Clinical Evaluation of a Digital Mammography Based on Micro-Lithography

摘要

A new digital prototype, developed by 3M Imaging Systems based on a novel photo-conductor sensor was installed at Georgetown University for technical and clinical evaluation. The detector system was based on a multilayer structure containing a photo-conductor. The latent image produced by an x-ray was stored on the photo-conductor surface, and was then read out by scanning with a high intensity laser beam. The system was expected to have both a wider dynamic range and good spatial resolution compared to conventional screen-film system. The physical characteristics of the system were studied on phantom images for image quality and radiation dose. The evaluation of the 3M system was divided into two parts: (1) system performance for different kVp and mAs, and (2) system optimization for minimum patient dose. The performance of the system was tested on the body part images that are less radio-sensitive than breast images (i.e., extremities). The system's performance was improved mainly by redesigning the detector structure and using different image processing parameter settings. Comparison of 3M and screen-film images for less radio-dense body parts show that 3M system is not suitable for breast imaging at this time.