KR102080176B1 - Mammography apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mammography apparatus for X-ray imaging a subject, comprising: a generator for irradiating X-rays; A subject support part positioned to face the generator; And a compression pad moving between the generator and the object support to press the object, wherein at least one of the object support and the pressure pad is rotatably installed on one side of the mammography apparatus, and the compression initial state of the object. Wherein at least one of the subject support and the compression pad is rotatably configured so that its tip facing the subject is elastically deflected to an inclined position toward the subject.

Description

Mammography Device {MAMMOGRAPHY APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a mammography apparatus for x-ray imaging a subject, and more particularly, to a mammography apparatus capable of alleviating pain during compression of a subject by a compression pad.

The present invention is derived from the research conducted as part of the development of nanomaterial-based multi-X source and tomographic image system technology of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy [Task control number: 10037414, Title: Nano-based multi-X source and tomography image system Technology development].

X-ray refers to electromagnetic waves having a short wavelength corresponding to a wavelength of 0.01 nm to 10 nm and a frequency of 30 × 10 ¹⁵ Hz to 30 × 10 ¹⁸ Hz. X-ray imaging is one of radiography that projects and displays the inside of a subject with high penetrating power. As is well known, X-rays involve attenuation due to the material, density, and thickness of an object, such as compton scattering and photoelectric effects. Accordingly, X-ray imaging projects and displays the inside of the subject on a plane based on the amount of attenuation of the accumulated X-ray during the passage of the subject, and a dedicated X-ray system is used for this purpose.

In recent years, X-ray imaging technology has been combined with the semiconductor sector, and instead of the traditional analog method using film, digital X-ray imaging technology has various advantages such as relatively high resolution, wide dynamic range, easy generation of electrical signals, and simple data processing and storage. Is rapidly evolving. Digital-based imaging technology strongly reflects the clinical and environmental needs of early diagnosis of disease based on the excellent diagnostic capabilities of digital imaging.

Accordingly, by utilizing the inherent biological tissue contrast ability of X-rays, the internal structure of the breast as a subject is expressed in high resolution images, and the breast-only X-ray imaging which can detect lesions and microcalcifications for the detection and early diagnosis of breast cancer Technology "Digital Mammography" is introduced. Such digital mammography is rapidly spreading due to various advantages of digital x-ray imaging technology and the inherent characteristics of minimizing the exposure through image magnification, reducing the number of shots, increasing the resolution, and adjusting the brightness and contrast ratio.

The general mammography apparatus has a vertical columnar support column having a lower end fixed to the bottom, and a C-shaped or overall structure configured to be movable up and down in the vertical direction on the support column, and the middle part to be rotatable about a horizontal axis. C-arms or device bodies exhibiting similar shapes. A generator for irradiating X-rays toward the lower end is mounted at the upper end of the apparatus main body, and a detector facing the generator is mounted at the lower end of the apparatus main body. Between the generator and the detector is provided with a pressing pad for linearly reciprocating up and down along the inner surface of the apparatus main body.

In such a mammography apparatus, when the subject enters the sitting position or the sitting position in the photographing position, the apparatus main body is lifted and rotated with respect to the support column so that the height and the angle are adjusted so that the breast of the subject is placed at the desired position on the detector. The compression pad then compresses the breast by moving towards the detector. In this state, the generator irradiates the X-ray toward the breast and the detector, and the detector located behind the breast receives the X-ray passing through the breast to obtain an image.

That is, the detector generates an electric signal for each position proportional to the incident amount of the X-ray. When the electric signal and the position information are read and processed by an image processing algorithm, the detector may obtain an X-ray image of the breast for the corresponding angle. Then, by repeating the above process while rotating the generator and the detector with the breast in between, the mammography apparatus can obtain a high-resolution image of the breast of the subject at various angles of the lateral oblique view (Mediolateral Oblique View).

In the general mammography apparatus having the above photographing principle, the key driving mechanisms for minimizing the inconvenience of the examinee and obtaining high quality X-ray images are the pressing operation of the compression pad and the lifting and rotating operation of the apparatus main body. In particular, the compression pad is directly connected to the pain and discomfort felt by the subject by applying pressure directly to the breast during X-ray imaging, and the device body is directly connected to the quality of the X-ray image as the correct body position is determined by lifting and rotating.

Here, the purpose of the compression pad to compress the breast is to take a picture in the state in which the breast is pressed in order to separate the cores (parts likely to have lesions or microcalcifications) and the like that overlap with the mammary gland.

However, the compression by the compression pad is a pain that the subject feels the most, resulting in great discomfort. Furthermore, when the subject moves due to the pain and discomfort caused by the compression of the compression pad, the breast may be moved out of the photographing position, thereby preventing accurate x-ray images. In particular, the pain caused by the compression of the compression pad is particularly felt at the distal portion (papillary region) of the breast of the subject, and the discomfort is further aggravated.

Therefore, the present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides high imaging accuracy while providing comfort to the subject by eliminating or minimizing the pain and discomfort to the subject when the subject is pressed by the compression pad. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mammography apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, there is provided a mammography apparatus, the mammography apparatus comprises a generator for irradiating X-rays; A subject support part positioned to face the generator; And a compression pad moving between the generator and the object support to press the object, wherein at least one of the object support and the pressure pad is rotatably installed at one side of the mammography apparatus, and the compression initial of the object is performed. At least one of the object support and the compression pad rotatably installed in the state is configured such that its distal end facing the subject is elastically deflected to an inclined position toward the subject.

In the pressing completed state of the subject, the subject support portion and the pressing pad may be configured to be parallel to each other.

At least one of the object support and the compression pad rotatably installed may be formed in a round shape at an edge of which the tip thereof contacts at least the object.

At least one of the subject support part and the pressing pad rotatably installed may be formed in a shape in which a tip portion thereof is curved in a direction away from the subject.

An elastic member that provides elasticity when at least one of the subject support portion and the compression pad is rotatably rotated between an inclined position in the initial state of compression of the subject and a parallel position in the pressed state of the subject; And it may further comprise a stopper for limiting the angle of rotation.

And a press pad support moving between the generator and the object support, wherein the press pad may be rotatably connected to the press pad support.

The elastic member may be at least one of a coil spring interposed between the pressing pad and the pressing pad support and a torsion spring installed on a hinge shaft for rotatably connecting the pressing pad to the pressing pad support.

By the mammography apparatus of the present invention as described above, the compression force is applied to a portion where the subject feels less pain and a portion where the pain is relatively large when the subject is pressed by the compression pad, that is, the part that feels the pain less. The pain and discomfort on the subject can be eliminated or minimized by slowly squeezing the area where the pain is felt and the pain is greatly felt.

Moreover, since X-ray imaging is possible in such a comfortable state, high imaging accuracy can be achieved, thereby reducing exposure to X-rays by reducing the number of unnecessary shots.

1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a mammography apparatus according to the present invention.
2A is a plan view of one embodiment of a press pad and a press pad support constituting a mammography apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the press pad and the press pad support taken along line BB of FIG. 2A;
3 is a plan view of another embodiment of the compression pad and compression pad support constituting the mammography apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure 4 (a) to (c) is a schematic diagram showing the pressing process of the subject by the mammography apparatus according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a side view showing a modification of the compression pad applicable to the mammography apparatus according to the present invention.
6 illustrates various types of torsion springs that may be employed in the mammography apparatus according to the present invention.

Further objects, features and advantages of the invention may be more clearly understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Prior to the detailed description of the present invention, the present invention may be modified and modified in various ways, and may have various embodiments. The examples described below and shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments. In addition, various modifications, changes and modifications can be made in the scope of the following claims, which can also be understood as being included in the scope of the present invention.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to each other, but indirectly connected or connected by another component intervening. It should be understood to include what is present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described on the specification, one or more other features. It is to be understood that the present disclosure does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, components, or combinations thereof.

In addition, the terms "... unit", "... unit", "... module", and the like described in the specification mean a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which is hardware or software or hardware and It can be implemented in a combination of software.

In addition, in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components will be given the same reference numerals and redundant description thereof will be omitted. In describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, a digital mammography apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification, the "mammography apparatus" has been described as an example of a digital mammography apparatus, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to an analog system as well.

Referring to FIG. 1, which shows a whole configuration of a mammography apparatus according to the present invention in a perspective view, the mammography apparatus according to the present invention includes a device body 100 including basic elements for X-ray imaging, and a device body 100. Includes a support column 200 to be vertically movable. The support column 200 is a vertical columnar support having a lower end fixed to the bottom, and provides a vertical axis to the apparatus main body 100 so that the apparatus main body 100 can be elevated in the vertical length direction.

The device main body 100 is also called a C arm because the upper and lower ends face each other in an arc shape, and thus exhibit a C shape or similar shape as a whole. The apparatus body 100 includes a column connection 110 connected to the column 200 in a vertical direction and a vertical connection 120 rotatably connected to the column connection 110. The device body 100 is mounted on one end (eg, the upper end in this embodiment) of the vertical connection 120 of the device body 100 and x-rays toward the other end facing (for example, the lower end in this embodiment). Generator 130 for irradiating light, detector 140 mounted on the other end of the vertical connection portion 120 to face generator 130, and generator 130 and detector along the inner surface of the apparatus main body 100. 140 includes a plate-shaped pressing pad 150 that linearly reciprocates between. At this time, the pressure pad 150 is provided with pain relief means for alleviating pain when the pressure pad 150 presses the subject. The pain relief measures will be described in detail again below.

On the other hand, the subject is located between the pressure pad 150 and the detector 140 to perform X-ray imaging, but by selectively installing the test plate 160 between the pressure pad 150 and the detector 140, the subject May be positioned between the compression pad 150 and the test plate 160 to perform X-ray imaging. That is, when there is no test plate 160, the detector 140 serves as the test object support, and when there is a test plate 160, the test plate 160 serves as the test object support.

The column connector 110 is connected to the vertical connector 120 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis so that the breast can be photographed by internal and external photographing, and a rotation driver (not shown) for rotating the vertical connector 120 in this way. It is installed.

The vertical connection part 120 basically consists of pillars connecting the upper and lower ends and the poles on which the generator 130 and the detector 140 are mounted, respectively. A compression pad support 152 to which the compression pad 150 is connected is slidably mounted on a column of the vertical connection part 120, and driving means for moving the compression pad support part 152 up and down on one side of the vertical connection part 120. Is installed. This vertical movement of the compression pad support 152 and the compression pad 150 connected thereto presses the breasts positioned on the detector 140 or, optionally, on the test plate 160.

The generator 130 mounted on the upper end of the apparatus main body 100 generates an x-ray by colliding electrons having high kinetic energy with a target of metal. Preferably, the generator 130 controls an irradiation direction or an irradiation area of the x-ray. Optical systems, such as a collimator, are provided.

The detector 140 mounted on the lower end of the apparatus main body 100 is basically a means for receiving an X-ray passing through the breast to obtain an image. The detector 140 may also serve as a support for supporting a body by placing the breast on it. . That is, the breast is pressed between the detector 140 and the compression pad 150 by pressing the breast with the compression pad 150 after placing the breast on the detector 140. The breast of the patient is photographed by the generator 130 and the detector 140. The detector 140 may generate an electrical signal for each position in proportion to the incident amount of the X-ray, and may read the electrical signal and the position information and process the same by an image processing algorithm to obtain an X-ray image of the breast. At this time, the detector 140 has a direct conversion method for obtaining an electrical signal directly from the X-ray without an intermediate step according to the conversion method of the X-ray, or indirect conversion for converting the X-ray into visible light to obtain an electrical signal indirectly by the visible light. General technical content such as method can be widely applied.

The test plate 160 may be included as an optional configuration in order to replace the function of the detector 140 as a test subject support. When the test plate 160 is included, the breast is pressed by the compression pad 150 and the test plate 160, and the breast in this state is photographed through the generator 130 and the detector 140. Therefore, the detector 140 performs only a function of receiving an X-ray passing through the breast to obtain an image.

Next, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an embodiment of pain relief means for alleviating the degree of pressure on a subject will be described. FIG. 2A is a plan view of one embodiment of a compression pad and compression pad support with pain relief means constituting the mammography apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a compression pad and compression pad support taken along line BB of FIG. It is a cross section.

Basically, the pain relief means of the present invention is intended to press the subject while changing the inclination of the compression pad 150 from the initial state of pressing the subject to the compression completion state for reaching the X-ray imaging. will be. Therefore, the proximal portion (thoracic region) of the subject, which feels relatively less pain when the subject is pressed by the compression pad 150, is applied to the distal portion (papillary region) of the subject, which is initially pressed and feels the pain slightly. You can slowly press on the second half.

Specifically, the pressing pad 150 and the pressing pad support 152 are rotatably connected to each other through the widthwise hinge axis 151 of the pressing pad 150. To this end, the pressing pad 150, as shown in Figure 2b, the hinge shaft mounting portion 150a protruding downward on the lower surface is formed. Two hinge shaft mounting portions 150a are formed, one on each side of the pressing pad 150 in the width direction. Specifically, the hinge shaft mounting portion 150a is formed at both sides in the width direction of a position spaced apart from the center of the pressing pad 150 toward the pressing pad support portion 152 by a predetermined distance. In addition, the pressing pad support part 152 includes a first part 152a having one end connected to the vertical connection part 120 and a second part 152b bifurcated at the other end of the first part 152a. Each leading end of the bifurcated second portion 152b is connected to the hinge shaft mounting portion 150a of the pressing pad 150 through the hinge shaft 151, respectively. Accordingly, the plate-shaped press pad 150 is rotatably connected to it above the press pad support 152.

A pad side support jaw 150b is formed at the rear end of the pressure pad 150 facing the pressure pad support 152. The pad side support jaw 150b is formed to protrude on both side surfaces in the width direction of the rear end of the pressing pad 150. In particular, the pad side support jaw 150b is formed such that the press pad 150 is in contact with the second portion 152b of the press pad support part 152 at a position parallel to the subject support part. This may serve as a stopper as described below. In addition, a recessed support side support jaw 152bc is formed at a position corresponding to the pad side support jaw 150b on the upper surface of the pressing pad support 152. A coil spring 154 is interposed between the pad side support jaw 150b and the support side support jaw 152bc as an elastic means.

The stopper 150c protrudes from both sides of the width direction in the pressing pad 150 at a position opposite to the pad side supporting jaw 150b with the hinge shaft 151 therebetween. At this time, the stopper 150c is formed to be in contact with the tip of the second portion 152b of the pressing pad support 152. This serves to limit the inclination angle of the initial state of the compression pad 150.

In such a configuration, by the spring 154 and the stopper 150c, the pressing pad 150 is inclined toward the subject under the no-load initial state, i.e., without pressing the subject. State, ie, tilted downward to maintain a tilted state. In this initial pressing state, the inclination angle of the pressing pad 150 may be determined by the position and thickness of the stopper 150c. That is, in the initial pressure state, the pressing pad 150 is centered on the hinge shaft 151 in FIG. 2B by the elastic force of the spring 154 interposed between the pad side support jaw 150b and the support side support jaw 152bc. Tends to rotate clockwise. However, when the stopper 150c of the pressing pad 150 comes into contact with the tip of the second portion 152b of the pressing pad support part 152 in a predetermined rotation state, rotation is limited to maintain the inclination angle of the initial state.

Also, when the pressing of the subject by the pressing pad 150 proceeds, the pressing pad 150 is rotated counterclockwise about the hinge axis 151 in FIG. 2B by the repulsive force transmitted from the subject. By this rotation, the pad side support jaw 150b of the compression pad 150 comes into contact with the second portion 152b of the compression pad support 152, whereby the compression pad 150 is rotated in a parallel position with the subject support portion. This is limited.

The initial inclination position and the final position of the pressing pad 150 are determined by the contact position between the stopper 150c of the pressing pad 150 and the pressing pad supporting portion 152 of the pad side support jaw 150b, but the spring ( The initial / final length and modulus of elasticity of 154) should also be considered.

Another modified embodiment of the compression pad 150 and the compression pad support 152 with pain relief means is shown in FIG. 3. In the modified example shown in FIG. 3, the pad side support jaw 150b may protrude from the center of the rear end of the pressing pad 150. At this time, a recessed support side support jaw 152bc having the same shape as that shown in FIG. 2B is formed on the upper surface of the pressing pad support portion 152 at the position corresponding to the pad side support jaw 150b. Other components such as the coil spring 154 and the stopper 150c interposed between the pad side support jaw 150b and the support side support jaw 152bc are generally the same as those shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. As another embodiment, a torsion spring (see FIG. 4) may be mounted to the hinge shaft 151 instead of removing the coil spring 154 without forming the support side support jaw 152bc on the pressing pad support 152. have. The operation of these embodiments is the same as the embodiment shown in Figs. 2A and 2B.

In addition, other configurations in which the pressing pad 150 is inclined downwardly inclined in the initial state and in a position parallel to the subject support in the pressing completed state are various other than the above-described embodiments and modifications. It can be easily understood by those skilled in the art that it can be implemented as.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, a process of compressing a subject in a mammography apparatus according to the present invention will be described. In FIG. 4, the components of the springs 154, the support jaws 150b and 152bc, and the stoppers 150c described in FIGS. 2A and 2B are omitted so that the operation of the main parts is clearly shown.

 First, FIG. 4 (a) shows that the breast BR, which is a subject, is placed on the detector 140 (or the test plate 160 if the test plate 160 is present), and the compression pad 150 descends to prevent blood. The initial compression state at which contact with the specimen BR is started is shown. In this state, due to the spring 154 interposed between the pad side support jaw 150b and the support side support jaw 152bc, the tip pad toward the breast BR is inclined downward. In this inclined state, the pressing pad 150 has its distal end contacting the proximal portion (chest side) of the breast BR.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the compression pad 150 is lowered and the compression on the breast BR proceeds, the compression pad 150 is moved by the repulsive force transmitted from the breast BR. As indicated by the arrow, it rotates counterclockwise about the hinge axis 151. At this time, the contact surface between the compression pad 150 and the breast BR gradually increases from the proximal portion of the breast BR to the distal portion (papillary side).

As shown in FIG. 4C, when the pressing pad 150 is lowered to the final pressing position, the pressing pad 150 has its pad side support jaw 150b having a second portion of the pressing pad support 152. Contact with 152b to form a position parallel to the subject support. At this time, the compression pad 150 is in a state in which the contact surface with the breast BR is widest to obtain a desired X-ray image. The compression pad 150 may be lowered to the final compression position in a position parallel to the subject support before reaching the final compression position according to the elastic modulus of the spring 154.

In this way, since the inclination of the compression pad 150 changes during the compression of the breast BR, the compression starts from the proximal portion (thoracic region) of the breast BR with relatively little pain (Fig. 4 (a)). Thus, while the compressive force is concentrated in this area (during the entire compression process), the distal portion (papillary area) with relatively high pain is slowly compressed after some degree of compression. Therefore, the degree of pressure can be greatly alleviated in the large pain area (papillary side area), thereby reducing the pain of the subject.

According to such a structure, since the tip part of the compression pad 150 contacts the proximal part (chest side part) of the breast BR in an initial stage of compression, when an angle is formed in the edge of the tip part of the compression pad 150, it is made to a subject. May cause pain. Thus, the tip of the compression pad 150, as shown in Figures 2b and 4, is formed in a round shape to eliminate the pain that may be caused by the tip of the compression pad 150 in the initial state of compression of the breast Can be. In FIGS. 2B and 4, rounds are formed at both upper and lower edges of the tip of the compression pad 150, but rounds may be formed only at the lower edges which come into contact with the subject.

On the other hand, when the tip portion of the compression pad 150, as shown in Figure 5, is formed in an upward curved shape, the pain that can be caused by the tip of the compression pad 150 in the initial state of compression of the breast You can get rid of it. The round shape and the curved shape may be equally applied to the detector 140 (or the inspection plate 160).

As mentioned above, although the Example was demonstrated in the press pad 150 and the press pad support part 152, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the subject support part (detector 140 or the test plate 160) is rotatably comprised with respect to the apparatus main body 100, and the subject side front end of a subject support part in an initial stage of compression presses upward toward a subject. The present invention can be implemented by elastically deflecting to be inclined obliquely. Also in this case, when the pressing is completed, it is preferable that the subject support part (the detector 140 or the test plate 160) be parallel to the pressing pad 150. In addition, the pain relief means according to the present invention may be applied to both the compression pad 150 and the subject support.

The present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and various substitutions, modifications, and changes within the scope not departing from the technical spirit of the present invention are possible in the art. It will be apparent to those who have the knowledge of.

100: device body 110: column connection portion
120: vertical connection portion 130: generator
140: detector 150: pressure pad
150a: hinge shaft mounting portion 150b: pad side support jaw
150c: stopper 151: hinge shaft
152: pressure pad support 152bc: support side support jaw
154: spring 200: support column
300: controller

Claims (7)

In a mammography apparatus,
A generator for irradiating x-rays;
A subject support part including a detector positioned to face the generator; And
A compression pad that moves between the generator and the subject support to press the subject,
At least one of the subject support part and the compression pad is rotatably installed at one side of the mammography apparatus, and at least one of the subject support part and the compression pad rotatably installed at the initial state of the subject to face the subject. Its tip portion is configured to elastically deflect to a inclined position toward the subject,
The mammography apparatus further includes a compression pad support portion moving between the generator and the subject support portion, wherein the compression pad support portion has a first end connected to one side of the mammography apparatus. A first portion and a second portion bifurcated from the second end of the first portion, wherein the compression pad is rotatably connected to the second portion of the compression pad support.
Mammography device.
The method of claim 1,
The subject support portion and the compression pad are configured to be parallel to each other in the compression completion state of the subject.
Mammography device.
The method according to claim 1 or 2,
At least one of the subject support portion and the compression pad rotatably installed is formed in a round shape at an edge thereof at least in contact with the subject
Mammography device.
The method according to claim 1 or 2,
At least one rotatably installed between the subject support portion and the compression pad is formed in a shape curved in a direction away from the subject
Mammography device.
The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Of the subject support portion and the compression pad when at least one of the subject support portion and the compression pad is rotatably rotated between an inclined position in the initial state of compression of the subject and a parallel position in the compression completion state of the subject; An elastic member for imparting elasticity to at least one rotatably installed; And
Further comprising a stopper for limiting the angle of rotation
Mammography device.
The method of claim 5,
The elastic member,
At least one of a coil spring interposed between the pressing pad and the pressing pad support, and a torsion spring provided on a hinge shaft rotatably connecting the pressing pad to the pressing pad support to the pressing pad support.
Mammography device.
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