different average energies
Data Source
AI summary
The method is for aiding an operator to determine a position of a region of interest in a breast so as to subsequently guide a biopsy procedure; the method is adapted to be implemented in a mammography apparatus; the method provides performing a 2D imaging procedure of the dual energy mammography type and generating a composite 2D image, and performing a 3D imaging procedure of the tomosynthesis type, firstly generating a 3D image and then a virtual 2D image; based, for example, on the composite 2D image and the virtual 2D image, a two-dimensional mapping and transformation are determined which allow the same marking elements to be accurately displayed on different images, in particular on a 2D section of the 3D image and on a recorded 2D image derived from the composite 2D image.