CN100471457C - Versatile breast ultrasound scanning - Google Patents
Versatile breast ultrasound scanning Download PDFInfo
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- CN100471457C CN100471457C CNB2005800132758A CN200580013275A CN100471457C CN 100471457 C CN100471457 C CN 100471457C CN B2005800132758 A CNB2005800132758 A CN B2005800132758A CN 200580013275 A CN200580013275 A CN 200580013275A CN 100471457 C CN100471457 C CN 100471457C
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Abstract
Versatile ultrasound scanning of a breast is described using an apparatus (1202) including a hand-manipulable compression/scanning assembly (1208). The compression/scanning assembly (1208) comprises an ultrasound transducer (1304) and a compressive member comprising an at least partially conformable membrane (1218) in a substantially taut state, the membrane (1218) having a first surface compressing the breast in a generally chestward direction and a second surface opposite the first surface. The compression/scanning assembly (1208) further comprises a transducer translation mechanism coupled to the ultrasound transducer (1304) and configured to sweep the ultrasound transducer across the second surface of the membrane to scan the breast while compressed in the generally chestward direction. Systemized and/or standardized ultrasonic scanning of a breast based on hand-manipulable scanners (1208, 1508) having substantially planar scanning surfaces is also described.
Description
The cross reference of related application
The application requires the U.S. Provisional Application 60/565 of submission on April 26th, 2004,698, the U.S. Provisional Application of submitting on June 4th, 2,004 60/577,078, the priority of the U.S. Provisional Application of submitting on November 17th, 2,004 60/629,007 is introduced into for your guidance here.
Technical field
This interim patent specification relates to the imaging of medical ultrasound ripple.More specifically, this description relates to Versatile breast ultrasound scanning equipment and correlation technique.
Background technology
Proposed the breast volume ultrasonic scanning as the supplementary form that is used for breast carcinoma scanning, this for example describes in the commonly assigned US 2003/007598A1 that is disclosed on January 9th, 2003, is introduced into for your guidance here.And traditional two-dimentional mastogram only detects the summation that does not have transmitted X-rays of each section of breast on whole breast, but the Ultrasonic characteristics of each section of ultrasound wave independent detection breast tissue, and therefore can survey breast lesion, and independent X ray mammography can not.Another well-known shortcoming that the X ray mammography is used appears to be had under the compactness breast women situation, comprises that the patient has the situation of high-load fiber gland tissue in its breast.Because the fiber gland tissue has than the higher X ray absorbance of fatty tissue on every side, breast part with high fiber gland tissue content can not be penetrated well by X ray, and causes mammography to comprise the information of minimizing in the zone with fiber gland tissue thus.
The commonly assigned WO 2004/030523A2 (being introduced into for your guidance here) that is disclosed on April 15th, 2004 has described a kind of region-wide breast ultrasound (FFBU) scanning device, it comprises the projection plane along breast, position (CC) plane, inside and outside loxosis (MLO) plane end to end for example, and scan breast in the ultrasound wave mode.Scanning of a surface comprises one to the film of small part applying, tension basically or the diaphragm of extruding breast one side.The opposite side of breast is by a stripper plate extruding that has inflatable bladders.A transducer travel mechanism remains on diaphragm-operated opposite side with transducer face, and mobile in the above transducer is with the scanning breast simultaneously.When transducer moved, liquid-supplying system kept the without interruption of couplant at the interface between transducer face and diaphragm.
The scanning device of describing among the superincumbent WO 2004/030523A2 be operated to " dangling " characteristic that small part depends on breast, promptly, breast leaves the ability that thoracic wall enters scanning of a surface and is used for pushing along axial vane surface (being used for CC scanning), sagittal plane (being used for sidepiece scanning) or other anti-coronalplane between axial vane surface and sagittal plane (for example, being used for MLO scanning).Here employed term anti coronalplane refers to substantially the plane perpendicular to coronalplane.In traditional X ray mammography, suppose that most breast will have this overhanging feature.Though for most people is effectively, does not have the patient than micromazia of overhanging feature to have problems for having because much with diagnose relevant breast tissue can't be on scanning of a surface protruding enough amounts.In addition, even for patient, still can have difficulties to the imaging of tissue that does not extend to scanning of a surface near thoracic wall with overhanging feature.
An important quality of breast ultrasound scanning equipment is the easiness of machinery control and operation.In general, obtaining volume ultrasound ripple breast scanning can be the process that highly depends on patient's particularity, not only to consider the very big multiformity of breast size, shape and density, and to consider near with very big multiformity around the different patient body shape (for example, shoulder contour, plastron profile, rib profile etc.) of breast area.Therefore general can be beneficial to the ultrasound wave view that obtains breast volume best with the scanning device that can adapt to the concrete patient of being scanned easily.In addition, the easiness of use also can influence the sale and the coml success of scanning device energetically.
Except can carrying out the thorough and high-quality volume scan (this need basic scanner versatility) for the breast with different size, shape and density, another important quality is for clinical systemization and/or standardized at least in a way adaptability in the breast scanning system.For example, expect for the same breast in different year scanning provides comparison between significant year, even ultrasonic scanning is to be carried out on different scanning elements by different technical staff.Similarly, expectation provides following system: this system allows to carry out the contrast easily of organizational structure in the different patients of the breast with similar type, explain skill to cultivate more pervasive radiologist, develop better training material, and/or exploitation image data base and be used for training automatic or automanual computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system.
Therefore, expectation provides a kind of breast ultrasound scanning system, and that this system can adapt to is little, non-mastoptosis and mastoptosis.
Also expectation provides a kind of breast ultrasound scanning equipment, even in the place near patient's thoracic wall, this equipment also can obtain high-quality ultrasonic imaging.
Also expectation provides a kind of like this breast ultrasound scanning equipment, and this equipment can make the patient feel comfortably cool, and has cost-efficient patient's through-rate, even and also have cost benefit for less medical clinic.
Expect that also providing a kind of like this Versatile breast ultrasound scanning equipment, this equipment to adapt to has differing heights and/or disabled patient, and can be beneficial to the personalization of scanning process.
Also expectation provides a kind of and is utilizing this breast ultrasound scanning device scan to have the standardized means that is beneficial at least in the breast process of different size, shape and/or density to a certain degree.
Summary of the invention
According to the invention provides a kind of equipment that is used for the ultrasonic scanning patient's chest, this equipment comprises: ultrasonic transducer; Extruded member, it comprises the film of fitting to small part that is in tension basically, this film have roughly on the direction of chest the first surface of extruding breast and with this first surface opposing second surface; And transducer travel mechanism, it is coupled to this ultrasonic transducer and is configured to described second surface with the inswept described film of this ultrasonic transducer, this ultrasonic transducer keeps contacting with the described second surface of described film, to scan breast described when roughly pushing on the direction of chest.
A kind of equipment that is used for ultrasonic scanning supine patient breast also is provided according to the present invention, this equipment comprises extruding/scan components, this assembly has ultrasonic transducer and is in the film to the small part applying of tension basically, this film have the contact breast first surface and with this first surface opposing second surface, transducer contact second surface and inswept second surface are with the scanning breast, wherein this extruding/scan components is configured to be appropriate to hand, be used for the user and it positioned, thereby in described scanning process, pushing breast towards the chest direction substantially against breast.
According to a preferred implementation, a kind of equipment and correlation technique that is used for region-wide breast ultrasound (FFBU) scan patients breast is provided, this equipment has: the ultrasonic transducer of band scanning of a surface; First extruded member, it comprises the film of fitting to small part that is in tension basically, this film have the contact breast first surface and with the first surface opposing second surface; Second extruded member, it can move with respect to first extruded member, places betwixt and pushes to allow breast; And transducer travel mechanism, the described second surface that this mechanism is configured to abut against film keeps the scanning of a surface of ultrasonic transducer, simultaneously mobile in the above ultrasonic transducer and scan breast.If breast is squeezed along CC, MLO or other anti-coronalplane, is similar to the method for describing among the superincumbent WO2004/030523A2 and is used for obtaining scanning.Yet, according to a preferred implementation, this equipment also is suitable for carrying out the head-on scans towards the Chest compressions breast, this scanning is head-on being held breast and pushing breast on the direction of chest under the mode by (i) location first extruded member, and (ii) remove second stripper plate, perhaps second stripper plate is moved to the position of leaving the path.
Preferably, the FFBU scanning device comprises inflexible and immobilized basically framework, and first and second extruded member are pivotably connected to an arm, and this arm is pivotably connected to framework again.This allows to increase motility aspect mode that is provided with patient and doctor many around FFBU equipment when scanning.It can also adapt to tall patients, short patient, be sitting in the patient in the wheelchair or have other disabled patient.In a preferred implementation, the structure that this arm can turret-like is installed to framework, and first and second extruded member pivotally are connected to this arm at the holder place with spherojoint feature.
According to another preferred implementation, FFBU scanning device and traditional ultrasonic system become one and are provided with traditional user interface, and this user interface has hand-held ultrasound probe.This provides high versatility for the FFBU scanning device, allows the doctor to carry out various manual scanning based on various reasons.For Branch Clinic, the little table top of FFBU scanning device allows it both as general (for example, pregnancy, vascular, chest scan) traditional ultrasound machine, again as the FFBU scanning device.
According to another preferred implementation, a gel pad is integrated on the surface of first extruded member, and gel pad has been improved patient's comfortableness, has also promoted and acoustical coupling towards the breast of Chest compressions at head-on scans simultaneously.Alternatively, second extruded member can for good and all remove, and the FFBU scanning device can only be used as a head-on scans device.The FFBU scanning device is suitable for and is configured to allow head on breast scanning in various posture, that these postures comprise is prostrate, stand lean forward simultaneously, uprightly, part is lain on the back and complete back floating position.
According to another preferred implementation, the equipment and the correlation technique that are used for patient's chest is carried out region-wide breast ultrasound (FFBU) scanning are provided, this equipment along substantially towards the direction of chest to small part extruding breast and obtain scanning to breast.This equipment is for particularly useful the patient of complete back floating position or part back floating position (promptly reclining), although it also can be used for axial patient.This equipment comprises an extruding/scan components, and this assembly has to the feature small part autonomous type, pod-like, and this feature is suitable for the user and easily handles.Extruding/scan components comprises ultrasonic transducer and is in the film to the small part applying of tension basically, this film have the contact breast first surface and with the first surface opposing second surface, transducer contact second surface and inswept second surface are with the scanning breast.
In a preferred implementation, extruding/scan components remains on the end of a movable support arm, and this support arm is coupled to a framework again.The end of support arm has all three translation freedoms (for example, x, y and z) with respect to framework, and extruding/scan components has all three rotary freedoms with respect to the end of movable support arm (for example, pitch, roll and vacillate now to the left, now to the right).Preferably, but support arm supports extruding/scan components in the mode of the partial frictional that can upspring, make perhaps (ii) have extruding/scan components (i) neutral buoyancy in the space light downward net weight (for example 2 to 3 pounds) and be used for breast compression, allow the user to handle easily simultaneously.Except easy manipulation, scanning device has also improved patient's the comfortableness and the reliability of scanning, because the patient can be comfortable in this process breathing and can not bungle scanning result because extruding/scan components is along with patient's chest dipping and heaving (perhaps turnover).Alternatively, support arm can comprise potentiometer, is used for being extruding/scan components detecting location and direction, perhaps can use the position and the orientation detection device (for example, gyroscopic, magnetic, optical device) of other type.Other location and orientation sensor can be placed on patient's the chest alternatively to survey the relative motion between extruding/scan components and the patient when needed.
In a preferred implementation, extruding/scan components comprises the housing of a placement transducer, and this housing comprises an opening, and film passes this opening and places.Preferably, film and housing the two in location and scanning process, be transparent allowing the user by the position of extruding/scan components observation breast surface.In a preferred implementation, a side support members is provided, and this member extends towards breast from film, is used in scanning process breast being carried out soft sidepiece restriction, side support members comprises a kind of to the softish material of small part, for example elastomeric material.
In another preferred embodiment, extruding/scan components mechanically separates from support arm, and the hands by the user supports and handles fully.Alternatively, extruding/scan components is coupled to processor for ultrasonic wave by the cable electricity that extends from support arm, cable also by will push/scan components is suspended on the floor and provides the reserve support under its situation by the unexpected release of user.In other preferred implementation, extruding/scan components uses wireless digital communication or other to come to processor for ultrasonic wave transmission signal based on electromagnetic communication.
A kind of ultrasonic scanner that uses pod-like, hand steerable also is provided, and---it comprises ultrasonic transducer and has flat basically compressive surface---carries out the method for ultrasonic scanning to breast, compressive surface is at the first side contacts breast, second side of an inswept compressive surface of ultrasonic transducer.In a preferred implementation, each breast is carried out single head-on scans, compressive surface is arranged essentially parallel to coronalplane and towards the Chest compressions breast.In another preferred embodiment, each breast is carried out a plurality of ancillary compressive scans, for this reason, compressive surface be oriented to each along a plurality of predetermined non-coronalplanes.In one embodiment, the picture volume (image volume) that obtains from ancillary compressive scans is used for replenishing the picture volume that obtains from head-on scans.In another embodiment, single head-on scans is left in the basket, and only uses the picture volume that obtains from ancillary compressive scans.Ancillary compressive scans can include but not limited to scanning before the side, in before scanning, down before the scanning and the scanning of going forward.
In one embodiment, determine the quantity and the selection of ancillary compressive scans according to the size category of breast.For micromazia, before the side scanning and in preceding scanning ultrasonic imaging and clinical relevant tissue fully.For middle-sized breast, increase preceding down scanning extraly and assist imaging fully and clinical relevant tissue.For large-sized breast, increase down extraly before the scanning and the scanning of going forward, be used to obtain image with clinical relevant tissue.Advantageously, obtaining that overlap a standard substantially and comparable ultrasound image volumes according to the size of breast assists the comparison between year and/or reaches various other useful purposes.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 shows the axonometric chart according to the scanning device of a preferred implementation;
Fig. 2 shows the axonometric chart according to the scanning device of a preferred implementation;
Fig. 3 shows the axonometric chart of accepting the head-on scans of the extruded breast of chest direction according to preferred implementation, a patient;
Fig. 4 shows the conceptual schematic view of processing unit of the scanning device of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5-6 shows the axonometric chart according to the scanning device of a preferred implementation;
Fig. 7 shows the axonometric chart according to the scanning device of a preferred implementation;
Fig. 8 shows the side view that is formed on according to the gel pad of the one on the extruded member of the scan components of a preferred implementation;
Fig. 9 shows the axonometric chart of gel pad of the one of Fig. 8;
Figure 10 shows the axonometric chart of accepting the head-on scans of the extruded breast of chest direction according to preferred implementation, a patient, and wherein the patient stands;
Figure 11 shows the axonometric chart of accepting the head-on scans of the extruded breast of chest direction according to preferred implementation, a patient, and wherein the patient lies on the back fully;
Figure 12 shows the axonometric chart according to the scanning device of a preferred implementation;
Figure 13 shows the axonometric chart of extruding/scan components of the scanning device of Figure 12;
Figure 14 shows extruding/scan components of Figure 13 and according to the axonometric chart of the side support members of a preferred implementation;
Figure 15 shows the axonometric chart according to the scanning device of a preferred implementation;
Figure 16 shows the scanning device according to a preferred implementation;
Figure 17-21 shows the scanning device of Figure 16, and this equipment scans patient's chest according to preferred implementation under user's control;
Figure 22 shows according to the head on sketch map of breast ultrasound scanning of a preferred implementation;
Figure 23 shows the sketch map that carries out the forequarter breast ultrasound scanning according to a preferred implementation;
Figure 24 shows the sketch map that carries out the middle front part breast ultrasound scanning according to a preferred implementation;
Figure 25 shows the sketch map that descends anterior breast ultrasound scanning according to a preferred implementation; And
Figure 26 shows the sketch map that carries out the upper forepart breast ultrasound scanning according to a preferred implementation.
The specific embodiment
Fig. 1 shows the axonometric chart according to region-wide breast ultrasound (FFBU) scanning element 100 of a preferred implementation.FFBU scanning element 100 is similar to the unit of describing among the WO2004/030523A2 of front in many aspects, and difference is that upper compressive member 112 is configured to utilize methods known in the art to remove at the scene by the terminal use.Fig. 1 shows the upper compressive member 112 that is under the state of removing.
FFBU scanning element 100 comprises a stiff case 102, when product in use, make housing 102 not removable basically by pinning castor.Near position 106, FFBU scanning element 100 comprises a global function ultrasound engine, is used to drive ultrasonic transducer and produces volumetric breast ultrasound data therefrom.The volume scan data can be transferred to another computer system, further handle by using several data conversion method known in the art.A general purpose computer also is provided, and this computer can implemented as on the same computer of ultrasound engine, is used for general user interface connection and system's control.This general purpose computer can be the separate unit of autonomous type, perhaps can be by remote work station Long-distance Control, configuration and/or the monitoring of network connection.
FFBU scanning element 100 supports a stand 108 in a movable manner, and this stand 108 supports a breast compression and scan components again, and this breast compression and scan components comprise a compression assemblies 112 and a scan components 114 that the scene is removable.Stand 118 can vertically move, and is used to adapt to highly different patients, is included in the patient in the wheelchair.Stand 108 can be spent around the z axle among Fig. 1 (promptly around the axis that is parallel to fore-and-aft direction) rotation-180+180 degree.This allows from any angle scanning.Stand 108 can be automatically and/or is manually rotated to for example unspecified angle of front and back loxosis (MLO) scanning of arbitrary breast of permission, is included in complete anteroposterior position (ML) scanning of-90 degree and+90 degree.If breast is compressed along CC, MLO or any other anti-coronal plane, use the method for describing among the WO2004/030523A2 that is similar in front to scan.
FFBU scanning element 100 also comprises " traditional " ultrasound user interface 130, and this user interface will be additional to independently hand-held ultrasound scanning element.What be additional to a handheld probe 132 is monitor 134, keyboard 136 and the panel 138 that is used to hold (not shown) such as many known switches, button, tracking ball, and they will be additional to traditional ultrasonic system.Under the FFBU scan pattern, monitor 134 provides input for the user and feeds back in real time in scanning process.Yet under hand-held mode, ultrasound user interface 130 is similar to known, traditional handheld ultrasound unit and works like that.
FFBU unit 100 also comprises a manual barcode scanner 140, and this scanner is positioned on the support 142 removedly.Barcode scanner 140 is discerned the patient by the bar code that scans on its case history, medical image or other file that uses in relevant HIS/RIS system.This has saved and has utilized keyboard or other manual input equipment to come the required extra effort of manual identification patient.
Fig. 2 shows and is positioned to be used for the FFBU scanning element 100 of the right breast of head-on scans patient.Stand 108 rotates to the angle of about 45 degree, makes the patient can lean on the surface of scan components 114.Breast is subjected to tight and extruding comfortable towards chest, because be that patient's self body weight causes extruding force.Dotted line 202 shows breast and scanning of a surface position contacting, and puts 204 positions that show the nipple place.For clearly open, in Fig. 2, omitted ultrasound user interface 130.
Fig. 3 shows the axonometric chart of accepting the head-on scans of the extruded breast of chest direction according to preferred implementation, a patient.As shown in the figure, patient's right arm can be comfortably placed over the top edge of scanning of a surface.
Fig. 4 shows the conceptual schematic view of processing unit 106 of the scanning device of Fig. 1-2.A FFBU processor 402 is controlled the functional and user interface 130 of FFBU scanning under the FFBU scan pattern, and ultrasound engine 404 receives and handle original ultrasound data.A traditional ultrasonic system FEP 406 is with traditional hand-hold scanning pattern control user interface 130.Although plot individual components in Fig. 4, processor 402,404 and 406 can be integrated into the common processor of an operation different software module.
Fig. 5-6 shows the front and back axonometric chart according to the multi-functional scanning element 500 of another preferred implementation respectively.Scanning element 500 is similar to the scanning element 100 among Fig. 1 in many aspects, but have a upper compressive assembly 512, the turning outbound path of this upper compressive assembly, rather than remove from the unit and to adapt to breast scanning head-on.
Scanning element 500 pivotally supports a support arm, and this support arm comprises first rigid member 552 and second rigid member 554 of the joint 556 couplings connection by can be hinged.A turret-like arrangement 604 allows support arm to rotate most of angles around equipment, and is risen and descend.Support arm supports breast compression and the scan components that comprises compression assemblies 512 and scan components 514 again.Scan components 514 can be risen with respect to the patient, descended, forward and recede and left and (promptly around the front and back axis) any posture in a plurality of postures that is tilted to the right, this posture is the posture of most convenient for a given patient or a class patient.Shown in Fig. 5-6, compression assemblies 512 can rise and descend in first structure with respect to scan components 514, is used for along CC, MLO or other roughly anti-coronal plane extruding breast.In second structure, compression assemblies 512 can recede (see figure 6) with the permission head-on scans, and need not entirely to remove on the slave unit.Scan components 514 comprises a surface 515, and this surface 515 comprises the film of tension, and the film of this tension comprises mylar or materials similar, and/or other material of describing among the WO 2004/030523A2 of front.
In the preferred implementation of Fig. 5-6, there is (i) ball-joint- like mechanism 558 and 602, (ii) hinge shape mechanism 556. and turret-like mechanism 604 are in order to obtain above-mentioned functions.Yet the scope of preferred implementation is not limited to the machinery of these particular types.The scope that does not deviate from preferred implementation but any different types of mechanism all can be used to obtain aforementioned capabilities.
Fig. 7 shows the rear perspective view of the scanning element 700 that is similar to Fig. 5-6, but this scanning element is provided with and is integrated into scan components 514, the gel pad 702 on the surface on 515.Gel pad 702 has improved patient's comfortableness, also impels when head-on scans and better acoustical coupling towards the breast of Chest compressions.
Fig. 8 shows the side view of the gel pad 702 that is integrated into scan components 514.Gel pad 702 is formed by the silicone rubber layer 802 of preferred thickness between 0.5mm and 1.0mm, and its periphery around the surface 515 of scan components is placed in sealable mode.Layer 802 and surface 515 have formed the tabular chamber of sealing, and fill with gelinite 804 sticking relatively, conduction sound in this chamber.When breast towards surface 515 inwardly during compression, gelinite 804 is easy to move around the skin line of breast, has promoted patient's comfortableness and sound coupling.Gelinite 804 can comprise the soft filled elastomer of DOW CORNING (DowCorning) 7-9600, DOW CORNING Q3-6575 dielectric gel, and perhaps other has the material of similar physical and acoustic characteristic.As non-limiting example, the thickness of gel pad 702 can be near 1/2 inch (1.27cm).Fig. 8 also illustrates the side view of linear ultrasound probe 806, and is inswept on the direction of this probe turnover of paper in corresponding to Fig. 8.Fig. 9 shows the axonometric chart of gel pad among Fig. 8.
Figure 10 shows the axonometric chart of accepting the head-on scans of the extruded breast of chest direction according to preferred implementation, a patient, and wherein the patient stands.Figure 11 shows the axonometric chart of accepting the head-on scans of the extruded breast of chest direction according to preferred implementation, a patient, and wherein the patient lies on the back fully.Described FFBU scanning device is suitable for and is configured to allow head on breast scanning on a plurality of posture, that these postures comprise is prostrate, stand turn forward simultaneously, vertically stand, part is lain on the back and complete back floating position.
In view of many changes and improvements of the present invention will become clearly after the description on read for the person of ordinary skill of the art, should be appreciated that the specific implementations that illustrates and describe by diagrammatic sketch never should be regarded as restrictive.Though described membranaceous extruding/scanning of a surface in the above by example, in other preferred implementation, extruding/scanning of a surface can be approach, rigid material, for example polycarbonate plastic or at US 6, other material of describing in 574,499 (the introducing for your guidance here).By other further example, in another preferred embodiment, the acoustical coupling between scan-probe and film can be by not being other device acquisition of liquid-supplying system.For example, but by scan components housing and film formed enclosed cavity complete filling with for example wet goods acoustic couplant.Any or all the above-mentioned parts (stand, arm, joint etc.) that support scan components can come motor to drive by methods known in the art, are used for easily operating.Predetermined gesture setting at each patient or every class patient can be used to equipment is placed in the suitable physique automatically.
By further example, inflexible sidepiece preformed member can be provided, be used to be placed on first extruded member, be beneficial to head-on scans.Usually, rigidity sidepiece preformed member will have the outward appearance of thin cylinder, may be similar to the shape of egg ring or pancake.Breast will enter rigidity sidepiece preformed member and be full of this preformed member, and wherein most of breast surface abuts against mylar flatly.Except thinner, the boehmite gel body pad that is similar to Fig. 7 can be arranged on the mylar alternatively, within rigidity sidepiece preformed member, and filling little corner, otherwise these corners will be present in preformed member-mylar interface.Thus, not to be used for limiting its scope with reference to the details of preferred implementation, the scope restriction that its scope is only determined by claim.
Figure 12 shows the axonometric chart according to region-wide breast ultrasound (FFBU) scanning device 1202 of a preferred implementation, comprise a framework that can hold processor for ultrasonic wave 1204, movable support arm 1206, one be connected to the extruding/scan components 1208 of support arm 1206 and the monitor 1210 that is connected to support arm 1206 at joint 1214 places by ball-and-socket adapter 1212.Preferably, support arm 1206 is configured to and is adapted such that extruding/scan components 1208 is (i) neutral buoyancies in the space, perhaps (ii) has light downward net weight (for example 2 to 3 pounds) and is used for breast compression, allows the user to handle easily simultaneously.According to preferred implementation, extruding/scan components 1208 comprises the film 1218 of fitting to small part that is in tension basically, and film 1218 has the bottom surface of contact breast, and inswept its end face of transducer is with the scanning breast.Alternatively, support arm 1206 can comprise the potentiometer (not shown), is used for being extruding/scan components 1208 detecting locations and direction, perhaps can use the position and the orientation detection device (for example, gyroscopic, magnetic, optical device) of other type.Unrestricted by example, can use from AscensionTechnologies's
The 3D position sensor is determined position and the direction of extruding/scan components 1208 with respect to framework.
A global function ultrasound engine can be set in framework 1204, be used to drive ultrasonic transducer, and from scanning, produce volumetric breast ultrasound data together with relevant position and directional information.The volume scan data can be transferred to another computer system, further handle by using several data conversion method known in the art.A general purpose computer also is provided, and this computer can implemented as on the same computer of ultrasound engine, is used for general user interface connection and system's control.This general purpose computer can be the separate unit of autonomous type, perhaps can be by remote work station Long-distance Control, configuration and/or the monitoring of network connection.
Extruding/scan components 1208 preferably basically autonomous type, pod-like module, it can be caught and be operated and substantially towards chest direction extruding breast by user's hands.Towards the chest direction, mean that the film 1218 of extruding/scan components 1208 forces the thoracic wall of breast surface towards the patient by substantially, film and coronalplane are 45 degree or littler angles simultaneously.Have been found that as a rule according to women's anatomy, the women's who lies on the back or crouch backward breast can have many different tendencies.For example, for first women who lies on the back fully, breast can be upwards inclined to one side towards shoulder, and for second women who lies on the back fully, breast can be downward or inwardly sagging towards plastron towards abdominal part.For these breast, may expect to make scanning of a surface have some to tilt with respect to coronalplane, obtain the scanning of breast, simultaneously with breast towards the theoretical center of breast to the small part thruster, also it is inwardly pushed away towards thoracic wall simultaneously.
Notice that the scope of preferred implementation is not limited to above-mentioned angle with respect to coronalplane.In other preferred implementation, according to circumstances can use any different angle and direction.Thus, in another example, have big breast women old, that have height pendulous udder tissue.In the case, may expect to allow this women stand erectly, and extruding/scan components 1208 can be positioned under the breast, make breast be placed on top platform or table top as certain.In the case, film 1218 will be the angle of similar 90 degree with respect to coronalplane.According to the result, platform will have some inclinations on the chest direction, to make the thoracic wall imaging better, for example be the angle of 60-75 degree with respect to coronalplane.Phase region other be, for the less women of breast, as a rule, will be more suitable with respect to the angle that directly heads on that 0 of coronalplane is spent.(for example have all three translation freedoms by providing, x, y and z) support arm 1206 the end and provide end (for example to have all three rotary freedoms by ball-and-socket adapter 1212 with respect to support arm 1206, pitch, roll and vacillate now to the left, now to the right) extruding/scan components 1208, help to improve the ability of in this angle classification, carrying out scanning.Monitor 1210 is positioned near the end of support arm 1206 easily and movably, is used to make the user to observe easily at all places.
Figure 13 shows the axonometric chart of extruding/scan components 108, and it comprises housing 1302 and linear array transducer 1304.In a preferred implementation, transducer 1304 comprises 768 piezoelectric transducer elements.Other transducer type except linear array transducer, for example 1.25D, 1.5D or 2D transducer are also in the scope of preferred implementation.Housing 1302 has formed opening at its downside, and film 1218 is crossed opening and is provided with.In one embodiment, by utilizing the low viscous couplant of describing among water or for example superincumbent commonly assigned WO 2004/030523A2 and dynamically or statically get wet to be beneficial to and be in acoustical coupling between transducer 104 and the film 1218 at interface.In another preferred embodiment, can use silicone oil to help acoustical coupling.In a preferred implementation, film 1218 comprises the polymer diaphragm.Its example can comprise 2 mil thick
Or
Yet multiple other suitable material is also in the scope of preferred implementation.
According to preferred implementation, except film 1218 comprises the light transmissive material, housing 1302 also comprises light transmission part 1308, and it is in if there is not the light transmission part will stop the zone of observing extruded breast surface.Light transmission part 1308 can comprise the acrylic acid or the polycarbonate plastic of printing opacity basically, and housing 1302 outside lightproof parts can comprise in the multiple thermoplastic any.Housing 1302 can make in these regional light transmissions locatees and monitors scanning process more easily, and has therefore improved the quality of the scanning that is obtained.Because normal scraping or other deterioration that can cause film 1218 after after a while of using, film 1218 is preferably designed to and can on-the-spotly changes, for example by using the structure that puts and take off mode, perhaps by using the securing member or the rapid release lever of screw type with housing 1302.
Along plate 1310 are potentiometer handles 1312, and this handle is manually rotated so that a labelling on it is alignd to the foot direction with patient's head by the user, provides information and the location scanning data to ultrasonic system thus.In another preferred embodiment, appreciable known anatomical can be used to automatic location scanning in ultrasonography.As example, patient's thoracic cavity can be removed from the ultrasound data that obtains, so that the automatic location of image.
The scope that should be appreciated that preferred implementation is not limited to linear array probes and passes the surface of film 1218 and carry out linear swipe scanning.In other preferred implementation, can use any of multiple scanning motion (for example, the targeted scans of polyteny breast sub-volumes that scan, rotate, be scheduled to or that dynamically determine, the combination of above-mentioned form etc.).In other embodiment, scanning of a surface is bending rather than smooth, and is perhaps crooked along the parts part of transducer array.
Figure 14 shows the axonometric chart that has the extruding/scan components 1208 of attachable lateral support element 1402 according to a preferred implementation.Lateral support element 1402 provides soft sidepiece restriction for breast in scanning process.In a preferred implementation, lateral support element 1402 comprises to the softish material of small part, for example sponge material of rubber processing.Lateral support element 1402 is particularly useful for bigger mastoptosis, otherwise breast will or upwards move towards shoulder towards the sidepiece of supine patient.In other preferred implementation, lateral support element 1402 alternately is set to not be connected to the independent component of extruding/scan components 1208.In these preferred implementations, before extruding/scan components 1208 dropped on the breast, lateral support element 1402 was around the breast lateral register.Anyly can multiple ready-formed the comfortable material of user any all be fallen in the scope of preferred implementation from what sidepiece limited breast.
Figure 15 shows the axonometric chart according to the scanning device 1502 of preferred implementation, comprises framework 1504, support arm 1506, extruding/scan components 1508 and is connected to the monitor 1510 of support arm 1506 at joint 1514 places.Extruding/scan components 1508 mechanically separates with support arm 1506, and the hands by the user supports and handles fully.Yet, extruding/scan components 1508 is coupled to processor for ultrasonic wave by the cable electricity that extends from support arm 1506, cable also by will push/scan components 1508 is suspended on the floor and falls or additionally provide the reserve support under the situation by user's release at it.Position sensing provides by (not shown) such as gyroscopic devices, Optical devices, magnetic devices alternatively.
In other preferred implementation, extruding/scan components 1508 can be independent fully, is not connected to the physical cables or the mechanical connection of the remainder of entire equipment.In these embodiments, wireless digital communication or other can be used to transmit the scanning that is obtained to processor for ultrasonic wave based on electromagnetic communication.In other embodiment, can use battery power, thereby even not need the power cable, make that extruding/scan components becomes real portable components.
Figure 16 shows the axonometric chart of the scanning device that is similar to Figure 12.Figure 17-21 shows the scanning device of Figure 16 of scan patients breast under user's control, only shows some in many facile different scanning angle and directions.
Except easy manipulation, scanning device has also improved patient's the comfortableness and the reliability of scanning, can not bungle scanning result because of the breathing that the patient can be comfortable in this process, because extruding/scan components is along with patient's chest dipping and heaving (perhaps turnover).Other location and orientation sensor can be placed on patient's the chest alternatively to survey the relative motion between extruding/scan components and the patient when needed.Can obtain respirometric measured value thus, this measured value is used by the compensation respiratory movement in coming from the ultrasound wave volume forming process of flat scanning.
Another important quality in the breast scanning system is for clinical systemization and/or standardized at least in a way adaptability.According to a preferred implementation, in other useful purpose, scanner with pod-like, hand steerable---for example above-mentioned extruding/ scan components 1208 and 1508---provides following method, this method is beneficial to (i) can be for providing comparison between significant year in different year with the same breast of the same manner scanning, and (ii) can carry out the more easily contrast of organizational structure in the different patients of the breast with similar type.According to a preferred implementation, a kind of method that scans breast in the ultrasound wave mode is provided, comprise: abut against breast and pushing still (promptly towards the direction of chest substantially, the time keep motionless basically in extruding) the unitary smooth basically compressive surface of ultrasonic scanning of a hand steerable, can comprise ultrasonic transducer in manual ultrasonic scanning unit, smooth compressive surface that this transducer is inswept and scan breast there, compressive surface is pushed breast still simultaneously.
Figure 22 shows the head-on sketch map of breast ultrasound scanning according to a preferred implementation, wherein uses the breast 2202 of extruding/scan components 1208 scan patients 2204 among above-mentioned Figure 12.Alternatively, can use the extruding/scan components 1508 among Figure 15, perhaps more generally, use any any similar assembly with smooth basically scanning of a surface, compare with the general flexibility of breast, this scanning of a surface is inflexible or semirigid.For some clinical settings and/or patient colony, use single head-on scans to come that the compactness disk area 2212 of breast is carried out volume imagery and be considered to enough usually, wherein compressive surface is arranged essentially parallel to coronalplane and towards the Chest compressions breast.
At other clinical setting and/or for other patient colony, often be desirably in one or more angles of leaving bizet and come to scan more up hill and dale breast by obtaining auxiliary compressive scans.Yet,,, obtain at least in a way systematization and/or standardization by using the extruding and the scanning direction in side described herein the place ahead, middle the place ahead, inferoanterior and/or last the place ahead according to a preferred implementation.In a preferred implementation, what obtain from ancillary compressive scans is used for replenishing the picture volume that obtains as volume from head-on scans.In another embodiment, single head-on scans is left in the basket, and only uses the picture volume that obtains from ancillary compressive scans.
Figure 23 shows the sketch map according to side the place ahead breast ultrasound scanning of a preferred implementation, wherein handles extruding/scan components 1208 and comes imaging side forefoot area 2314.Preferably, in the position fixing process before probe scanning, compressive surface buckles in abutting connection with the outward flange (near the line C-C ' among Figure 23) of breast, compressive surface is towards the medial side " rolling " of breast then, up to arriving at one if the compressive surface then of continuing to roll will rise and the position that leave from C-C ' line.Found that this allows to catch relatively large side forefoot area 2314, this zone generally includes nipple, also reduced simultaneously can deterioration picture quality little air bag, bubble etc.
Figure 24 shows the sketch map according to middle the place ahead breast ultrasound scanning of a preferred implementation, wherein handles extruding/scan components 1208 and comes middle proparea 2416 of imaging.Be similar to the preceding scan mode of side, one side of compressive surface preferably buckles in abutting connection with the middle edge (near the line C-C ' among Figure 24) of breast, compressive surface is towards the outside of breast " rolling " then, up to arriving at one if the compressive surface then of continuing to roll will rise and the position that leave from C-C ' line.
Figure 25 shows the sketch map according to the inferoanterior breast ultrasound scanning of a preferred implementation, wherein handles extruding/scan components 1208 and comes following proparea 2518 of imaging.Be similar to before the side and in before scan mode, one side of compressive surface is at (the IMF of submammary fold place, near the line C-C ' among Figure 25) buckle, compressive surface is towards the upper surface " rolling " of breast then, up to arriving at one if the compressive surface then of continuing to roll will rise and the position that leave from C-C ' line.Figure 26 shows the sketch map according to last the place ahead breast ultrasound scanning of a preferred implementation, wherein handles extruding/scan components 1208 and comes one of imaging to go up proparea 2620.
In one embodiment, determine the quantity and the selection of ancillary compressive scans according to the size category of breast.For micromazia, before the side scanning (Figure 23) and in before scan (Figure 24) ultrasonic imaging and clinical relevant tissue fully.For middle-sized breast, before side with in before increased time in the scanning before scanning (Figure 25) assist imaging fully and clinical relevant tissue.For large-sized breast, before side, in before and down before increased the scanning (Figure 26) of going forward in the scanning and obtained image with clinical relevant tissue.Advantageously, obtaining that overlap a standard substantially and comparable ultrasound image volumes according to the size of breast assists the comparison of comparison, the similar breast of size between year and/or reaches various other useful purposes.
For the person of ordinary skill of the art, after the explanation on read, it is very clear that many changes and improvements of the present invention will undoubtedly become, but should be appreciated that shown specific implementations and the description of being undertaken by diagram never should be considered as restrictive.Pass through example, though have a membranaceous extruding/scanning of a surface in the superincumbent description, in other preferred implementation, extruding/scanning of a surface can be the rigid material that approaches, polycarbonate plastic for example, perhaps at US 6,574, other material of describing in 499 (being introduced into for your guidance here).Therefore, the details of the preferred implementation of institute's reference is not in order to limit its scope, and this scope is only limited by the scope of claims.
Claims (8)
1. equipment that is used for the ultrasonic scanning patient's chest comprises:
Ultrasonic transducer;
Extruded member, it comprises the film of fitting to small part that is in tension basically, this film have roughly on the direction of chest the first surface of extruding breast and with this first surface opposing second surface; And
Transducer travel mechanism, it is coupled to this ultrasonic transducer and is configured to described second surface with the inswept described film of this ultrasonic transducer, this ultrasonic transducer keeps contacting with the described second surface of described film, to scan breast described when roughly pushing on the direction of chest.
2. equipment as claimed in claim 1, described equipment are suitable for and are configured to allow being arranged in the back floating position scan patients the patient, also comprise:
Extruding/scan components, it holds described ultrasonic transducer, described film and described transducer travel mechanism, the bottom of the described extruding/scan components of described film extend past;
Inflexible and immobilized basically framework; With
Pivotally be installed to the arm of described framework, hangable mode is connected in described arm to described extruding/scan components can pivot also, makes described extruding/scan components manual control to push breast so that described film passes through its edge, bottom towards the downward direction of the cardinal principle of patient's chest.
3. equipment as claimed in claim 2, described arm comprises each other first and second rigid members can hinged mode to connect, described first rigid member is pivotally attached to described framework at the capstan head place, and hangable mode is connected to described arm at the holder place with spherojoint feature to described extruding/scan components can pivot also.
4. equipment that is used for ultrasonic scanning supine patient breast, comprise extruding/scan components, this assembly has ultrasonic transducer and is in the film to the small part applying of tension basically, this film have the contact breast first surface and with this first surface opposing second surface, transducer contact second surface and inswept second surface are with the scanning breast, wherein this extruding/scan components is configured to be appropriate to hand, be used for the user and it positioned, thereby in described scanning process, pushing breast towards the chest direction substantially against breast.
5. equipment as claimed in claim 4, described extruding/scan components comprises housing, placed described ultrasonic transducer in this housing, described housing comprises an opening, the film of fitting passes opening and is provided with, and wherein said film and described housing are transparent on the optics in the position that allows the user to pass extruding/scan components observation breast surface in described location and scanning process.
6. equipment as claimed in claim 4, also comprise framework and the support arm that can move that is coupled to this framework, described extruding/scan components is coupled to the end of described support arm, wherein said support arm has three translation freedoms with respect to this framework, and described extruding/scan components has three rotary freedoms with respect to the end of the described support arm that can move.
7. equipment as claimed in claim 6, described support arm supports extruding/scan components, feasiblely can't help the user when being held against the chest of supine patient, described extruding/scan components neutral buoyancy in the space when described extruding/scan components.
8. equipment as claimed in claim 4 also comprises position and orientation detection system, is used to provide position and directional information corresponding to the extruding/scan components of described scanning.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US56569804P | 2004-04-26 | 2004-04-26 | |
| US60/565,698 | 2004-04-26 | ||
| US60/577,078 | 2004-06-04 | ||
| US60/629,007 | 2004-11-17 |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
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| CN1972633A CN1972633A (en) | 2007-05-30 |
| CN100471457C true CN100471457C (en) | 2009-03-25 |
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| CNB2005800132758A Active CN100471457C (en) | 2004-04-26 | 2005-04-26 | Versatile breast ultrasound scanning |
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Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101564304B (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2013-08-21 | 北京汇影互联科技有限公司 | Method and equipment for standardized and precise ultrasound scanning |
| CN104095657B (en) * | 2014-07-22 | 2017-02-15 | 汕头市超声仪器研究所有限公司 | Automatic breast ultrasound scanning method |
| CN105455849B (en) * | 2014-09-12 | 2018-03-23 | 南京星顿医疗科技有限公司 | Mammary gland Volumetric ultrasound imaging device and method |
| JP6651069B2 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2020-02-19 | フジデノロ株式会社 | Fixture mounting device |
| CA2986843A1 (en) * | 2015-06-03 | 2016-12-08 | Novaura S.R.L. | Diagnostic imaging system comprising a device for facilitating breast examinations |
| CN106456122A (en) * | 2015-07-01 | 2017-02-22 | 深圳迈瑞生物医疗电子股份有限公司 | Ultrasonic scanning probe and ultrasonic imaging system |
| US11241215B2 (en) * | 2017-10-27 | 2022-02-08 | General Electric Company | Membrane for breast ultrasound systems |
| CN109864761A (en) * | 2019-04-02 | 2019-06-11 | 李瑞菁 | Three-D ultrasonic tomographic data acquisition device based on sitting formula and linear array |
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| US3964296A (en) * | 1975-06-03 | 1976-06-22 | Terrance Matzuk | Integrated ultrasonic scanning apparatus |
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