3D data acquisition sampling strategies for dedicated emission mammotomography for various breast sizes

Abstract

The dedicated emission mammotomography system developed in our lab is in preparation for initial patient studies. As a preliminary step, we evaluate the effect of breast size and lesion location on this paradigm. The hemispherical positioning gantry allows ample flexibility in sampling a pendant, uncompressed breast. Recently acquired, realistic anthropomorphic torso (which includes the upper portion of the arm) and breast phantoms emphasize the necessity of employing unique camera trajectories (orbits) rather than simple VAOR camera trajectories. Several novel 3D orbits have been implemented with fully contoured radius-of-rotation capability to compensate for the positioning demands that are required for different breast sizes. While a general orbit design may remain the same between two different breasts, the absolute polar tilt range and ROR range may vary. We have demonstrated that with increased polar camera tilt, employing 3D data acquisition camera trajectories, lesions near the chest wall can he visualized for both large and small sized breasts.