NCCPM

A novel, stationary 3D X-ray source for improved breast imaging

Research Objectives:	This project demonstrated the theoretical performance advantages of a stationary X-ray source array. It aimed to show how breast cancer imaging can be improved by using a novel X-ray source. The source used a flat panel array of small X-ray emitters, instead of a single source. Slices through the breast in 3D were derived by firing X-rays from different positions to ascertain depth information through the technique of tomosynthesis. However, unlike existing 3D breast tomosynthesis systems that physically move a single source in a linear motion, the new source was stationary. The emitters were distributed in both an x and y direction so covering a wide range of angles, providing a unique way to derive 3D information about the breast.
Start date:	8th May 2019
Duration:	12 Months
Status:	Completed
Funding:	£100k Funded by Innovate UK as part of a funding competition “Precision medicine technologies: shaping the future”
Partners:	Dr Steve Wells, Adaptix Limited and Dr K. Wells, University of Surrey
NCCPM role:	Dr Premkumar Elangovan at NCCPM simulated mammography images using a prototype flat panel X-ray source developed by Adaptix. We compared 2D and DBT images from traditional system designs against the new X-ray source developed by Adaptix.