X-ray scatter reducing device for use with 2D mammography and tomosynthesis
Systems and methods for reducing X-ray scatter during breast imaging, and more specifically during tomosynthesis imaging. In one embodiment, an anti-scatter grid having a plurality of septa may be configured to be positioned relative to an X-ray imaging device such that each septum of the plurality of septa extends along a direction substantially parallel to a coronal plane of a subject during imaging of the subject using the X-ray imaging device. The X-ray imaging device may be operable in a tomosynthesis mode for imaging of a breast of the subject and may include the anti-scatter grid disposed between a breast platform and the X-ray detector. The anti-scatter grid may be configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of the subject during tomosynthesis imaging.
1. A multi-mode imaging apparatus comprising:
an X-ray source operable in at least a mammography mode and a tomosynthesis mode;
a detector;
an anti-scatter grid positioned between the X-ray source and the detector, wherein the anti-scatter grid comprises a plurality of septa wherein at least one septa of the plurality of septa extends substantially parallel to a coronal plane of a subject during imaging by the X-ray source; and
a motor coupled to the anti-scatter grid and configured to selectively move the anti-scatter grid, wherein the anti-scatter grid is retracted out of a field of view of the X-ray source in the mammography mode, wherein the anti-scatter grid is configured to move at least partially within a field of view of the X-ray source in the tomosynthesis mode, and wherein during imaging by the X-ray source in the tomosynthesis mode, the anti-scatter grid is movable in a direction wherein the at least one septa maintains substantially parallel orientation to the coronal plane of the subject.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the motor comprises a linear motor coupled to the anti-scatter grid.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the linear motor is configured to move the anti-scatter grid in a trapezoidal velocity profile.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the motor comprises a rotary motor coupled to the anti-scatter grid.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the rotary motor is configured to move the anti-scatter grid in a sinusoidal velocity profile.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the anti-scatter grid comprises an elongated opening and the rotary motor comprises an eccentric inserted through the elongated opening such that a gap is formed between the anti-scatter grid and the rotary motor.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the elongated opening extends substantially parallel to the plurality of septa.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the motor is configured to retract the anti-scatter grid out of the field of view of the X-ray source in the mammography mode.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the motor is coupled to the anti-scatter grid via a lead screw.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each septa of the plurality of septa extends along the direction that is substantially parallel to the coronal plane.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least another septa of the plurality of septa is off-angle of the direction that is substantially parallel to the coronal plane.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the anti-scatter grid is configured to move in a rotational direction that corresponds to a rotational movement of the X-ray source in the tomosynthesis mode.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of septa are arranged in a focused configuration, being oriented towards a focal spot of an X-ray emitted by the X-ray source.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the anti-scatter grid has a density of at least 70 septa per centimeter.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each septa of the plurality of septa is substantially linear.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of septa are arranged in a parallel configuration.
17. A multi-mode imaging apparatus comprising:
an X-ray source operable in at least a mammography mode and a tomosynthesis mode;
a detector;
an anti-scatter grid positioned between the X-ray source and the detector, wherein the anti-scatter grid comprises a plurality of septa and at least one septa extends along a direction that is substantially parallel to a coronal plane of a subject during imaging by the X-ray source; and
a rotary motor coupled to the anti-scatter grid and configured to selectively move the anti-scatter grid, wherein the anti-scatter grid is retracted out of a field of view of the X-ray source in the mammography mode and the anti-scatter grid is configured to move at least partially within a field of view of the X-ray source in the tomosynthesis mode.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the anti-scatter grid moves in a direction that is substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of the subject during imaging by the X-ray source in the tomosynthesis mode.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the direction that is substantially parallel to the sagittal plane is a first direction, and wherein the anti-scatter grid moves in a second direction that is substantially parallel to the coronal plane in the tomosynthesis mode.
20. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the rotary motor is configured to move the anti-scatter grid in a sinusoidal velocity profile.