Invention:
This invention involves an upright cone-beam breast computed tomography (CT) designed to image two breasts simultaneously with high resolution. The design prevents patients from having to reposition their bodies between images. Additionally, this invention builds on the deep learning algorithm for breast CT image reconstruction.
Background:
Present mammography and tomosynthesis methods typically only image one breast at a time at limited angles and require breast compression, causing patient discomfort. Additional movement from patients during imaging can cause artifacts in images that could potentially lead to missed lesions. Dedicated breast CT does not involve compression and provides full 3D visualization, but this method only images one breast at a time, which can complicate repositioning for elderly and obese patients. Full-scan acquisition also increases radiation dose and motion artifacts, and risks mis-registration during contrast-enhancement. This bilateral breast imaging method aims to address these issues while improving overall accuracy and accessibility for elderly and obese patients.
Applications:
- Breast imaging
- Mammography
- Breast tomography
- Breast cancer diagnostics and monitoring
Advantages:
- Simultaneous breast imaging
- Elderly and obese patient inclusivity and comfortability
- Accurate and high-resolution breast imaging
- Improved breast cancer diagnosis
- No painful compression
- Image larger breast sizes
- Reduce radiation dose
