NL2018413B1 - Mammography-apparatus - Google Patents

Mammography-apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2018413B1
NL2018413B1 NL2018413A NL2018413A NL2018413B1 NL 2018413 B1 NL2018413 B1 NL 2018413B1 NL 2018413 A NL2018413 A NL 2018413A NL 2018413 A NL2018413 A NL 2018413A NL 2018413 B1 NL2018413 B1 NL 2018413B1
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Netherlands
Prior art keywords
breast
paddle
ray
volume
imaging system
Prior art date
Application number
NL2018413A
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Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Johannes Den Heeten Gerardus
Original Assignee
Sigmascreening B V
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by Sigmascreening B V filed Critical Sigmascreening B V
Priority to NL2018413A priority Critical patent/NL2018413B1/en
Priority to PCT/NL2018/050091 priority patent/WO2018156017A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2018413B1 publication Critical patent/NL2018413B1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/04—Positioning of patients; Tiltable beds or the like
    • A61B6/0407—Supports, e.g. tables or beds, for the body or parts of the body
    • A61B6/0414—Supports, e.g. tables or beds, for the body or parts of the body with compression means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/50—Clinical applications
    • A61B6/502—Clinical applications involving diagnosis of breast, i.e. mammography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/54—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)

Abstract

Mammography-apparatus (1) for detecting malignant cells (8) in a breast (2) comprising an x-ray source (3) and an x-ray detector (4) that cooperates with the x-ray source (3) for providing an x-ray image of said breast (2), and fur- ther com-prising a paddle (5) for flattening the breast (2) by pressing it against said x-ray detector (4), wherein a control system (10) is provided which controls the actuation of the paddle (5) according to a desired compression force that is to be applied to the breast (2), wherein the apparatus (1) com- prises data entry means for inputting an estimated volume of the breast (2) and/or an imaging system (6) for the breast (2) which is connected to processing means (7) for estimating a volume (V) of the breast (2) as imaged with the imaging system (6), and wherein the control system (10) is connected to the data entry means and/or the processing means (7) and arranged to convert the estimated volume (V) of the breast (2) into a desired compression force (F) with which the paddle (5) must compress the breast (2).

Description

Octrooicentrum
Θ 2018413
(21) Aanvraagnummer: 2018413 © Aanvraag ingediend: 23 februari 2017 @ Int. CL:
A61B 6/00 (2017.01) A61B 6/04 (2017.01)
(4^ Aanvraag ingeschreven: (73) Octrooihouder(s):
17 september 2018 Sigmascreening B.V. te Enschede.
(43) Aanvraag gepubliceerd:
- (72) Uitvinder(s):
Gerardus Johannes den Heeten te Enschede.
(/t) Octrooi verleend:
17 september 2018
(74) Gemachtigde:
(45) Octrooischrift uitgegeven: mr. ir. J. van Breda c.s. te Amsterdam.
14 november 2018
© Mammog raphy-apparatu s ct) Mammography-apparatus (1) for detecting malignant cells (8) in a breast (2) comprising an x-ray source (3) and an x-ray detector (4) that cooperates with the x-ray source (3) for providing an x-ray image of said breast (2), and further com-prising a paddle (5) for flattening the breast (2) by pressing it against said x-ray detector (4), wherein a control system (10) is provided which controls the actuation of the paddle (5) according to a desired compression force that is to be applied to the breast (2), wherein the apparatus (1) comprises data entry means for inputting an estimated volume of the breast (2) and/or an imaging system (6) for the breast (2) which is connected to processing means (7) for estimating a volume (V) of the breast (2) as imaged with the imaging system (6), and wherein the control system (10) is connected to the data entry means and/or the processing means (7) and arranged to convert the estimated volume (V) of the breast (2) into a desired compression force (F) with which the paddle (5) must compress the breast (2).
NL Bl 2018413
Dit octrooi is verleend ongeacht het bijgevoegde resultaat van het onderzoek naar de stand van de techniek en schriftelijke opinie. Het octrooischrift komt overeen met de oorspronkelijk ingediende stukken.
Mammography-apparatus
The invention relates to a mammography-apparatus for detecting malignant cells in a breast comprising an x-ray source and an x-ray detector that cooperates with the x-ray source for providing an x-ray image of said breast, and further comprising a paddle for flattening the breast by pressing it against said x-ray detector, wherein a control system is provided which controls the actuation of the paddle according to a desired compression force that is to be applied to the breast. Pressing the breast with the paddle against the x-ray detector serves the purpose of the breast's flattening, which is desirable for getting a proper x-ray image of the breast.
The invention also relates to a method for detecting malignant cells in a breast using an x-ray source and an x-ray detector that cooperates with the x-ray source for providing an x-ray image of said breast, wherein prior to x-ray imaging first an initial moderate flattening force is applied to the breast by pressing the breast with the paddle against the xray detector which precedes the eventual flattening force during x-ray imaging.
An example of a mammography-apparatus and method according to the preamble is known from US2006/0245541. This document discloses a method and apparatus for compressing a patient's breast when using an x-ray mammography machine to take an image wherein said machine has a compression paddle and a bucky. A movable interface plate controllable by linear actuators is mounted on the bucky as an interface between the bucky and the patient's breast. The method includes steps wherein the compression paddle is moved downwardly to provide compression forces to the breast; the movement of the compression paddle is stopped at a position were less than the full desired compression of breast is attained. Next, the movable interface plate is elevated under the control of the linear actuators, upwardly against the breast to obtain the full desired compression. The upward movement of the interface plate functions to distribute and balance the compression and shear forces applied to the breast.
One of the disadvantages of the known mammographyapparatus is that it is still unclear how many compression force must be applied to the breast in order to get proper quality of the subsequent x-ray imaging, without unnecessarily inflicting pain on the patient.
A first objective of the invention is to improve the known mammography-apparatus in that unnecessary compression of the breast during x-ray imaging is avoided.
Still a further objective is to enhance the capability of the mammography-apparatus to reliably detect malignant cells in breast tissue.
These and other objectives of the invention which may become apparent from the following disclosure, are at least in part addressed with the features of the mammography-apparatus of the invention as specified in the appended claims.
In a first aspect of the invention the mammographyapparatus comprises data entry means for inputting an estimated volume of the breast and/or an imaging system for the breast which is connected to processing means for estimating a volume of the breast as imaged with the imaging system, and wherein the control system is connected to the data entry means and/or the processing means and arranged to convert the estimated volume of the breast into a desired compression force with which the paddle must compress the breast. This desired compression force which is derived from the volume of the breast is then applied to the breast during x-ray imaging.
One of the niceties of the invention is that such an imaging system can be easily provided as an upgrade to an existing mammography apparatus which is still relying on the best efforts of an operator. By upgrading such an existing mammography apparatus with the features according to the invention the advantages that the invention provides will also be available with existing and sometimes very old machines.
The estimation of the volume of the breast can effectively be done at home with an app (like Third Love, Tue & co and Adore me) or automatically in the dressing room (3D mirror scans) and subsequently inputted into the system by using the data entry means. Alternatively or additionally the estimation of the breast volume can be made by an operator by first ap plying a moderate compression force to the breast so as to provide the breast in clear focus for the imaging system and to improve the conditions at which an accurate estimation of the breast volume can be obtained. Once this breast volume is known, its value can be used to provide a reliable and repeatable value of the compression force to be subsequently applied to the breast during x-ray imaging so as to secure best x-ray imaging quality.
This procedure follows according to the method of the invention in that after the initial moderate flattening force is applied to the breast, an estimated volume of the breast is determined based on an image of the breast obtained with an imaging system, and that the estimated volume of the breast is thereafter converted into a desired eventual compression force with which the paddle will compress the breast against the xray detector during x-ray imaging. As already mentioned the estimated breast volume can also be made available to the apparatus by inputting it with data entry means, after the breast volume is measured in the privacy of one's home by an appropriate app, or by automatic means after undressing before the x-ray imaging is executed.
Preferably the control system comprises a look-up table for converting an estimated volume of the breast into a desired compression force with which the paddle must compress the breast. Benefits of using a lookup table is that there is a consistent relation between the breast volume and the compression force to be applied, and the determination of the desired compression force can be executed swiftly without needing complicated and time-consuming calculations.
Best results in estimating the volume of the breast are obtainable when the imaging system comprises a 3D-camera, preferably a CCD camera. Suitably the 3D- camera has a resolution of 1 mm or better.
The invention will hereinafter be further elucidated with reference to the drawing of a mammography-apparatus in accordance with the invention.
In the drawing:
-figure 1 shows schematically the mammographyapparatus of the invention.
With reference to figure 1 the mammography-apparatus of the invention is denoted with reference 1. This mammography-apparatus 1 is used for screening malignant cells 8 in a breast 2. For this purpose the mammography-apparatus 1 comprises an x-ray source 3 and an x-ray detector 4 that cooperates with the x-ray source for providing an x-ray image of said breast 2.
The mammography-apparatus 1 further comprises a paddle 5 for flattening the breast 2 by compressing it against said x-ray detector 4.
The mammography apparatus 1 of the invention further comprises a control system 10 which controls the actuation of the paddle 5 in accordance with a desired compression force F that is to be applied to the breast 2. For determining the desired compression force F, the apparatus 1 comprises an imaging system 6 for the breast 2 which is connected to processing means 7 for estimating a volume V of the breast 2 as imaged with said imaging system 6.
An alternative which is not shown in the figure because it is entirely clear for the skilled person, is to estimate the breast volume by separate means (for instance using an app or otherwise) and to input the estimated volume as a number using data entry means, in particular a keyboard, that connects to the control system 10.
The control system 10 is further connected to the processing means 7 and arranged to convert a volume V of the breast 2 as estimated with the processing means 7 -or as inputted with the said data entry means- into a desired compression force F with which the paddle 5 must then compress the breast 2 during x-ray imaging. Advantageously therefore the control system 10 comprises a look-up table 9 for converting the estimated volume V of the breast 2 into a desired compression force F with which the paddle 5 will compress the breast 2 .
Figure 1 further shows for completeness sake that the imaging system 6 preferably comprises a 3D-camera, at best a
CCD camera 6'. It is preferable that the 3D- camera has a resolution of 1 mm or better.
Although the invention has been discussed in the foregoing with reference to an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the invention is not restricted to this particular embodiment which can be varied in many ways without departing from the invention. The discussed exemplary embodiment shall therefore not be used to construe the appended claims strictly in accordance therewith. On the contrary the embodiment is merely intended to explain the wording of the appended claims without intent to limit the claims to this 10 exemplary embodiment. The scope of protection of the invention shall therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims only, wherein a possible ambiguity in the wording of the claims shall be resolved using this exemplary embodiment.

Claims (5)

CONCLUSIESCONCLUSIONS 1. Mammografie-inrichting (1) voor het detecteren van kwaadaardige cellen (8) in een borst (2) omvattende een röntgenbron (3) en een röntgenstralendetector (4) die samenwerkt met de röntgenbron (3) voor het verschaffen van een röntgenbeeld van genoemde borst (2) en verder omvattende een peddel (5) voor het vlak maken van de borst (2) door deze tegen genoemde röntgenstralendetector (4) te drukken, waarbij een regelsysteem (10) voorzien is welke de actuatie van de peddel (5) bestuurt volgens een gewenste samendrukkracht die op de borst (2) moet worden uitgeoefend, met het kenmerk, dat de inrichting (1) data-invoermiddelen omvat voor het invoeren van een geschat volume van de borst (2) en/of een beeldvormend systeem (6) voor de borst (2) welke verbonden is met bewerkingsmiddelen (7) voor het schatten van een volume (V) van de borst (2) zoals deze met het beeldvormend systeem (6) in beeld is gebracht, en waarbij het regelsysteem (10) verbonden is met de data-invoermiddelen en/of met de bewerkingsmiddelen (7) en ingericht is om het geschatte volume (V) van de borst (2) te converteren in een gewenste samendrukkingskracht (F) met welke de peddel (5) de borst (2) moet samendrukken.A mammography device (1) for detecting malignant cells (8) in a breast (2) comprising an x-ray source (3) and an x-ray detector (4) cooperating with the x-ray source (3) for providing an x-ray image of said chest (2) and further comprising a paddle (5) for flattening the breast (2) by pressing it against said x-ray detector (4), wherein a control system (10) is provided which controls the actuation of the paddle (5) ) controls according to a desired compressive force to be exerted on the breast (2), characterized in that the device (1) comprises data input means for inputting an estimated volume of the breast (2) and / or an imaging system (6) for the breast (2) which is connected to processing means (7) for estimating a volume (V) of the breast (2) as it is imaged with the imaging system (6), and wherein the control system (10) is connected to the data input means and / or to d the processing means (7) and is adapted to convert the estimated volume (V) of the breast (2) into a desired compression force (F) with which the paddle (5) is to compress the breast (2). 2, met het kenmerk, dat het beeldvormend systeem (6) een 3Dcamera omvat, bij voorkeur een CCD camera (6').2, characterized in that the imaging system (6) comprises a 3D camera, preferably a CCD camera (6 '). 2. Mammografie-inrichting (1) volgens conclusie 1, met het kenmerk, dat het regelsysteem (10) een look-up table (9) omvat voor het converteren van een geschat volume (V) van de borst (2) in een gewenste samendrukkingskracht (F) met welke de peddel (5) de borst (2) moet samendrukken.Mammography device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system (10) comprises a look-up table (9) for converting an estimated volume (V) of the breast (2) into a desired compression force (F) with which the paddle (5) must compress the chest (2). 3. Mammografie-inrichting (1) volgens conclusie 1 ofMammography device (1) according to claim 1 or 4. Mammografie-inrichting (1) volgens conclusie 3, met het kenmerk, dat de 3D-camera een resolutie bezit van 1 mm of beter.Mammography device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the 3D camera has a resolution of 1 mm or better. 5. Werkwijze voor het detecteren van kwaadaardige cellen (8) in een borst (2) gebruikmakend van een röntgenbron (3) en een röntgenstralendetector (4) die samenwerkt met de röntgenbron (3) voor het verschaffen van een röntgenbeeld van genoemde borst (2), waarbij een initiële matige afvlakkingskracht toegepast wordt op de borst (2) door de borst (2) met de peddel tegen de röntgenstralendetector (4) te drukken, met het kenmerk, dat nadat de initiële matige afvlakkingskracht uitgeoefend is op de borst (2), een geschat volume van de borst (2) bepaald wordt gebaseerd op een beeld van de borstA method for detecting malignant cells (8) in a breast (2) using an X-ray source (3) and an X-ray detector (4) cooperating with the X-ray source (3) to provide an X-ray image of said breast (2) ), wherein an initial moderate smoothing force is applied to the chest (2) by pressing the breast (2) with the paddle against the X-ray detector (4), characterized in that after the initial moderate smoothing force is exerted on the breast (2) ), an estimated volume of the breast (2) is determined based on an image of the breast 5 (2) verkregen met een beeldvormend systeem (6), en dat het geschatte volume (V) van de borst (2) geconverteerd wordt in een gewenste uiteindelijke samendrukkingskracht (F) met welke de peddel (5) de borst (2) tegen de röntgenstralendetector (4) drukt tijdens de röntgenbeeldvorming.5 (2) obtained with an imaging system (6), and that the estimated volume (V) of the breast (2) is converted into a desired final compression force (F) with which the paddle (5) opposes the breast (2) the x-ray detector (4) presses during the x-ray imaging.
NL2018413A 2017-02-23 2017-02-23 Mammography-apparatus NL2018413B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2018413A NL2018413B1 (en) 2017-02-23 2017-02-23 Mammography-apparatus
PCT/NL2018/050091 WO2018156017A1 (en) 2017-02-23 2018-02-09 Mamography-apparatus

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NL2018413A NL2018413B1 (en) 2017-02-23 2017-02-23 Mammography-apparatus

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012107057A1 (en) * 2011-02-10 2012-08-16 Mevis Medical Solutions Ag Image processing device
US20160235379A1 (en) * 2013-10-30 2016-08-18 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Optimization of x-ray imaging during mammographic examination

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060245541A1 (en) 2004-02-26 2006-11-02 Aubel Leo J Mammography procedure and apparatus for reducing pain when compressing a breast

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012107057A1 (en) * 2011-02-10 2012-08-16 Mevis Medical Solutions Ag Image processing device
US20160235379A1 (en) * 2013-10-30 2016-08-18 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Optimization of x-ray imaging during mammographic examination

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