GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns apparatus for mammography or tomosynthesis.

STATE OF THE ART

As shown in Figures 1 A, 1 B, 1 C and 1 D, equipment 1 is known for mammography.

Said mammography equipment allows two-dimensional medical images to be obtained, in particular using X-ray radiography.

For this purpose, as shown in Figure 1A for example, said known equipment 1 conventionally comprises:

- at least one X-ray source 2 comprising an X-ray emitting tube 21 , and

a detector platform 3, arranged opposite the said source 2 and intended to receive and give support to a patient's breast (not illustrated).

The detector platform 3 conventionally comprises a breast support tray 30, that is substantially transparent or has little X-ray attenuation, and integrates a detector 31 for detecting X-rays after they have passed through the patient's breast.

The detector 31 may conventionally be an array of sensors or an X-ray sensitive film cassette, or any other X-ray detector known to persons skilled in the art.

The detector platform 3 and the X-ray source 2 are carried by a common gantry 5 possibly having an angular range a around a central axis A-A', relative to the detector platform 3 and the source 2, for scanning different viewing angles desired for mammography.

To take into account different patient heights, the gantry 5 is slidably mounted in a vertical structure 6 forming a main body of the apparatus 1 . The gantry 5 can therefore be raised or lowered by a distance δ within the vertical structure 6.

Additionally, the apparatus 1 conventionally comprises a compression plate 4 called a paddle by a skilled person, used to compress the breast against the detector platform 3 when taking images.

The paddle 4 is connected to a carriage 7 mounted in translation on the gantry 5 on a rail 8.

The movement of the carriage 7 along the rail 8 may be motorized or performed manually by means of thumb-wheels 71 for example.

Compared with Figure 1A, the gantry 5 of the known apparatus 1 according to Figure 1 B also comprises an arm 9 carrying the source 2 and allowing angular movement β of the source 2 relative to the vertical structure 6 whilst the detector platform 3 is immobile relative to the vertical structure 6. Therefore the apparatus 1 is also able to perform tomosynthesis i.e. an entire sequence of radiographic images in a single cycle allowing a three- dimensional medical image of the patient's breast to be obtained.

As shown in Figure 1 C, the source 2 and the detector platform 3 may also be supported by a common ring 10 instead of the gantry as in Figures 1A and 1 B. The source 2 and the detector platform 3 are therefore able to move on the ring 10:

concomitantly following the angular movement a on the ring 10 for radiography from several angles, or

the source 2 is able to move independently of the detector platform 3 following angular movement β to carry out tomosynthesis.

As for the apparatus in Figures 1A andl B, in the apparatus illustrated Figure 1 C the paddle 4 is mounted mobile relative to the ring 10 in the gantry 5 secured to the detector platform 3.

As shown in Figure 1 D, the source 2 and the detector platform 3 may also be independent of each other i.e. not mounted on a common ring as in Figurel C.

Therefore, in Figure 1 D, the source 2 is mounted mobile on a C-arm 1 1 of uppercase omega-shape (Ω) for example (it will be appreciated that this form is not limiting) to have an angular range β relative to the detector platform 3, whilst the paddle 4 is slidably mounted in the gantry 5, independently of the source 2. As shown by the dotted lines and the double arrow, the C-arm 1 1 is also mobile relative to the gantry in a direction perpendicular to the gantry 5.

The apparatus in Figures 1A, 1 B, 1 C or 1 D is relatively heavy (several hundred kg, typically 250 kg) and is generally fixedly installed in a unit dedicated to mammography. The source 2 and the detector platform 3 are generally permanently fixed on the apparatus, which does not impart any design flexibility and makes transport of the apparatus even more difficult.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention proposes overcoming at least one of thee disadvantages.

For this purpose, apparatus for mammography or tomosynthesis is proposed by the invention comprising a main body, at least one X-ray source adapted to be fixed to the body, and a detector platform integrating an X-ray detector also adapted to be the fixed to the body, characterized in that the X- ray source and/or the detector platform are removably fixed to the body.

The invention is advantageously completed by the following characteristics taken alone or in any technically possible combination thereof:

- the X-ray source is removably fixed to the body via a bayonet mount;

- the X-ray source is removably fixed to the body via mounting of screw-nut type;

- the X-ray source is removably fixed to the body via reversible elastic press-fit;

- the detector platform is removably fixed to the body of the apparatus via bayonet mounting;

- the detector platform is removably fixed to the body of the apparatus via mounting of screw-nut type;

- the detector platform is removably fixed to the body of the apparatus via reversible, elastic press-fit mounting; - electric contacts between in the one hand the source and/or the detector platform and in the other hand the main body are materialized by flat connectors;

- electric contacts between in the one hand the source and/or the detector platform and in the other hand the main body are materialized by plugs cooperating with sockets; and

- the apparatus comprises an outer shell in which the source and/or the detector platform are placed in a retracted position of the apparatus.

The invention provides numerous advantages.

The source and/or the detector platform may be dissociated from the apparatus, which allows adaptation thereof for so-called "ultra-portable" apparatus i.e. having a weight of less than 100 kg, but preferably less than 80 kg and most preferably weighing between 60 kg and 40 kg.

To further enhance the compactness of the apparatus, the X-ray source is preferably in a single piece i.e. it comprises both the X-ray emitting tube and the corresponding high voltage generator.

The apparatus on which the source and/or the detector platform are removably adapted most advantageously comprises an outer shell for storage and/or transport which also ensures protection of the apparatus when stored and/or being transported in retracted position.

Advantageously, all the constituent parts of the apparatus (in particular the X-ray source and the detector platform) are placed within an inner space of the outer shell, in the retracted position for storage and transport of the apparatus. The apparatus is therefore very practical for storage and transport thereof, and all the constituent parts of the apparatus (particularly the X-ray source and the detector platform) are protected by the shell.

PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics, objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is solely illustrative and non- limiting, and is to be read in connection with the appended drawings in which:

- Figures 1A, 1 B, 1 C and 1 D, to which reference has already been made, illustrate known prior art mammography equipment; - Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate an interface between a main body and a detector platform of apparatus according to the invention;

- Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E illustrate possible embodiments of an interface according to Figures 2A and 2B;

- Figures 4A and 4B schematically illustrate an interface between a main body and a source of apparatus according to the invention;

- Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6A and 6B illustrate possible embodiments of an interface according to Figures 4A and 4B;

- Figures 7A and 7B illustrate possible embodiments of an interface according to Figures 2A and 2B or 4A and 4B, and

- Figure 8 schematically illustrates an outer shell of the apparatus containing the constituent parts of the apparatus in a retracted position of the apparatus.

In all the figures, similar pars carry identical reference numbers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate an interface 36 between:

a main body 6 of apparatus 1 for mammography and tomosynthesis, and

- a detector platform 3 of the apparatus 1 .

The detector platform 3 according to the invention is adapted so that it can be removably fixed to apparatus that is advantageously, but not limited thereto, adapted:

in the one hand to have a deployed position, in normal operation of the apparatus, i.e. for mammography or tomosynthesis imaging, and

in the other hand to have a retracted position for storage and/or for transport.

As can be ascertained in Figures 2A and 2B, when in operation the apparatus 1 comprises all the conventional constituent parts presented in the introductory part to the present description with reference to Figures 1A, 1 B, 1 C and 1 D: these parts of the description will not be reproduced here for reasons of clarity and conciseness. It is pointed out however that these constituent parts are assembled on a main body 6 of the apparatus 1 . The main body 6 is most advantageously in a solid single piece.

The constituent parts of the main body 6 are in any rigid material having sufficient mechanical properties, for example in carbon fibre, allowing lightweight and rigidity to be imparted to the apparatus 1 .

Within the main body 6 all electric and electronic means may advantageously be comprised that are known per se and required for controlling the generation of X-rays and at least for acquiring and even processing the images derived from the X-ray detector 31 . For example these means 62 are a Central Processing unit.

The body 6 also comprises a power supply 61 . The powering of all the electric and electronic means of the body 6 is preferably supplied by the mains or optionally by battery.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, an interface 36 between the detector platform 3 and the body 6 chiefly comprises:

a connection 361 for transmission of the electric power supply 61 towards the detector 31 and/or towards any part 32 requiring electric power within the detector platform 3 (such as a fan for cooling the detector 31 or a motor to set an anti-scatter grid in movement, etc.);

a connection 362 for both:

o the transmitting of control signals from the means 62 towards the detector 31 and/or towards any part 32 to be controlled within the detector platform 3 (such as the fan for cooling the detector 31 or the motor for setting the anti-scatter grid in movement, etc.); and

o the receiving, by the means 62, of signals from the sensors of the detector platform 3, and

a mechanical connection 364 between the detector platform 3 and the body 6. Figure 2A illustrates one embodiment of the detector 31 for so-called "digital radiography" in which the images received by the detector 31 are sent directly to a station 63 for processing the acquisition via a connection 363. The station 63 is also connected to the means 62.

Figure 2B illustrates an embodiment of the detector 31 for so-called

"computed radiography", or analogue radiography, in which the detector 31 is in the form of an X-ray sensitive cassette (for example containing a photostimulable phosphor plate or an intensifying screen in contact with a silver-based film), the cassette being removed by the user from the detector platform 3 after X-ray exposure, and for which the user:

reads the results of the photostimulable phosphor plate using a laser beam reader and display unit (computed radiography); reads the results by developing the silver-based cassette film (analogue radiography).

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D et 3E show non-limiting examples of possible embodiments of the interface 36 between the body 6 and the detector platform 3.

In Figures 3A and 3B, the connection 364 is of screw-nut type and is formed for example of a threaded rod 3641 ending in a winged head 3642, the rod 3641 cooperating with a tapped hole 161 in the body 6 passing through an orifice 3643 provided in the detector platform 3. After clamping, the detector platform 3 is therefore locked between the head 3642 and the body 6.

In Figure 3A, the connections 361 , 362 and the optional connection 363 are formed of flat electric connectors, placed for example in the centre of the interface 36 on the body 6 and on the detector platform 3.

In Figure 3B, the connections 361 , 362 and the optional connection 363 are formed of sockets on the body 6 for example cooperating with plugs connected to the detector platform 3 via electric cables.

In Figures 3C, 3D and 3E, the connection 364 is of bayonet type and is formed for example of at least one lug 3641 that is T-shaped for example, cooperating with at least one L-shaped groove 161 in the body 6, the short side of the of the L of the groove 161 facing downward towards the bottom of the body 6.

As shown in Figure 3E, the short side of the T of the lug 3641 is first inserted in the long side of the L of the groove 161 . The lug 3641 is then moved along the long side of the L of the groove 161 so that it arrives directly above the short side of the L of the groove 161 to be inserted therein. The detector platform 3 is thus locked by the short side of the T of the lug 3641 placed in the short side of the L of the groovel 61 .

In Figure 3C, the connections 361 , 362 and the optional connection 363 are formed of flat electric connectors, placed for example in the centre of the interface 36 on the body 6 and on the detector platform 3.

The movement of the lug 3641 may also comprise some rotation, optionally combined with the translation described with reference to Figure 3E.

As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, an interface 26 between the source 2 and the body chiefly comprises:

a connection 261 for transmitting a supply of electric power 61 towards the source 2 and/or towards any element 22 requiring electric power within the source 2 (such as a fan for example to cool the tube 21 or a motor to set in movement a filter wheel for X-ray modulation or to set a collimator in movement, etc.);

a connection 262 both for:

o the transmitting of control signals from the means 62 towards the tube 21 and/or towards any element needing to be controlled in the source 2 (such as the fan for example for cooling the tube 21 , or the motor for setting in movement the

X-ray modulating filter wheel or for setting the collimator in movement, etc.); and

o the receiving, by means 62, of sensor signals of the source 2, and

- a mechanical connection 264 between the source 2 and the body 6.

Figure 4A illustrates one embodiment of the source 2 in which a generator 23 producing and controlling high voltage towards the tube 21 is separate from the tube 21 : the tube is effectively placed in the source 2, whilst the generator 23 is placed in the body 6. The high voltage is supplied by the generator 23 via a connection 263.

Figure 4B illustrates an embodiment of the source 2 in which the generator 23 is placed in the source 2, with the tube 21 .

Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, 6A and 6B show non-limiting examples of embodiments of an interface 26 between the body 6 and the source 2.

Figure 5A shows more precisely that the connection 264 is formed of mounting of bayonet type, in which the source 2 comprises a substantially cylindrical part comprising at least one radial rod 24 cooperating with an L- shaped groove 64 provided in a corresponding substantially cylindrical part in the body 6. Once it has arrived at the bottom of the L, the rod 24 undergoes a slight rotation so that the source 2 is removably fixed onto the body 6.

In Figures 5B and 5C, the connections 261 , 262 and the optional connection 263 are formed of flat electric connectors placed for example at the interface 26 on the body 6 (Figure 5C) and on the source 2 (Figure 5B).

In Figures 6A and 6B, the connection 264 is formed by cooperation of a circular thread 2641 provided on the source 2 for example, on the periphery thereof, with corresponding internal thread 2642 provided on the body 6, to form mounting of screw-nut type.

In Figures 6A and 6B, the connections 261 , 262 and the optional connection 263 are formed of sockets on the body 6 for example, cooperating with plugs connected to the source 2 via electric cables (Figure 6B), or of flat electric connectors placed for example in the centre of the interface 26 on the body 6 and on the source 2 (Figure 6A).

It will be understood that the embodiment of the interface 36 in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E can also be applied to the embodiment of interface 26.

Figures 7A and 7B show embodiments which can also be applied both to interface 26 and to interface 36 via reversible elastic press-fit/pull -off. In Figure 7A, a lug 65 on the body 6 for example cooperates with two profiles 235 and 236 of the source 2 or of the detector platform 3 to obtain reversible elastic press-fitting via a force along axis BB'.

In Figure 7B, an excrescence 66 is provided close to the lug 65 to allow local deformation of the body 6 and avoid force along axis BB'.

It will be appreciated that other forms of connection 264 and 364 can be provided for elastic and reversible assembly/disassembly (different forms of lug and profiles) and for the mounts of bayonet or screw-nut type.

Also, it will further be appreciated that it is possible to carry out any combination of the forms used for mechanical fixing or the forms used for electric connections. Since the source and/or detector platform can be removably fixed to the apparatus, as schematically shown in Figure 8, the apparatus 1 may advantageously comprise an outer shell 100 for storage and/or transport and/or also for protection of the apparatus 1 , for example but not limited thereto during storage and/or transport of the apparatus 1 in retracted position. Advantageously all the constituent parts of the apparatus 1 (in particular the X-ray source 2 and the detector platform 3) are placed in the retracted position inside an inner space of the outer shell for storage and transport of the apparatus. The apparatus of the invention can be compact in retracted position (spatial volume of the order of 1 m in height, 0.5 m in width and depth of 0.4 m) which further enhances the ultra-portability thereof through its ease of handling so that it easily fits into the boot of a vehicle such as an automobile (vehicle not dedicated to mobile mammography).

In addition, the apparatus is advantageously "ultra-portable", particularly in retracted position i.e. its weight is less than 100 kg, but preferably less than 80 kg and most preferably it weighs between 60 kg and 40 kg. Said ultra-portability characteristic can be obtained through a judicious choice of materials and by eliminating motorizations that are also judiciously chosen.