Patent Description:
Breast compression is a fundamental step in order to be able to conduct such examinations effectively.

In fact, in the field of optical imaging technology, compression blocks the circulation of the neoangiogenic vascular network created by the tumour, so that growth of deoxyhemoglobin is stimulated and detected by means of illumination with light at specific frequencies.

In addition, compression involves reducing the thickness of the patient's breast in order to ensure better detailing of the images resulting from the optical or radiographic examination (and to reduce the amount of electromagnetic waves needed, in the case of mammographic examinations).

It should also be noted that the image acquisition phase is improved by keeping the analysed area immobile. In this context, compression of the patient's breast is necessary for the file to block and immobilise the patient's breast in order to improve the quality of the images collected. With regard to the optical analysis technique used, the patient's breast is illuminated with red light at <NUM>, while the light attenuation values detected by a camera, opposite the light source, correspond to changes in the concentration of deoxyhaemoglobin in the capillary vessels. This makes possible the detection of "neoangiogenesis" areas, i.e. areas of abnormal vascularisation generated to feed the tumour cells, regardless of the density of the tissue to be analysed.

As an example of application of this technique, the document <CIT> describes a Diffuse Optical Mammography system (DFOM) in which a breast supporting device is used and arranged between a fixed support and a flexible membrane which is part of a compression system. In particular, the membrane rests on the patient's breast and an external inflation system pushes the membrane into direct contact with the patient's breast providing it with a slight pressure. The device is cumbersome and complex to manage.

Further devices known in the art for breast examination are disclosed in documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

Moreover, the devices known in the art have important drawbacks in terms of adaptability to the shape of the breast. In fact, the compression devices (inflatable membranes) cannot adapt effectively to the size and morphology of the breasts.

In this context, the absence of an adjustment system leads to ineffectiveness in the compression actions with consequent disadvantages in the reliability of the diagnostic examination.

In addition, if the membrane is positioned incorrectly with respect to the patient's breast (for example too far in front of or too close to the sternum) the compression action is particularly painful.

The purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a compression device for breast examinations and a diagnostic apparatus for breast examinations capable of resolving the aforementioned drawbacks.

In particular, a purpose of the present invention is to provide a compression device for breast exams that is extremely versatile and adaptable to the size and shape of the breast.

A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a compression device that is easy to apply, structurally simple, and able to compress the patient's breast effectively in order to optimise diagnostic activity for imaging.

Yet another purpose of the present invention is to provide a compression device which is able to compress uniformly the entire surface of the breast, and which is therefore particularly comfortable without causing pain to the patient.

A final purpose of the present invention is to provide a breast examination diagnostic apparatus comprising the compression device configured to be used with systems based on X-ray as well as optical technology, and compatible with the use of the ultrasound.

In accordance with the present invention, these and other purposes are achieved by a compression device for breast examinations according to independent claim <NUM>.

Further features and advantages of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a practical embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of example only in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

With reference to the appended figures, a compression device for breast examinations in accordance with the present invention is collectively referred to as reference number <NUM>. The device <NUM> is advantageously used in a breast diagnostic apparatus <NUM>, also a subject matter of the present invention, schematically illustrated in <FIG>.

In particular, and as better illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the compression device <NUM> comprises a support element <NUM> defining a flat surface 2a made at least in part of material transparent to light. The flat surface 2a is configured to come into contact with a lower area of the patient's breast <NUM>. In fact, during use, the patient rests her breast <NUM> on the flat surface 2a as best illustrated in <FIG>.

The device <NUM> further comprises a substantially box-like body <NUM> made at least in part of transparent material and comprising at least one elastic and deformable wall <NUM>. Said elastic wall <NUM> is opposite the flat surface 2a and is advantageously configured to compress an upper area of the patient's breast <NUM>. In this way, and referring again to <FIG>, due to the compression action of the elastic wall <NUM> on the patient's breast <NUM>, the latter is compressed against the flat surface 2a.

The device <NUM> also includes orientation means <NUM> of the box-like body <NUM> for moving the body <NUM> with respect to the support element <NUM>, thus adapting the position of the elastic wall <NUM> to the size and shape of the patient's breast <NUM>.

In other words, the orientation means <NUM> make it possible to move the entire box-like body <NUM> and orient it in order to support the elastic wall <NUM> adequately on the upper area of the patient's breast <NUM>.

The elastic wall <NUM> comprises a transparent membrane <NUM> configured to be deformed under the action of an impression fluid. Preferably, the membrane <NUM> is made of a soft material, impermeable to air and transparent to light radiation in the visible, infrared and X-ray spectra. Furthermore, the membrane <NUM> is preferably made of a material that is not completely smooth so as to generate a friction force when in contact with the patient's breast <NUM>.

With reference to the appended figures, the elastic wall <NUM> formed by the membrane <NUM> has an arcuate profile with convexity facing outwards from the body <NUM>.

This ergonomic configuration, illustrated purely by way of example only, anatomically improves contact with the patient's breast <NUM> as well as the adhesion and retention actions of the patient's breast <NUM> during compression.

In this context, it should be recalled that the shape of the elastic wall <NUM>, as well as the shape and dimensions of the entire box-like body <NUM>, can be of any type, depending on the specific use.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the box-like body <NUM> comprises a flat wall <NUM> opposite the membrane <NUM> made of rigid material and preferably transparent to light radiation in the visible, infrared and X-ray spectra. The flat wall <NUM> preferably has a rectangular profile in which the respective major sides are engaged at the edge of the membrane <NUM>.

In this way, the flat wall <NUM> establishes a window that, in collaboration with the membrane <NUM>, makes possible visual access to the patient's breast <NUM>. The box-like body <NUM> also comprises two side walls <NUM> made of a rigid material, each of which is interposed between the membrane <NUM> and the flat wall <NUM>.

In greater detail, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, each side wall <NUM> has a substantially arcuate shape defining a straight side 7a associated with a respective smaller side of the flat wall <NUM> and an arcuate side 7b engaged with the edge of the membrane <NUM>.

The box-like body <NUM> thus created has an internal chamber <NUM> between the flat wall <NUM>, the membrane <NUM> and the two side walls <NUM>.

Chamber <NUM> is configured to be in fluid communication with a supply source <NUM> (<FIG>) of a pressurised fluid. Advantageously, the pressurised fluid (preferably air) is fed inside the chamber <NUM> to dilate the membrane <NUM> and deform it outwards in order to perform a compressing action on the patient's breast <NUM> (<FIG>).

As described above, the box-like body <NUM> is moved so as to position the membrane <NUM> correctly on the patient's breast <NUM> by the action of orientation means <NUM> that support the body <NUM> above the flat surface 2a.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention better illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the means <NUM> comprise a pair of connecting portions <NUM> in which each portion <NUM> is hinged to a respective side wall <NUM>. Furthermore, each portion <NUM> comprises a skid <NUM> (schematically shown in <FIG> and e3b) for sliding on the flat surface 2a along a direction A away from/approaching the patient's body.

For this purpose, respective slide guides for the skids <NUM> are provided on the edges of the support element <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, it should be noted that each connection portion <NUM> consists of a first element <NUM> integral with the respective skid <NUM>, and a second element <NUM> hinged to the respective side wall <NUM>.

The first element <NUM> is made in the form of a plate having a triangular profile in which a base side defining a cathetus is engaged to the skid <NUM> and an oblique side defining the hypotenuse is directed towards the patient. Note that during the movement along direction A, the first element <NUM> does not vary in its orientation.

The second element <NUM> is in the form of a plate having a rectangular trapezium profile. However, it should be specified that the elements can have any configuration according to their specific use and the overall dimensions of the device <NUM>.

The second element <NUM> is rotatably associated with the first element <NUM> to rotate relative to the first element <NUM> around a respective first X axis perpendicular to the sliding direction A of the skid <NUM>.

To this end, the elements <NUM> and <NUM> are reciprocally pivoted at ends close to the patient's body (coincident angles of the two elements <NUM> and <NUM>) by a first pivot <NUM> which extends along the X axis.

In addition, the second element <NUM> has a second pin <NUM> inserted into a first arcuate cavity 15a obtained in the first element <NUM>. In this way, the second element <NUM> rotates around the first pin <NUM> by sliding the second pin <NUM> inside the respective first arcuate cavity 15a.

Furthermore, the box-like body <NUM> is rotatably associated with the second element <NUM> to rotate with respect to the second element <NUM> around a respective second Y axis parallel to the first X axis and perpendicular to the sliding direction A of the skid <NUM>.

In particular, with reference to <FIG>, the second element <NUM> and the respective side wall <NUM> are connected at a distal end of the patient's body by a third pin <NUM>.

In this case, too, the side wall <NUM> also has a fourth pin <NUM> insertable into a second arcuate cavity 17a obtained in the second element <NUM>.

Advantageously, in this configuration the box-like body <NUM> rotates around the third pin <NUM>, extending longitudinally along the Y axis, to slide the fourth pin <NUM> along the second arcuate cavity 17a.

In this situation, it should be noted that the device <NUM> makes broad mobility possible for the box-like body <NUM> that supports the membrane <NUM>.

This mobility, defined by a plurality of degrees of freedom of the body <NUM>, makes it possible to bring the membrane <NUM> closer to/away from the patient's breast <NUM> by means of sliding along the direction A. At the same time, it is possible to raise/lower the membrane <NUM> with respect to the patient's breast <NUM> by rotating the second element <NUM> with respect to the first element <NUM> around the X axis.

Again, it is possible to tilt the body <NUM> by rotating it with respect to the second element <NUM> around the Y axis. This latter movement makes it possible for the membrane <NUM> to be positioned by adapting its orientation to the shape of the patient's breast <NUM>.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in <FIG>, the skids <NUM> are slidable along the direction A within appropriate support bars <NUM>.

The bars <NUM> are in turn supported by a support frame known in the art, hence not disclosed or illustrated herein.

Each bar <NUM> also has a clamping screw <NUM>, suitably shaped to be grasped by the operator and which allows the body <NUM> to be locked in position along the direction A. In greater detail, the clamping screw is inserted within a slot formed in the bar <NUM>. In this way, the screw slides into the slot by moving the body <NUM> along the direction A. Once the correct position has been found, the screw <NUM> is tightened to lock the body <NUM> in place with respect to the patient's breast <NUM>.

Inside the bars <NUM> is the flat surface 2a, not shown in <FIG> so as to give greater visibility to other parts of the device <NUM>.

Furthermore, the membrane <NUM> of the body <NUM> is also not illustrated in <FIG> so as to give greater visibility to the interior of the chamber <NUM> and the wall <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the orientation means <NUM> comprise a pair of flanges <NUM> each of which is associated with a respective skid <NUM>.

Each flange <NUM> has a slot <NUM> which is vertical and therefore transversal to the direction A.

In this situation, the body <NUM> is engaged on opposite sides of the flanges <NUM> by means of suitable rotation pins <NUM> passing through the respective slots <NUM>.

In particular, each pin <NUM> extends from a respective side wall <NUM> and through the slot <NUM>.

In this way, the body <NUM> is rotatable around the X axis defined by the longitudinal development of the pin <NUM>. In addition, the body <NUM> slides in a height-adjustable way along the direction B, which is to say towards/away from the surface 2a. The slide along the direction B is achieved by sliding the pins <NUM> along the respective slots <NUM>.

In addition, each pin has a locking handle 24a protruding outwards from the slot <NUM> which makes it possible to lock the position of the pin <NUM> with respect to the slot, constraining the body <NUM> in a preset position with respect to the flanges <NUM>.

In other words, by acting on the handles 24a screwed onto the pins <NUM>, it is possible to release the body <NUM>, rotate it around the X axis and raise/lower it along the direction B according to the position and size of the patient's breast <NUM>. Once the body <NUM> has been positioned, screwing the handles 24a permanently constrains the body <NUM> in the set position.

The device <NUM> described above is advantageously used in a breast examination diagnostic apparatus <NUM> which is also part of the present invention.

The apparatus <NUM>, schematically illustrated in <FIG>, comprises a supply source <NUM> of a pressurised fluid, preferably air, in fluid communication with the chamber <NUM> of the box-like body <NUM>. For this purpose, supply ducts are provided to distribute the pressurised fluid within the chamber <NUM> by expanding the membrane <NUM> on the breast.

In other words, the excess pressure inside the chamber <NUM> deforms the membrane <NUM> outwardly, causing the patient's breast <NUM> to be compressed against the flat surface 2a.

The supply source <NUM> also makes it possible for the fluid (air/gas) to be introduced into the chamber <NUM> with transient trends configurable according to the acquisition and processing of the diagnostic images.

In addition, the supply source <NUM>, in addition to allowing adjustment of the pressure to be reached in the chamber <NUM>, makes possible the stabilisation of the set pressure, keeping it unchanged throughout the duration of the examination, and compensating for the patient's micro-movements (such as those due to breathing).

The apparatus <NUM> further comprises an illumination system <NUM> arranged at the support element <NUM> on the opposite side of the patient's breast <NUM>. In particular, the illumination system <NUM> is placed below the support element <NUM> to direct a light beam towards the lower area of the breast.

In this context, it should be noted that the transparent material with which the flat surface 2a is made allows the passage of light towards the patient's breast <NUM>.

Furthermore, the apparatus <NUM> comprises an image acquisition device <NUM> opposite the illumination system <NUM>.

In greater detail, the image acquisition device <NUM> is arranged at the flat wall <NUM> on the opposite side of the patient's breast <NUM>, in such a way as to acquire the images through the transparent "window" defined by the wall <NUM> and the membrane <NUM>.

In accordance with the present invention, the image acquisition device <NUM> may be of any suitable type in order to perform a breast <NUM> diagnostic examination.

For example, the image acquisition device <NUM> may consist of an optical camera or radiographic apparatus.

Finally, the apparatus <NUM> comprises the device <NUM> described above, configured to compress the patient's breast to facilitate and foster the acquisition of the diagnostic images.

In practice, the patient's breast <NUM> is then placed on the flat surface 2a.

In this situation, the patient is placed with her mammary cleft flush with the outer edge of surface 2a.

Thereafter, the device <NUM> is approached using the associated degrees of freedom, so that the membrane <NUM> is partially in contact with the patient's breast <NUM> which is completely under the membrane <NUM>.

In other words, the body <NUM> is moved along the direction A and around the X and Y axes.

Once the appropriate position has been found, the device <NUM> is constrained (by means of locking systems, known in the art and hence not disclosed here) to proceed with the examination.

The supply source <NUM> is then activated to introduce the pressurised fluid into the chamber <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

As a result, the membrane <NUM> is dilated against the patient's breast <NUM>. In this way, by increasing in volume the membrane <NUM> settles gradually into position and progressively compresses the patient's breast <NUM> towards the chest and then towards the flat surface 2a, causing it to stretch.

A servo valve (not disclosed or illustrated herein, as it is copyleft) of the supply source <NUM> checks that the desired pressure, and consequent deformation, is reached and maintained, even when faced with small movements such as breathing.

Adhesion of the membrane <NUM> to the patient's breast <NUM> also produces, by means of friction, an immobilising effect so that it is difficult, although not impossible, for the patient to move.

In this way, the image acquisition device <NUM> that provides the diagnosis on the patient's breast <NUM> is activated.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> ensures a comfortable and complete immobilisation of the organ and makes execution of a reliable examination possible.

Furthermore, the pressure exerted by the membrane <NUM> on the patient's breast <NUM> results in a momentary block of the microcirculation in the capillaries with consequent formation of deoxyhemoglobin. The phenomenon is more relevant in neoangiogenic capillaries than in healthy capillaries, due to their lower elasticity and the lower pressure required to obstruct them, which implies a higher concentration of deoxyhemoglobin and longer oxygenation recovery times. Therefore, important information is provided on the presence of a possible network of vessels dedicated to feeding a nascent tumour.

It is therefore possible to detect the tumour by seeking the network of vessels feeding it, neoangiogenesis, which is much more extensive and identifiable than the tumour itself.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> is compatible with devices that use different diagnostic methods (optical and/or X-ray), and facilitates integration of the same with the ultrasound methodology.

Furthermore, the device <NUM> is particularly easy to use, is not overly expensive and is simple in structure, all this while making efficient and controllable compression possible at all stages of the examination.

In addition, with its different degrees of adjustment, the device <NUM> is adaptable to the patient's breast <NUM> and torso. Accordingly, the entire compression action is painless and more comfortable than the compression systems known in the art.

Claim 1:
Compression device for breast exams, comprising:
a support element (<NUM>) defining a flat surface (2a) made at least in part of material transparent to light and configured to come into contact with a lower area of the breast (<NUM>);
a substantially box-like body (<NUM>) made at least in part of transparent material and comprising at least one elastic and deformable wall (<NUM>) configured to compress an upper area of the breast (<NUM>), said elastic wall (<NUM>) being opposite the flat surface (2a) and comprising a membrane (<NUM>) configured to be deformed under the action of a pressurized fluid; and
orientation means (<NUM>) of the box-like body (<NUM>) for moving the body (<NUM>) itself with respect to the support element (<NUM>) and as a function of the dimensions and shape of the breast (<NUM>);
wherein said box-like body (<NUM>) comprises a flat wall (<NUM>) opposite said membrane (<NUM>) and made of rigid and transparent material, and two side walls (<NUM>) made of rigid material and each of which interposed between the membrane (<NUM>) and the flat wall (<NUM>);
characterized in that said orientation means (<NUM>) comprise a pair of connection portions (<NUM>) each hinged to a respective side wall (<NUM>); each connection portion (<NUM>) comprising a skid (<NUM>) for sliding on the flat surface (2a) along a direction (A) away from/approaching the patient's body as a function of the dimensions of the breast (<NUM>).