Molecular breast imaging method
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10631819-B2
Publication Date
2020-04-28
Expiration Date
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Abstract
A system and method for molecular breast imaging (MBI) using pixelated gamma cameras provide easier patient positioning and biopsy access using compression paddles and movable gamma cameras. The paddles and cameras can be curved to better conform to the breast shape. A variable angle slant-hole collimator is provided to assist in stereotactic imaging for biopsy guidance. Methods for performing an MBI screening or diagnostic examination and guiding a biopsy with stereotactic MBI are provided.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for molecular breast imaging (MBI) using pixelated gamma cameras that provide easier patient positioning and biopsy access using compression paddles and movable gamma cameras. The paddles and cameras can be curved to better conform to the breast shape and a variable angle slant-hole collimator is provided to assist in stereotactic imaging for biopsy guidance. Methods for performing an MBI screening or diagnostic examination and guiding a biopsy with stereotactic MBI are provided.
The system comprises a stand with a rotatable gantry, two compression paddles and two gamma cameras with collimators connected to the gantry, and a computer with software to control system motions and acquire MBI images. One or both gamma cameras can be moved away from the breast to enable access for core needle biopsy or other surgical procedure through one or more apertures in one or both compression paddles. The collimators in one embodiment have a pixel-registered slant-hole configuration and in another embodiment have a variable-angle pixel-registered slant-hole configuration.
The invention provides methods that include [procedural detail omitted for safety] and include positioning and mildly compressing a breast, moving the gamma cameras into position, acquiring a molecular image, decompressing the breast, and repeating for each clinical view desired. For biopsy or surgery guidance, a single view is planned, slant angles are set as available, stereotactic molecular imaging is acquired, a gamma camera is moved to create access, and biopsy or surgery is performed under ultrasound or MBI guidance. The variable-angle slant-hole collimator and movable cameras support stereotactic lesion location and access for biopsy or surgery.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines six main inventive features covering system architecture, articulated supports, independent cameras and paddles, pixel-registered slant-hole collimation, a controller for coordinated motion and acquisition, and an imaging workflow.
Gantry-supported MBI system
A system comprising a stand and a gantry connected to and movable in relation to the stand, the gantry supporting the system elements as claimed.
Articulated, mechanically independent support arms
First through fourth support arms that are each mechanically independent and configured to be articulated independently relative to the gantry.
Independent gamma cameras and compression paddles
A first gamma camera and a second gamma camera connected to respective support arms and a first compression paddle and a second compression paddle connected to respective support arms, wherein the gamma cameras and compression paddles are each mechanically independent.
Pixel-registered slant-hole collimator
At least one pixel-registered collimator with slant holes.
Controller for movements and image acquisition
A controller connected to the gantry to control movements of the gantry, movements of the support arms, and an acquisition of an image by at least one of the cameras.
Imaging workflow including compression and slant-hole orientation
Administration of a radiopharmaceutical [procedural detail omitted for safety]; positioning and compressing the breast utilizing the first and second compression paddles; positioning the slant holes of the at least one pixel-registered collimator towards chest wall tissue; acquiring a molecular image [procedural detail omitted for safety]; and decompressing the breast.
Claim 1 covers a gantry-supported MBI apparatus with articulated, mechanically independent support arms for two gamma cameras and two compression paddles, inclusion of at least one pixel-registered slant-hole collimator, a controller for coordinated motion and image acquisition, and an imaging workflow that orients slant holes toward chest wall tissue and includes breast compression and decompression.
Stated Advantages
Technologist can view the breast through transparent compression paddles to better position the breast.
Improved biopsy or surgery access by moving one or both gamma cameras away from the breast and exposing apertures in compression paddles.
Provision of depth information and stereotactic lesion location using slant-hole collimation.
Imaging of the chest wall tissue to avoid missing lesions near the chest wall.
Variable-angle slant-hole collimator allows either parallel-hole or slant-hole imaging without swapping collimators.
Curved compression paddles and curved gamma cameras better conform to the shape of the breast.
Use of camera assembly angle to adjust compressive force for more consistent imaging results and safety.
Ability to perform an MBI-guided biopsy or surgery without moving the breast immediately after detecting a lesion.
Gamma cameras positioned as close as possible to compression paddles to improve spatial resolution.
Documented Applications
Cancer detection (screening).
Diagnosis.
Image-guided intervention including biopsy and surgery.
Therapy monitoring.
Stereotactic MBI-guided biopsy or surgery, including use with an ultrasound probe for guidance.
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