WO2004058063A1 - Mammography apparatus for advanced detection of breast cancer - Google Patents

Mammography apparatus for advanced detection of breast cancer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004058063A1
WO2004058063A1 PCT/FI2003/000995 FI0300995W WO2004058063A1 WO 2004058063 A1 WO2004058063 A1 WO 2004058063A1 FI 0300995 W FI0300995 W FI 0300995W WO 2004058063 A1 WO2004058063 A1 WO 2004058063A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mammography apparatus
breast
breast tissue
electric energy
dimensional
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2003/000995
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Samuli Siltanen
Original Assignee
Instrumentarium Corporation
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.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Instrumentarium Corporation filed Critical Instrumentarium Corporation
Priority to AU2003290140A priority Critical patent/AU2003290140A1/en
Publication of WO2004058063A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004058063A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/50—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications
    • A61B6/502—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications for diagnosis of breast, i.e. mammography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0033—Features or image-related aspects of imaging apparatus classified in A61B5/00, e.g. for MRI, optical tomography or impedance tomography apparatus; arrangements of imaging apparatus in a room
    • A61B5/0035—Features or image-related aspects of imaging apparatus classified in A61B5/00, e.g. for MRI, optical tomography or impedance tomography apparatus; arrangements of imaging apparatus in a room adapted for acquisition of images from more than one imaging mode, e.g. combining MRI and optical tomography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A61B5/053—Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
    • A61B5/0536—Impedance imaging, e.g. by tomography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/46—Arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
    • A61B6/461—Displaying means of special interest
    • A61B6/466—Displaying means of special interest adapted to display 3D data
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/52—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/5211—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for radiation diagnosis involving processing of medical diagnostic data
    • A61B6/5229—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for radiation diagnosis involving processing of medical diagnostic data combining image data of a patient, e.g. combining a functional image with an anatomical image
    • A61B6/5247—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for radiation diagnosis involving processing of medical diagnostic data combining image data of a patient, e.g. combining a functional image with an anatomical image combining images from an ionising-radiation diagnostic technique and a non-ionising radiation diagnostic technique, e.g. X-ray and ultrasound
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and mammography apparatus for advanced detection of breast cancer.
  • three-dimensional x-ray image information is compiled in such a way that the breast is irradiated with x-radiation generated by an x-ray source, which radiation is received by a detector.
  • x-ray image information which consists of a collection of straight lines representing x-rays that have passed through the object and been received by the detector.
  • the x-ray information also includes information on the attenuation of the said x-rays in the object.
  • this type of x-ray information can be compiled the three-dimensional x-ray information of the prior art.
  • the disadvantage of the said x-ray information is a weak contrast between healthy and diseased tissue.
  • the invention relates to a solution for advanced detection of breast cancer. This is achieved by means of a method for performing a mammographic examination, in which method the breast is pressed so as to remain in an essentially static position for imaging.
  • the breast is irradiated with x-radiation from at least two different directions and the x-radiation irradiated from at least two different directions is received to compile three-dimensional x-ray image information of the breast tissue.
  • electric energy is transmitted into the breast tissue and electric energy is measured from the tissue to compile three-dimensional impedance tomographic information of the breast tissue.
  • three- dimensional x-ray image information and three-dimensional impedance tomographic information are combined to find suspicious parts in the breast tissue.
  • the invention also relates to a mammography apparatus comprising compression means for compressing the breast so that it will remain in an essentially static position during imaging.
  • the mammography apparatus comprises at least one x-ray source for irradiating the breast from at least two different directions, at least one detector for receiving x-radiation irradiated from at least two different directions to compile three-dimensional x-ray image information.
  • the mammography apparatus includes a source of electricity for transmitting electric energy into the breast tissue, an electricity meter for measuring the electric energy in the breast tissue for compiling three-dimensional impedance tomographic information.
  • the mammography apparatus comprises a processing unit by means of which the three- dimensional x-ray image information is compiled and three-dimensional impedance tomographic information is compiled, and by means of which processing unit the said x-ray image information and the said impedance tomographic information are combined to compile three-dimensional breast tissue information for finding suspicious parts in the breast tissue.
  • the invention is based on the fact that during the same mammographic imaging event is carried out both imaging based on x-ray technology for compiling three- dimensional x-ray image information of the breast, and measurement based on impedance tomography for compiling three-dimensional impedance tomographic information of the breast. Three-dimensional x-ray image information and three- dimensional impedance tomographic information are combined to compile more complete three-dimensional information of the breast than before.
  • Figure 1 shows an implementation of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows an electrode arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 shows an x-ray tube head used in x-ray imaging, which can be turned into different imaging positions.
  • Figure 1 shows a mammography apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises, for example, a C-shaped support 100, 102, 104, on the opposite arms 100, 104 of which is fixed an x-ray tube head 106 and a detector 109.
  • the x-ray tube head comprises an x-ray tube 110 as an x-ray source for generating x-radiation, and a collimator 112 for collimating the x-radiation.
  • a movable compression plate 114 on the support, which is connected to a plunger 116. By means of the plunger is generated a force, which is conveyed via the compression plate to the compressing the breast.
  • the compression plate By means of the compression plate, the breast is compressed against the detector surface in order to attain a sufficiently static position.
  • the said static position is one of the basic requirements for the good quality of an x-ray image.
  • the compression means comprised by a mammography apparatus may include, for example, two compression plates, between which the breast is compressed either by moving both compression plates or only one compression plate.
  • the support is fitted with bearings so as to turn about a shaft 118, which is essentially parallel to the arms 100, 104 and fixed essentially vertically to a connecting beam 102 joining the said arms.
  • the shaft 118 on the other hand, is fixed to a slider 122, which is used to adjust the height of the mammography apparatus.
  • the breast is compressed by means of the compression plate 114 against the detector surface 108 and a sufficiently static position is found for the breast.
  • the breast is irradiated by x-radiation generated by the x-ray source 110.
  • the x-radiation passing through the breast is received by the detector 109.
  • the processing unit 124 comprised by the mammography apparatus.
  • the processing unit 124 compiles three-dimensional x-ray information of the breast tissue.
  • the electric energy is transmitted to the breast tissue.
  • the electric energy may be energy in the form of an electric current or electric voltage, or electric energy in electromagnetic form.
  • a source of electricity 127 is a power source or a voltage source. Electric energy can also be induced into the breast tissue through coils.
  • electrodes 128 or other similar implementations are placed on the surface of the breast, through which electrodes electric current is transmitted to the breast tissue.
  • the electrodes may be fixed on the surface of the detector 109 and the surface of the compression plate 114, and they are positioned on the surface of the breast by compressing the breast against the detector surface with the compression plate.
  • Figure 2 shows a grid-like electrode implementation 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which may be fixed to both the surface of the detector and the surface of the press plate.
  • Electrodes implementations 200 and methods of placing the electrodes 128 on the surface of the breast may also be possible.
  • the mammography apparatus may, for example, comprise two types of electrodes.
  • electric current is transmitted to the breast tissue by means of a power source 127 comprised in the mammography apparatus, and through the second electrodes, or other similar implementations, voltages in the breast tissue are measured by means of a voltmeter 126 comprised in the mammography apparatus.
  • voltage patterns corresponding to current patterns are measured by means of a particular electrode configuration.
  • the electrode implementation may also be realised so that the same electrodes are used both for transmitting electric current and for measuring electric voltage.
  • three-dimensional impedance tomographic information on the breast tissue is compiled in the processing unit 124 of the mammography apparatus.
  • Electric energy can also be induced to the breast tissue through coils 126.
  • the measurement of induced electric energy can be carried out, for example, by means of a coil implementation or by means of electrodes. When using coils, it is essential that the coils do not necessarily have to be in contact with the breast. Otherwise the solution according to the invention can be carried out as described in connection with the electrode implementations.
  • the solution according to the invention can also be carried out so that electric voltage is transmitted to the breast tissue and electric current is measured.
  • electric current is measured.
  • processing unit 124 comprised in the mammography apparatus, three- dimensional x-ray image information and three-dimensional impedance tomographic information are combined to compile more complete three-dimensional information of the breast tissue.
  • the processing unit 124 comprised in the mammography apparatus consists of one or more process implementations, such as one or more computer units, as in the prior art.
  • the processing unit may be located in conjunction with the mammography apparatus also in such a way that the physical distance between them is considerable, that is, the processing unit may be located, for example, in a different room than the rest of the mammography apparatus.
  • a connecting factor may be wired data transfer communications, wireless data transfer communications or the physical transfer of data, for example, on a diskette between the rest of the mammography apparatus and the processing unit.
  • Three-dimensional x-ray image information may also be compiled as follows.
  • X-ray images are made of a suspicious part of the breast from at least two different angles.
  • a detector 109 can be used, for example, a digital full area detector.
  • three-dimensional information On the basis of the said x-ray images is compiled three-dimensional information, which is preferably compiled as xyz-coordinates information.
  • Figure 3 shows the x-ray tube head 106 used in x-ray imaging which can be turned into different imaging positions 300, 302.
  • Three-dimensional x-ray image information of a breast can also be compiled by means of TACT technique (Tuned Aperture Computed Tomography), which is described, for example, in the patent publication US 6081577 "Method and system for creating task-dependent three-dimensional images".
  • TACT technique Tuned Aperture Computed Tomography
  • three-dimensional x-ray image information of a breast is compiled on the basis of a reference point and x-ray images taken from different angles, for example seven different angles.
  • the solution according to the invention described above can also be implemented in the order that three-dimensional impedance tomographic information is compiled first, and after that three-dimensional x-ray image information. It is also not excluded that the said actions are performed partly or completely simultaneously or overlappingly.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

The invention relates to a mammography apparatus comprising pressing means (114) for compressing the breast so that it will stay in an essentially static position during imaging. The mammography apparatus comprises at least one x-ray source (110) for irradiating the breast from at least two different directions, and at least one detector (109) for receiving x-radiation irradiated from at least two different directions to compile three-dimensional x-ray image information. The mammography apparatus comprises a source of electricity (127) for transmitting electric energy into the breast tissue and an electricity meter (126) for measuring the electric energy in the breast tissue for compiling three-dimensional impedance tomographic information. The mammography apparatus comprises a processing unit (124) by means of which the three-dimensional x-ray image information is compiled and three-dimensional impedance tomographic information is compiled, and by means of which processing unit the said x-ray image information and the said impedance tomographic information are combined three-dimensional breast tissue information to find suspicious parts in the breast tissue.

Description

Mammography apparatus for advanced detection of breast cancer
Field of the invention
The invention relates to a method and mammography apparatus for advanced detection of breast cancer.
The western way of life (fatty diet, etc.), for example, has contributed to the fact that the incidence of female breast cancer is increasingly common. In the United States alone, for example in the year 2000, some 180 000 new cases of breast cancer were found, and some 41 000 patients died of breast cancer. Since a severe disease is in question, in an increasing number of countries much attention is focused on the sufficiently early detection of breast cancer. This detection is carried out by means of mammographic apparatuses.
Background of the invention
In prior art mammographic x-ray imaging, three-dimensional x-ray image information is compiled in such a way that the breast is irradiated with x-radiation generated by an x-ray source, which radiation is received by a detector. Of the x- radiation received by the detector is compiled x-ray image information, which consists of a collection of straight lines representing x-rays that have passed through the object and been received by the detector. The x-ray information also includes information on the attenuation of the said x-rays in the object. Of this type of x-ray information can be compiled the three-dimensional x-ray information of the prior art. The disadvantage of the said x-ray information is a weak contrast between healthy and diseased tissue.
In impedance tomography according to the prior art, electrodes are placed on the surface of the breast, through which electric current is transmitted into the breast tissue. By means of the electrodes are also measured potential differences formed in the breast tissue by the said electric current for compiling three-dimensional impedance tomographic information of the breast tissue. A disadvantage of the said impedance tomographic information is poor position resolution. The invention relates to a solution for advanced detection of breast cancer. This is achieved by means of a method for performing a mammographic examination, in which method the breast is pressed so as to remain in an essentially static position for imaging. In the method, the breast is irradiated with x-radiation from at least two different directions and the x-radiation irradiated from at least two different directions is received to compile three-dimensional x-ray image information of the breast tissue. In the method, electric energy is transmitted into the breast tissue and electric energy is measured from the tissue to compile three-dimensional impedance tomographic information of the breast tissue. In the method, three- dimensional x-ray image information and three-dimensional impedance tomographic information are combined to find suspicious parts in the breast tissue.
The invention also relates to a mammography apparatus comprising compression means for compressing the breast so that it will remain in an essentially static position during imaging. The mammography apparatus comprises at least one x-ray source for irradiating the breast from at least two different directions, at least one detector for receiving x-radiation irradiated from at least two different directions to compile three-dimensional x-ray image information. The mammography apparatus includes a source of electricity for transmitting electric energy into the breast tissue, an electricity meter for measuring the electric energy in the breast tissue for compiling three-dimensional impedance tomographic information. The mammography apparatus comprises a processing unit by means of which the three- dimensional x-ray image information is compiled and three-dimensional impedance tomographic information is compiled, and by means of which processing unit the said x-ray image information and the said impedance tomographic information are combined to compile three-dimensional breast tissue information for finding suspicious parts in the breast tissue.
The invention is based on the fact that during the same mammographic imaging event is carried out both imaging based on x-ray technology for compiling three- dimensional x-ray image information of the breast, and measurement based on impedance tomography for compiling three-dimensional impedance tomographic information of the breast. Three-dimensional x-ray image information and three- dimensional impedance tomographic information are combined to compile more complete three-dimensional information of the breast than before.
By means of the solution relating to the invention, good position resolution and good contrast between healthy and diseased tissue are achieved, due to which the detection and localisation of breast cancer are significantly more advanced than before.
Brief description of the Figures
Figure 1 shows an implementation of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows an electrode arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows an x-ray tube head used in x-ray imaging, which can be turned into different imaging positions.
Detailed description of the invention
Figure 1 shows a mammography apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises, for example, a C-shaped support 100, 102, 104, on the opposite arms 100, 104 of which is fixed an x-ray tube head 106 and a detector 109. The x-ray tube head comprises an x-ray tube 110 as an x-ray source for generating x-radiation, and a collimator 112 for collimating the x-radiation. For compression of the breast, there is a movable compression plate 114 on the support, which is connected to a plunger 116. By means of the plunger is generated a force, which is conveyed via the compression plate to the compressing the breast. By means of the compression plate, the breast is compressed against the detector surface in order to attain a sufficiently static position. The said static position is one of the basic requirements for the good quality of an x-ray image. Instead of one compression plate, the compression means comprised by a mammography apparatus may include, for example, two compression plates, between which the breast is compressed either by moving both compression plates or only one compression plate. The support is fitted with bearings so as to turn about a shaft 118, which is essentially parallel to the arms 100, 104 and fixed essentially vertically to a connecting beam 102 joining the said arms. The shaft 118, on the other hand, is fixed to a slider 122, which is used to adjust the height of the mammography apparatus.
The breast is compressed by means of the compression plate 114 against the detector surface 108 and a sufficiently static position is found for the breast. In the said sufficiently static position, the breast is irradiated by x-radiation generated by the x-ray source 110. The x-radiation passing through the breast is received by the detector 109. Of the x-radiation received is compiled three-dimensional x-ray information of the breast tissue by means of the processing unit 124 comprised by the mammography apparatus.
A possible interpretation would be, for example, that the x-radiation received by each pixel of the detector 109 represents a straight line, and thus the x-radiation received by all pixels represents a collection of straight lines. Of the x-radiation received by the pixels, the attenuation of x-radiation in the breast tissue at different pixels can be discovered. This can be illustrated by the following formula:
7= J / (x)dx
where I = attenuation of x-radiation
L = one straight line in the collection of straight lines f(x) = attenuation coefficient of x-radiation
By using the said direct information and the attenuation information, the processing unit 124 compiles three-dimensional x-ray information of the breast tissue.
At the following stage, electric energy is transmitted to the breast tissue. The electric energy may be energy in the form of an electric current or electric voltage, or electric energy in electromagnetic form. As a source of electricity 127 is a power source or a voltage source. Electric energy can also be induced into the breast tissue through coils.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, electrodes 128 or other similar implementations are placed on the surface of the breast, through which electrodes electric current is transmitted to the breast tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the electrodes may be fixed on the surface of the detector 109 and the surface of the compression plate 114, and they are positioned on the surface of the breast by compressing the breast against the detector surface with the compression plate. Figure 2 shows a grid-like electrode implementation 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which may be fixed to both the surface of the detector and the surface of the press plate.
Other electrode implementations 200 and methods of placing the electrodes 128 on the surface of the breast may also be possible.
The mammography apparatus may, for example, comprise two types of electrodes. Through the first electrodes, electric current is transmitted to the breast tissue by means of a power source 127 comprised in the mammography apparatus, and through the second electrodes, or other similar implementations, voltages in the breast tissue are measured by means of a voltmeter 126 comprised in the mammography apparatus. To put it more precisely, in the said measurement, voltage patterns corresponding to current patterns are measured by means of a particular electrode configuration. The electrode implementation may also be realised so that the same electrodes are used both for transmitting electric current and for measuring electric voltage. By utilising the measurement results obtained, three-dimensional impedance tomographic information on the breast tissue is compiled in the processing unit 124 of the mammography apparatus.
Electric energy can also be induced to the breast tissue through coils 126. The measurement of induced electric energy can be carried out, for example, by means of a coil implementation or by means of electrodes. When using coils, it is essential that the coils do not necessarily have to be in contact with the breast. Otherwise the solution according to the invention can be carried out as described in connection with the electrode implementations.
The solution according to the invention can also be carried out so that electric voltage is transmitted to the breast tissue and electric current is measured. By using the measurement result of electric current measurement, three-dimensional impedance tomographic information of the breast tissue is compiled.
In the processing unit 124 comprised in the mammography apparatus, three- dimensional x-ray image information and three-dimensional impedance tomographic information are combined to compile more complete three-dimensional information of the breast tissue.
The processing unit 124 comprised in the mammography apparatus consists of one or more process implementations, such as one or more computer units, as in the prior art. The processing unit may be located in conjunction with the mammography apparatus also in such a way that the physical distance between them is considerable, that is, the processing unit may be located, for example, in a different room than the rest of the mammography apparatus. In such a case, a connecting factor may be wired data transfer communications, wireless data transfer communications or the physical transfer of data, for example, on a diskette between the rest of the mammography apparatus and the processing unit.
Three-dimensional x-ray image information may also be compiled as follows. X-ray images are made of a suspicious part of the breast from at least two different angles. As a detector 109 can be used, for example, a digital full area detector. On the basis of the said x-ray images is compiled three-dimensional information, which is preferably compiled as xyz-coordinates information. Figure 3 shows the x-ray tube head 106 used in x-ray imaging which can be turned into different imaging positions 300, 302.
Three-dimensional x-ray image information of a breast can also be compiled by means of TACT technique (Tuned Aperture Computed Tomography), which is described, for example, in the patent publication US 6081577 "Method and system for creating task-dependent three-dimensional images". According to the said technique, three-dimensional x-ray image information of a breast is compiled on the basis of a reference point and x-ray images taken from different angles, for example seven different angles.
The solution according to the invention described above can also be implemented in the order that three-dimensional impedance tomographic information is compiled first, and after that three-dimensional x-ray image information. It is also not excluded that the said actions are performed partly or completely simultaneously or overlappingly.
More detailed technical implementations that those described above are not disclosed because it is possible to realise them equipment technically, electronically and programmably by prior art implementations.
Although above the invention is described with reference to the accompanying Figures and the description, the invention is not limited to them, but the invention may be modified within the scope allowed by the claims.

Claims

Claims
1. A method for performing a mammographic examination, in which method the breast is compressed so as to remain in an essentially static position for imaging, characterised in that
- the breast is irradiated with x-radiation from at least two different directions,
- the x-radiation irradiated from at least two different directions is received to compile three-dimensional x-ray image information of the breast tissue,
- electric energy is transmitted into the breast tissue, - electric energy is measured from the tissue to compile three-dimensional impedance tomographic information of the breast tissue,
- and three-dimensional x-ray image information and three-dimensional impedance tomographic information are combined to find suspicious parts in the breast tissue.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that electrodes (128) are placed on the surface of the breast, through which electric current is transmitted to the breast tissue as electric energy.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that electrodes (128) are placed on the surface of the breast, through which electric voltage is measured in the breast tissue as electric energy.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that electric current is transmitted to the breast tissue as electric energy through a coil implementation (126).
5. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that electric voltages are measured in the breast tissue as electric energy through a coil implementation (126).
6. A mammography apparatus comprising pressing means (114) for compressing the breast so that it will stay in an essentially static position during imaging, characterised in that the mammography apparatus comprises
- at least one x-ray source (110) for irradiating the breast from at least two different directions, - at least one detector (109) for receiving x-radiation irradiated from at least two different directions to compile three-dimensional x-ray image information,
- an source of electricity (127) for transmitting electric energy into the breast tissue,
- an electricity meter (126) for measuring the electric energy in the breast tissue for compiling three-dimensional impedance tomographic information,
- and a processing unit (124) by means of which the three-dimensional x-ray image information is compiled and three-dimensional impedance tomographic information is compiled, and by means of which processing unit the said x-ray image information and the said impedance tomographic information are combined to compile three-dimensional breast tissue information to find suspicious parts in the breast tissue.
7. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the electric energy is electric current.
8. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the electric energy is electric voltage.
9. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the mammography apparatus comprises a power source as a source of electricity (127), by means of which electric current is generated as electric energy for transmission into the breast tissue.
10. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the mammography apparatus comprises a voltage source (127) as a source of electricity, by means of which electric voltage is generated as electric energy for transmission into the breast tissue.
11. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the mammography apparatus comprises electrodes (128) placed on the surface of the breast for transmitting electric energy into the breast tissue.
12. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the mammography apparatus comprises electrodes (128) placed on the surface of the breast for measuring electric energy in the breast tissue.
13. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the mammography apparatus comprises a coil implementation (128) for transmitting electric energy into the breast tissue.
14. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the mammography apparatus comprises a coil implementation (128) for measuring electric energy in the breast tissue.
15. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the mammography apparatus comprises a voltmeter as a electricity meter (126).
16. A mammography apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the mammography apparatus comprises an ammeter as a electricity meter (126).
PCT/FI2003/000995 2002-12-31 2003-12-31 Mammography apparatus for advanced detection of breast cancer WO2004058063A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003290140A AU2003290140A1 (en) 2002-12-31 2003-12-31 Mammography apparatus for advanced detection of breast cancer

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20022304 2002-12-31
FI20022304A FI117744B (en) 2002-12-31 2002-12-31 Mammography apparatus for progressively detecting breast cancer

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004058063A1 true WO2004058063A1 (en) 2004-07-15

Family

ID=8565174

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FI2003/000995 WO2004058063A1 (en) 2002-12-31 2003-12-31 Mammography apparatus for advanced detection of breast cancer

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003290140A1 (en)
FI (1) FI117744B (en)
WO (1) WO2004058063A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008118727A1 (en) * 2007-03-23 2008-10-02 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Compensated radiolucent electrode array and method for combined eit and mammography
WO2021005273A1 (en) 2019-07-10 2021-01-14 Innomentarium Oy Digitalization arrangement for an analog mammography apparatus for continuous operation

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6157697A (en) * 1998-03-24 2000-12-05 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus using X-rays and measurement of electrical potentials for examining living tissue
WO2001089379A1 (en) * 2000-05-21 2001-11-29 Transscan Medical Ltd. Apparatus for impedance imaging coupled with another modality

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6157697A (en) * 1998-03-24 2000-12-05 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus using X-rays and measurement of electrical potentials for examining living tissue
WO2001089379A1 (en) * 2000-05-21 2001-11-29 Transscan Medical Ltd. Apparatus for impedance imaging coupled with another modality
WO2001089380A2 (en) * 2000-05-21 2001-11-29 Transscan Medical Ltd. Combined impedance imaging and mammography

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008118727A1 (en) * 2007-03-23 2008-10-02 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Compensated radiolucent electrode array and method for combined eit and mammography
WO2021005273A1 (en) 2019-07-10 2021-01-14 Innomentarium Oy Digitalization arrangement for an analog mammography apparatus for continuous operation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FI20022304A (en) 2004-07-09
AU2003290140A1 (en) 2004-07-22
FI117744B (en) 2007-02-15
FI20022304A0 (en) 2002-12-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1560519B1 (en) Apparatus and method for cone beam volume computed tomography breast imaging
EP1231860B1 (en) Apparatus for cone beam volume computed tomography mammography
CN101983034B (en) Fast tomosynthesis scanner apparatus and ct-based method based on rotational step-and-shoot image acquisition without focal spot motion during continuous tube movement for use in cone-beam volume ct mammography imaging
JP4851298B2 (en) Radiation tomographic image generator
KR101384601B1 (en) Digital X-ray Mammography and Diagnosis Method for Breast Cancer
US8325877B2 (en) Multi-modality volumetric data acquisition and imaging
US9392987B2 (en) Method for assisted positioning of an organ on a platform of a medical imaging system
WO2004014221A2 (en) Apparatus and method for diagnosing breast-cancer including examination table
US10542951B2 (en) Systems, methods, and devices for simplified high quality imaging of biopsy samples on a mammography machine
JP2013545545A (en) Multi-modality image acquisition method and apparatus
CN114945325A (en) Multi-mode system for breast imaging
CN211749672U (en) Imaging device with DR and CT functions
JP5297247B2 (en) Radiation imaging equipment
WO2004058063A1 (en) Mammography apparatus for advanced detection of breast cancer
CA2575647C (en) Digital stereotaxic biopsy system
CN103181772A (en) Multi-source low dose x-ray ct imaging aparatus
RU51476U1 (en) CANCER DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE
KR101690409B1 (en) Compression paddle device of mammographic x-ray equipment, mammographic x-ray equipment comprising the same
CN112107803A (en) Radiotherapy apparatus
KR20110138803A (en) Image diagnosise apparatus and method by using x-ray
WO2021041295A1 (en) System and method for breast cancer detection using co-localized ultrasound-mammography
Mohamed Patient radiation dose during mammography procedures
RU2086172C1 (en) Device for impedance-visualization of pathologic process location

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: JP