Versatile breast ultrasound scanning

摘要

Versatile ultrasound scanning of a breast is described using an apparatus (1202) including a hand-manipulable compression/scanning assembly (1208). The compression/scanning assembly (1208) comprises an ultrasound transducer (1304) and a compressive member comprising an at least partially conformable membrane (1218) in a substantially taut state, the membrane (1218) having a first surface compressing the breast in a generally chestward direction and a second surface opposite the first surface. The compression/scanning assembly (1208) further comprises a transducer translation mechanism coupled to the ultrasound transducer (1304) and configured to sweep the ultrasound transducer across the second surface of the membrane to scan the breast while compressed in the generally chestward direction. Systemized and/or standardized ultrasonic scanning of a breast based on hand-manipulable scanners (1208, 1508) having substantially planar scanning surfaces is also described.

主权项

1. An apparatus for ultrasonically scanning a breast of a patient, comprising:
a hand-manipulable compressive member comprising a housing having an opening and an at least partially conformable membrane in a taut state, the membrane having a first surface compressing the breast in a generally chestward direction and a second surface opposite the first surface, the membrane positioned across the opening of the housing; an ultrasound transducer disposed within the housing; a transducer translation mechanism coupled to the ultrasound transducer and configured to sweep the ultrasound transducer across said second surface of said membrane to scan the breast while compressed in said generally chestward direction; a rigid and substantially stationary frame; and an arm pivotably mounted to said frame and to said hand-manipulable compressive member in a manner facilitating an orientation of said membrane in said generally chestward direction, the arm pivotably mounted to the housing at a side of the housing opposite the membrane and wherein the breast is only compressed by the first surface.