Second generation stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system with faster scan time and wider angular span

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Stationary digital breast tomosynthesis (s-DBT) systems are crucial for breast cancer screening.
• Advancements in X-ray source technology can improve s-DBT system performance.
• Previous systems had limitations in resolution and imaging speed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a novel, second-generation stationary digital breast tomosynthesis (s-DBT) system.
• To evaluate improvements in tube flux and angular span compared to first-generation systems.
• To assess the performance of a new carbon nanotube (CNT) X-ray source.

Main Methods:

• Designed and constructed a linear CNT X-ray source.
• Integrated the CNT source into a second-generation s-DBT system with a Hologic gantry.
• Characterized system resolution using modulation transfer function (MTF) and artifact spread function (ASF) with test objects and phantoms.

Main Results:

• The CNT X-ray source demonstrated stable operation at 49 kVp with consistent 1.1 mm focal spot size.
• The second-generation system achieved entrance surface air kerma rates double that of the first-generation system.
• In-plane resolution improved to 7.7 cycles/mm (vs. 6.7 cycles/mm), and z-axis depth resolution improved (ASF decreased from 4.30 mm to 2.35 mm).

Conclusions:

• The second-generation s-DBT system offers superior in-plane resolution (7.7 cycles/mm) compared to first-generation systems.
• Increased angular span and air kerma rates contribute to faster image acquisition and higher resolution.
• This advanced s-DBT system shows potential for improved patient diagnosis in breast cancer screening.