DESC:[0029] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0030] The present invention provides a system and method for multimodality image acquisition and processing of breast information using integrated ultrasound and thermography. The proposed invention describes about a novel design and process of acquiring sequential or simultaneous multiplanar ultrasonographical images of a breast using one or more probes followed by any of the multimodality built in the system comprising rotational thermographic system for efficient reconstruction and mapping of structural and functional information of tissue like breast being imaged in a closed and controlled environment forming a single image acquisition system.
[0031] Previous to the proposed invention, many combinations of multimodality image acquisition have been tried already out of which largely having X-ray and Ultrasound as the commonest combination of all. But this method of image acquisition tends to miss out functional information that are obtained by thermographic imaging using IR camera and/ or Gamma camera. However, in places where Gamma camera is used to provide functional information, they depend on the structural confirmation of the lesion before they acquire functional image.
[0032] Further to this there exist no single imaging system for multimodality based image acquisition and processing that is effected in a controlled environment for best of correlation and interpretation for screening and diagnostic purposes. Hence there is a definite need for a new solution to overcome the current issues in breast imaging for screening and diagnostic purposes which is addressed by the proposed invention disclosed herein by integration of Ultrasound and thermography along with other common imaging modality of choice such as but not limited to an X-ray and or a Gamma camera.
[0033] The proposed invention comprises of the target region which would be the couch where the breast tissue being the target tissue for examination will be suspended through an opening in the patient couch. Further, the adjustable bath for the medium comprising water or gel is provided such that the target forms in to the shape of the breast being analyzed. The flexible probes or transducers are placed on the outer cover of a bath or in the medium contained in the bath without contacting the breast directly i.e. to avoid any intervention/ contact with the imaging part medium during imaging process.
[0034] Further, the transducer/probes movement is adjusted to move along any axis (horizontal, vertical, rotational covering all 360 degree) to image axial, sagittal, coronal and frontal views of the target. The transducer/probes can provide information in different modes of ultrasound under sonophoresis (US) penetration of the skin (Transmission/reflection/Attenuation etc) and the information obtained can be used to recreate images which can then be used to reconstruct 3D views for better viewing and analysis.
[0035] The processing system acquires the images and stores them as per internationally accepted nomenclature of patient image storage/archival (namely DICOM 3.0 or equivalent). The Ultrasound images that are acquired during this imaging process shall be processed such as super imposing on images obtained from other modalities not limiting to thermography, X-ray mammography. The device shall have an inbuilt rotational system that will house such as but not limited to an X-ray, Thermographic camera along with the ultrasound imaging system etc. and the images are acquired when patients are in prone position.
[0036] The imaging system and the biopsy module shall be housed in a temperature controlled closed chamber and the whole breast information shall be reconstructed for comparison and analysis with other modality images. The finer features in the device shall acquire the spatial details of the image and localization of the lesion shall be possible. Further to this, the base of the device shall be shared for other imaging modalities such as rotational thermographic imaging, rotational X ray mammography, Gamma camera for nuclear imaging. The breast lesion identified by Ultrasound or any other imaging modality shall be reached by guidance provided by this device. Further, whenever there is a need for use of radioisotope or any contrast for imaging purpose, the corresponding change in the temperature profile due to these infusions are considered while multimodality images are compared while one of the modality being thermography.
[0037] FIG.1 illustrates the device for ultrasound breast imaging system and method in a temperature controlled environment according to the embodiment of the invention. According to the embodiment, the proposed invention comprises of a novel breast screening and imaging device such that the novel screening and imaging device provides real-time images of the breast for screening, diagnosis, general assessment or any other analysis for analyzing a specific clinical condition like a cancer.the target region which would be the couch where the breast tissue (one at a time or both) being the target tissue for examination will be suspended through an opening in the patient couch. Further, the bath for the medium comprising water or gel is provided such that the target forms in to the shape of the breast being analyzed. The flexible probes/ transducers are placed on the outer cover of a bath to avoid any intervention with the medium during imaging process. It is to be considered that the bath shall not necessarily be an adjustable type to that of the breast tissue when the probe is to be placed in the medium but away or at a distance from the target.
[0038] The imaging system shall be in a temperature controlled closed chamber and the whole breast information shall be reconstructed for comparison and analysis with other modality images. The temperature control system ensures the temperature is controlled for the proper imaging and correct diagnosis. The IR camera mounted on the robotic arm comprising rotational thermographic imaging with other imaging modalities such that the rotational X ray mammography, Gamma camera for nuclear imaging provides multimodality view of the target breast image. Further, whenever there is a need for use of radioisotope or any contrast for imaging purpose, the corresponding change in the temperature profile due to these infusions are considered while multimodality images are compared while one of the modality being thermography. Further, in case when the modalities are used in sequence, thermography would be performed prior to invasive procedures.
[0039] FIG.2 illustrates the multiple positions (marked 1, 2 and 3) of the probes through a medium to image the target breast tissue according to the embodiment of the invention. According to the embodiment, after placing the breast in the couch of the target positioning region, the bath for the medium comprising water or gel is provided such that the membrane or layer constituting the bath covering the target region (breast) forms in to the shape of the breast being analyzed . It is to be considered that the bath shall not necessarily be an adjustable type to that of the breast tissue when the probe is to be placed in the medium but away or at a distance from the target. The flexible probes/ transducers are placed on the outer cover of a bath to avoid any intervention with the medium during imaging process.
[0040] Further, the process of acquiring sequential or simultaneous multiplanar ultrasonographical images of a breast using one or more probes followed by any of the multimodality built in the system comprising rotational thermographic system for efficient reconstruction and mapping of structural and functional information of tissue like breast being imaged in a closed and controlled environment forming a single image acquisition system. It is to be considered that the medium for Ultrasound image acquisition can be a fixed tank/ reservoir or a detachable tank in the device whose position can be adjusted as required for the acquisition every time when image capturing is to begin.
[0041] FIG.3 illustrates the auto filling and draining of medium into the bath for the medium according to the embodiment of the invention. According to the embodiment, the electrically controlled valve controls the medium input and the medium drain to the bath for medium such that bath for medium comprising water or gel to take the shape as per the target breast for analysis and imaging.
[0042] FIG.4 illustrates the vertical and horizontal movements of the probes over the target tissue area according to the embodiment of the invention. According to the embodiment, the flexible probes/ transducers are placed intact with the outer cover of a bath to avoid any intervening medium during imaging. It is to be considered that the bath shall not necessarily be an adjustable type to that of the breast tissue when the probe is to be placed in the medium but away or at a distance from the target. The transducer/ probe is adjusted to move along any axis (horizontal, vertical, rotational covering all 360 degree) to image axial, sagittal and coronal views of the target. The probes can provide information in different modes of US penetration of the skin (Transmission/reflection/Attenuation etc). The information obtained can be used to recreate images which can then be used to reconstruct 3D views for better viewing and analysis. Further, the medium for Ultrasound image acquisition can be a fixed tank/ reservoir or a detachable tank in the device whose position can be adjusted as required for the acquisition every time when image capturing is to begin.
[0043] FIG.5 illustrates the method of multimodality image acquisition and processing of breast information using integrated ultrasound and thermography according to the embodiment of the invention. According to the embodiment, the patient is prepared and the mode of imaging is selected. Further to this the modality of preference is selected and the image acquisition process begins. Once the image acquisition starts, the plurality of the views and images of the target tissue are targeted. Multiple probes, planes, arms for multiplanar or angular or axial view is selected. Further, the control and assess functioning of the system is performed and the acquisition of the plurality views of the images are confirmed. Finally, the output results are shared for processing.
[0044] Further, the images taken in the multimodality and views are processed and images at different planes or from different Ultrasoundprobes are co-related. Further, thermographic images at different angles and views are correlated and multimodality images based on the common points of imaging systems are mapped. Further, corrective factors are applied and fused images are reconstructed with structural and functional information. The reconstructed image is analyzed and interpretation facilitation is performed and the resulting data is recorded and provided as output results.

[0045] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modifying and/or adapting for various applications, such specific embodiments, without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.
[0046] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. ,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A multimodality human breast image acquisition, processing
system and method, the system comprising:
a couch with a hollow bathin which the human breast to be examined is to be stationed;
a medium for the bath;
one or more probes and transducers placed to reach the outer cover of the hollow bath ;
wherein, the medium for the bath is provided into the hollow bath that would be covering the target forms into the shape of the breast being analyzed and, one or more probes and transducers is programmed to move along the whole or targeted breast area in multidimensional axis to record the image and capture the axial, sagittal, coronal and frontal views of the human breast under examination in the couch or the target region.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the medium for the bath is at least a gel or a water and the hollow bath is a membrane or a layer that is bio-compatible for direct contact with the target tissue or the breast.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the electrically controlled valve and the supporting system for filling and draining of the medium ensures the imaging environment inside the device is maintained and leakage system in this subsystem would be electronically measured and controlled for safe operation of the system in total.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein one or more transducers and probes comprises of but not limited to ultrasound, thermography, gamma camera, x-ray mammography and biopsy guidance system.
5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the probes or the transducers are placed on the outer cover of the bath or in the medium contained in the bath without contacting the human breast under examination.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the transducers and the probes are programmed to move along multiple axis such as not limited to horizontal, vertical and rotational angles and covering the entire 360 degree of the human breast stationed inside the couch or the target area one or both at a time.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the Ultrasound images that are acquired during the image processing can be super imposed on images obtained from other modalities such as but not limiting to thermography and X-ray mammography.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises an inbuilt rotational system that will house transducers and probes such as but not limited to an X-ray, thermographic camera along with the ultrasound imaging system etc. and the images are acquired in breast that is suspended freely when the patient is in a prone position on the couch. .
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the inbuilt rotational system is placed on the outer cover of the bath or in the medium contained in the bath without contacting the human breast under examination.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is a temperature controlled closed chamber system and the whole breast information shall be reconstructed for comparison and analysis with the other modality images acquired with the native images are still being retained for analysis or re-constrution purpose during future examinations.
11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the base of the device in the system shall be shared for installing other imaging modalities such as but not limited to rotational thermographic imaging, rotational Ultrasound, rotational X ray mammography, Gamma cameras for nuclear imaging and biopsy guidance system.
12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the breast lesion identified by the Ultrasound or any other imaging modality shall be reached by guidance provided by the device of the system.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein during the need to use the radioisotope or any contrast for imaging purpose are required, the corresponding change in the temperature profile due to these infusions are considered while multimodality images are compared while if one of the modality being thermography, it would be acquired prior to invasive procedures in case of sequential image acquisition.
14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging system and the biopsy module shall be housed in a temperature controlled closed chamber and the whole breast information shall be reconstructed for comparison and analysis with other modality images
15. A method for multimodality human breast image acquisition, processing, the method comprising steps of:
a. Preparing the patient and the mode of imaging is selected to either .
b. Further to this the modality of preference is selected which includes single, dual, multiple, sequential and simultaneous the image acquisition process begins.
c. Once the image acquisition starts, the plurality of the views and images of the target tissue are targeted.
d. Multiple probes, planes, arms for multiplanar or angular or axial view is selected.
e. Further, the control and assess functioning of the system is performed and the acquisition of the plurality views of the images are confirmed.
f. Finally, the output results are shared for processing.
16. The method according to claim 15 wherein, the images are further taken in the multimodality and views are processed and images at different planes or from different Ultrasound probes are co-related.
17. The method according to claim 15 wherein the, thermographic images at different angles and views are correlated and multimodality images based on the common points of imaging systems are mapped.
18. The method according to claim 15 wherein the, corrective factors are applied and fused images are reconstructed with structural and functional information and the reconstructed image is analyzed and interpretation facilitation is performed and the resulting data is recorded and provided as output results.