Full-Field Direct Digital Mammography Optimizes Breast Screening

By MedImaging staff writers
Posted on 15 May 2008
A full-field direct digital mammography system has been developed that combines speed, excellent image quality, and examination comfort.

The new system, the Mammomat Inspiration, has features that include new compression technologies, paddle design, and mood lighting provide excellent patient comfort; the isocentric rotation of the X-ray tube and examination functionality have been enhanced to offer easy and fast workflow to improve patient throughput and image resolution of the whole breast is advanced for detailed diagnosis.

The Mammomat Inspiration, developed by Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany), is also a future proof solution for stereotactic biopsy and to provide three-dimensional (3D) imaging using tomosynthesis. A simple upgrade will ensure seamless transition so that the system can provide screening, diagnosis, and tomosynthesis on a single digital platform.

Offering 27 seconds between exposure times and 18 seconds between exposure and display of high-resolution digital images, the system can examine more than 15 patients per hour. This is very beneficial in high-throughput screening environments that require speed. Furthermore, a special X-ray tube with a tungsten anode and new acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) algorithms, which individually compute the dose according to the size of the breast and the type of tissue, ensure the lowest possible dose.

The imaging functionality, compact size, and open design of the system are complemented by a unique MoodLight feature that emits soothing colors into the patient examination area. Color tones can be personally selected by the user to change throughout the screening process to promote relaxation.

The Mammomat Inspiration operates alongside a slender syngo-based acquisition workstation, which adjusts to a desired height and offers an easy-to-use interface. The workstation's intuitive interface streamlines workflow to drive patient throughput and simplify the examination process. After one exam is complete, the system will automatically open the scheduler to select the next patient. A one-click-to-image function ensures images are gathered quickly, also facilitating improved workflow.


Related Links:
Siemens Healthcare

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