WO2013033100A1

WO2013033100A1 - Ultra-portable apparatus for mammography and tomosynthesis

Info

Publication number: WO2013033100A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/052676
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aurelie Boudier; Wilfrid Serge Louis MULLER; Regis Gerard Elie PERSONNELLI; Francois Lenfant
Original assignee: General Electric Co
Current assignee: General Electric Co
Priority date: 2011-08-30
Filing date: 2012-08-28
Publication date: 2013-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 2014-02-28
Also published as: FR2979219B1; CN103747737A; FR2979219A1; WO2013033100A8; JP2014529468A

Abstract

The invention concerns mannnnography or tomosynthesis apparatus (1), adapted: - firstly to have a deployed position adapted for normal operation of the apparatus, and - secondly to have a retracted position for storage and/or transport of the apparatus, characterized in that it is ultra-portable in retracted position and comprises an outer shell (10) for storage and/or transport and/or protection of the apparatus (1) in retracted position.

Description

ULTRA-PORTABLE APPARATUS FOR MAMMOGRAPHY AND

TOMOSYNTHESIS

GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns mannnnography or tomosynthesis apparatus adapted in the one hand to have a deployed position suitable for normal operation of the apparatus, and in the other hand to have a retracted position for storing and/or transporting the apparatus. STATE OF THE ART

As shown in Figure 1 , equipment 1 is known for mammography.

Said equipment allows two-dimensional medical images to be obtained, in particular using X-ray radiography.

For such purpose, known equipment 1 conventionally comprises:

- at least one X-ray source 2 comprising an X-ray emitting tube 21 , and a detector platform 3, arranged opposite the said source 2 and intended to receive and give support to a patient's breast (not illustrated).

The detector platform 3 conventionally comprises a breast support tray 30, which is substantially transparent or has little X-ray attenuation, and integrates a detector 31 for detecting the X-rays after they have passed through the patient's breast.

The detector 31 may conventionally be an array of sensors or an X-ray sensitive film cassette, or any other X-ray detector known to persons skilled in the art.

The detector platform 3 and the X-ray source 2 are carried by a common gantry 5 capable of having angular movement a around a central axis A-A' relative to the detector platform 3 and the source 2, for scanning different viewing angles desired for mammography.

To take into account different patient heights, the gantry 5 is slidably mounted in a vertical structure 6. The gantry 5 can therefore be raised or lowered by a distance δ within the vertical structure 6. Additionally, the apparatus 1 conventionally comprises a compression plate 4 called a paddle by a skilled person, used to compress the breast against the detector platform 3 when taking images.

The paddle 4 is connected to a carriage 7 mounted in translation on the gantry 5 along a rail 8.

The movement of the carriage 7 along the rail 8 may be motorized or performed manually by means of thumb wheels 71 for example.

The apparatus in Figure 1 is relatively heavy (several hundred kg, typically 250 kg) and is generally fixedly installed in a unit dedicated to mammography.

However, it may be qualified as being "mobile", and in this case it can be placed in a van or bus designed for mammography and generally comprising a reception area for patients, a cubicle for patients to undress and dress, and an analysis room to analyze the images obtained with the apparatus.

In this case, the equipment is fixedly installed inside the dedicated van or bus, the van or bus being mobile and able to travel to remote areas for cancer screening for example.

Equipment qualified as "portable" is also known, that is less difficult to manoeuvre than a van or bus.

It is true that portable equipment can still be transported by van or bus, optionally also by forklift truck, but it can also be transported on wheels within one same care unit, for example from room to room.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a known example of such portable mammography apparatus 1 .

The portable apparatus 1 has:

in the one hand a deployed position when in use, illustrated Figure 2A, and

in the other hand a retracted position for storage and transport. As can be seen in Figure 2B, the changeover from the deployed position in Figure 2A to the retracted position is obtained by rotating the gantry 5 by an angle β of 180° towards a base 161 . Unlike the apparatus in Figure 1 , the vertical structure 6 comprises a base 61 mounted on wheels 16 allowing the apparatus 1 to be moved from room to room.

However, the portable equipment in Figures 2A and 2B has disadvantages.

It is relatively heavy since it weighs around 200 kg. It is therefore not portable for a single person or even two persons, and requires the use of a goods lift or forklift for example to be unloaded from a van, bus or transport aircraft.

In addition, as can be ascertained from Figure 2B, the apparatus is not protected when in retracted position, which means that the different parts of the apparatus may be damaged during transport thereof in retracted position. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention proposes overcoming at least one of these shortcomings.

For this purpose, the invention provides apparatus for mammography or tomosynthesis adapted in the one hand to have a deployed position suitable for normal operation of the apparatus, and in the other hand to have a retracted position for storage and/or transport of the equipment, characterized in that it is ultra-portable in retracted position and comprises an outer shell for storage and/or transport and/or protection of the apparatus in retracted position.

The invention is advantageously completed by the following characteristics taken alone or in any technically possible combination:

- the apparatus comprises at least one X-ray source removably fixed on a gantry, preferably via mounting of bayonet type, of screw-nut type or via reversible elastic press-fitting;

- it comprises a detector platform integrating an X-ray detector removably fixed onto a body of the apparatus, preferably via reversible elastic press- fitting or via mounting of screw-nut type or bayonet type; - it comprises a handle mounted in rotation on the body of the apparatus around the detector platform and adapted to have a deployed position and a retracted position;

- the source and/or detector platform are placed inside the shell in the retracted position of the apparatus;

- the shell comprises at least one wheel for transporting the apparatus in retracted position, and advantageously comprising a braking system to stabilize the apparatus in the deployed position;

- the apparatus comprises at least one stabilizer foot to stabilize the apparatus in deployed position;

- the foot is part of the shell;

- the foot is adapted to have a deployed position and a retracted position;

- the apparatus comprises a gantry supporting at least one X-ray source mounted in rotation on a body of the apparatus, and comprising gantry balancing means, preferably comprising a handle for manually setting the gantry in rotation;

- at least part of the shell is part of a main body of the apparatus;

- the apparatus comprises a mechanism for moving a paddle relative to a detector platform fixed to a main body of the apparatus, to compress a patient's breast against the detector platform forming a surface, the mechanism comprising a post that is mobile relative to the detector platform and/or body and adapted so that maximum extension of the post relative to the surface is able to follow the movements of the paddle relative to the detector platform;

- the apparatus comprises a manual thumb wheel for actuating the mechanism;

- it comprises space for storing mammography and/or tomosynthesis images;

- the apparatus is adapted to be linked with an external control and/or display device for the mammography and/or tomosynthesis images;

- it weighs less than 100 kg.

The invention provides numerous advantages. The apparatus is "ultra-portable" i.e. it weighs less than 100 kg but preferably less than 80 kg, and most preferably it weighs between 60 kg and 40 kg.

Since it is ultra-portable, it can therefore be transported from one place to another by a single person or no more than two persons. For example, it can be unloaded from the boot of a vehicle such as an automobile (vehicle not dedicated to mobile mammography) without the assistance of a goods lift or forklift, and can be easily transported for example from one examining room to another examining room.

It is preferably, but in non-limiting manner, provided with travel wheels.

The apparatus according to the invention is compact in retracted position, which means that it easily fits inside the boot of a vehicle such as an automobile (vehicle not dedicated to mobile mammography). The volume taken up is therefore of the order of 1 m in height, 0.5 m in width and depth of about 0.4 m. For further compactness, the X-ray source is preferably in a single piece i.e. it comprises both the X-ray emitting tube and the corresponding high voltage generator.

The apparatus most advantageously comprises an outer storage and/or transport shell which also ensures protection of the apparatus when stored and/or transported in retracted position.

The aforementioned shell is preferably, but not limited thereto, provided with travel wheels.

Advantageously, all the constituent parts of the apparatus (in particular the X-ray source and detector platform) are placed inside an inner space of the outer shell, when the apparatus is in the retracted storage or transport position. The storage and transport of the apparatus is therefore very practical, and all the constituent parts of the apparatus (in particular the X- ray source and detector platform) are protected by the shell. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics, objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is solely illustrative and non-limiting, and is to be read with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates mammography equipment known in the state of the art;

- Figures 2A and 2B illustrate portable mammography equipment known in the state of the art;

- Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 3A shows the apparatus in the retracted storage position;

Figure 3B shows the apparatus in the retracted transport position;

Figure 3C shows the apparatus in deployed position of use;

- Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of apparatus according to the invention in deployed position;

- Figure 5 illustrates a third embodiment of apparatus according to the invention in deployed position;

- Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E and 6F schematically illustrate possible mechanisms for respectively moving a paddle to compress a patient's breast, these mechanisms advantageously able to be incorporated in apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 6A shows a possible embodiment of a mechanism comprising a sliding block;

Figure 6B shows a possible embodiment of a mechanism comprising a sliding block connected to an arm supporting the paddle;

Figure 6C shows a possible embodiment of a mechanism comprising two sliding rods;

Figure 6D shows a possible embodiment of a mechanism comprising a telescopic block;

Figure 6E shows a possible embodiment of a mechanism comprising two telescopic rods; and

Figure 6F shows a possible embodiment of a mechanism comprising scissor-hinged arms;

- Figure 7 schematically illustrates a possible variant of a shell for storing, transporting and protecting the apparatus according to the invention; - Figure 8A schematically illustrates a first possible storage position of the apparatus in retracted position;

- Figure 8B schematically illustrates a second possible storage position of the apparatus in retracted position;

- Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D and 9E schematically illustrates possible embodiments of an interface between the detector platform and the main body of the apparatus, and

- Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E schematically illustrate possible embodiments of an interface between the source and the main body of the apparatus.

In all the figures, similar parts carry identical reference numbers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 4 and 5 schematically illustrate possible embodiments of apparatus 1 for mammography or tomosynthesis according to the invention.

The apparatus according to the invention is adapted:

in the one hand to have a deployed position in normal operation of the apparatus i.e. for mammography or tomosynthesis imaging as illustrated in Figures 3C, 4 and 5, and

in the other hand to have a retracted position for storage as illustrated Figure 3A for example and/or for transport as illustrated in Figure 3B for example.

As can be ascertained in Figures 3C, 4 and 5, when in operation the apparatus 1 comprises all the conventional constituent parts presented in the introductory part of the present description with reference to Figures 1 , 2A and 2B: these parts of the description will not be reproduced for reasons of clarity and conciseness.

It is specified however that these constituent parts are assembled in a main body 17 of the apparatus 1 . The main body 17 is most advantageously in a single solid piece. The constituent parts of the main body 17 are in any rigid material having sufficient mechanical properties e.g. in carbon fibre, imparting lightweight and rigidity to the apparatus 1 .

The main body 17 may advantageously comprise all the electric and electronic means known per se and required for controlling the generation of X-rays, and at least for acquiring even for processing the images derived from the X-ray detector 31 .

The powering of all the electric and electronic means for the body 17 is preferably via a mains supply or optionally by battery.

As can also be ascertained in Figures 3A and 3B, the apparatus 1 comprises an outer shell 10 for storing and/or transporting and/or also protecting the apparatus 1 , for example but not limited thereto, during storage and/or transport of the apparatus 1 in retracted position.

Advantageously, and as will be seen in more detail in the remainder of the present description, all the constituent parts of the apparatus 1 (in particular the X-ray source 2 and detector platform 3) are placed inside an inner space of the outer shell 10, in the retracted storage and transport position of the apparatus.

In addition, the apparatus is "ultra-portable", in particular in retracted position i.e. its weight is less than 100 kg, but preferably less than 80 kg, and its weight is most preferably between 60 kg and 40 kg. As will be seen in more detail in the remainder of the present description, the said ultra- portability characteristic can be obtained through a judicious choice of materials and also through the elimination of judiciously chosen motorizations.

The apparatus according to the invention is compact in retracted position (volume of the order of 1 m in height, 0.5 m in width and depth of about 0.4 m) which enhances its ultra-portability via its ease of handling so that fits without any problem into the boot of a vehicle such as an automobile (vehicle not dedicated to mobile mammography).

Since it is ultra-portable, it can therefore be transported from one place to another by a single person or by no more than two persons, for example it can be unloaded from the boot of a vehicle such as an automobile (vehicle not dedicated to mobile mammography) without the assistance of a goods lift or forklift, and can be easily transported for example from one examining room to another examining room. A more detailed description will now be given of the apparatus 1 in its retracted position with reference to Figures 3A and 3B.

The outer shell 10 is in material that is:

- lightweight to ensure the ultra-portable nature of the apparatus 1 , and

- rigid to ensure the protection of the apparatus 1 when being stored and/or transported.

The shell 10 is in plastic material for example or carbon fibre, but may also be in any other lightweight material having sufficient mechanical strength to ensure the protection of the apparatus 1 .

The shell 10 is preferably, but not limited thereto, provided with at least one wheel 16 for transport.

Advantageously, the shell 10 comprises two wheels 16 mounted either side of the shell 10 in a lower part intended to lie close to the floor when in operation.

Each wheel 16 is advantageously mounted in rotation on a substantially rectangular plate 15 which can be:

deployed relative to the shell 10 so that the shell 10 can be wheeled over the floor during transport of the apparatus 1 as shown in Figure 3B, and

- retracted alongside the shell 10, being folded away by ε as shown in Figure 3B and enabled via a hinge between the shell 10 and the plate 15; said folding away of the plates 15 enhances the compactness of the shell 10.

The plates 15 can also form stabilizing feet 15 for the apparatus 1 and/or the shell 10 as can be seen Figure 3A.

For this purpose, each plate 15 may form an outer angle γ of less than 180 degrees relative to the shell 10 to increase the seating of the shell 10. At least one wheel 16 advantageously comprises a braking system to stabilize the apparatus in deployed position.

As can be seen more precisely in Figures 3A and 3B, the shell 10 may comprise at least one handle 1 1 1 , for example in an upper part opposite the lower part of the shell 10, to form a kind of suitcase.

The shell 10, in its lower part, may also comprise a foot lever 1 13 for the foot of a person using the apparatus 1 to allow such person to tilt the shell 10 onto its wheels 16 more easily so as to move it from the stored position in Figure 3A to the transport position in Figure 3B.

It will be understood that the outer shell 10 comprises:

- a first part 1 1 , and

- a second part 12

separated from each other by a separation 1 1 12.

In retracted storage and/or transport position, the first part 1 1 and the second part 12 forming the shell 10 are held joined to each other by at least one lock 1 1 13, advantageously formed of mating shapes, for example a hook cooperating with a ring, or a rim cooperating with a corresponding groove.

The lock 1 1 13 can be unlocked so that the second part 12 can be separated from the first part 1 1 as is illustrated in Figures 3C, 4 and 5 for example.

It is evidently understood that the second part 12 may simply be tilted onto the first part 1 1 by means of a hinge system 1 1 14, as is illustrated in Figure 7.

Figures 3C and 4 show that at least the part 1 1 of the shell 10 forms part of the main body 17 of the apparatus 1 . The first part 1 1 , when in the operating position of the apparatus 1 , is therefore in vertical position and forms the outer wall of the body 17 containing all the electric and electronic means required for imaging.

Figure 5 shows that according to another embodiment, the parts 1 1 and 12 are separate from the body 17. The apparatus 1 is therefore placed in its retracted position and then inserted in the outer shell 10 which then forms a kind of suitcase. A more detailed description will now be given of the apparatus 1 in an intermediate position between the retracted position and the deployed operating position, with reference to Figures 8A and 8B.

As shown in Figure 8A, the X-ray source 2 is removably positioned on the gantry 5.

In this case, the source 2 can be stored in a corresponding housing 123 provided in an inner portion 121 of the second part 12, so that it is stored alongside the gantry 5.

As shown in Figure 8B, the X-ray source 2 is mounted in rotation relative to a longitudinal axis of the gantry 5 by means of a pivot-forming hinge 53.

In this case, the source 2 can be stored in a corresponding housing 123 provided in an inner portion 121 of the second part 12, so that it can be stored perpendicular to the gantry 5. The source 2 can thus be brought onto a plane of the body 17 as schematically illustrated in Figure 8B.

For further compactness of the apparatus 1 , the X-ray source 2 is preferably in a single piece i.e. it comprises both the X-ray emitting tube and the corresponding high voltage generator.

Also for additional compactness of the apparatus in retracted position, the detector platform 3 integrating the X-ray detector 31 can be removed from the body 17 of the apparatus 1 .

In this case, as shown in Figures 3C, 4, 5, 8A and 8B, the detector platform 3 is preferably received in a corresponding housing 124 provided in the inner portion 121 of the second part 12, so that it is stored alongside the gantry 5.

A central projecting part 171 of the body 17 around which the gantry 5 is able to pivot, may also be received in a corresponding housing 122 of the inner portion 121 of the second part 12.

Advantageously, the respective inner portions 1 12 and 121 of the second part 12 and of the first part 1 1 are padded with foam for example to protect the constituent parts of the apparatus 1 against impacts when it is stored and/or being transported. A more detailed description will now be given of the apparatus 1 in the deployed position for normal operation, with reference to Figures 3C, 4 and 5.

The apparatus 1 preferably comprises stabilizing feet 13, preferably located on the same side as the gantry 5 relative to the body 17.

The feet 13 are preferably in the form of longitudinal plates and are rotatably mounted on the body 17, and can be:

- deployed relative to the body 17 by means of a travel η, substantially equal to 90°; and

- retracted alongside the body 17, in a corresponding housing 14 provided in the body 17 of the apparatus 1 ; said folding-away of the feet 13 enhances the compactness of the apparatus 1 and allows the second part 12 to be placed back over the first part 1 1 .

To increase the stability of the apparatus 1 , the feet 13 also form an outer angle γ of less than 180° relative to the body 17 of the apparatus 1 , to increase the seating of the body 17.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5 for example, the apparatus 1 may comprise an additional stabilizing foot 172 located midway between the feet 13 relative to the body 17, in order to stabilize the apparatus 1 :

- after separating the second part 12 from the first part 1 1 , and

- before deploying the stabilizing feet 13.

The feet 172 and 13 are made in metal for example for reasons of mechanical strength.

The gantry 5 can then be deployed at an angle β of possibly up to 180° from the position shown in Figures 8A and 8B, since it is mounted in rotation on the body 17 of the apparatus 1 , around the central part 171 .

Starting from the stored mode in Figure 8A, the source 2 is fixed to the upper part of the gantry 5 as shown by the arrows κ in Figures 3C and 4.

As illustrated in Figures 10A, 10B and 10C, fixing is preferably obtained using a bayonet mount of the type used in photography. Therefore, the source 2 comprises a substantially cylindrical part comprising at least one radial rod 24 cooperating with an L-shaped groove 64 provided in a corresponding substantially cylindrical part of the body 17. Once the rod 24 arrives at the bottom of the L groove, it undergoes a slight rotation so that the source 2 is removably attached to the body 17. In Figures 10A, 10B and 10C, electric connections 260 are provided as flat electric connectors on the periphery, but they may also be positioned centrally (Figures 10D and 10E) and may also be formed of sockets for example on the body 17 cooperating with plugs connected to the source 2 via electric cables (of the type illustrated in Figure 9B).

Other alternative mountings are also possible, such as screw-nut type (as in Figures 10D and 10E, and in this case mounting is obtained by cooperation of a circular thread 2641 provided on the source 2 for example, on its periphery, with corresponding internal thread 2642 provided on the body 17), and mountings which use reversible elastic press-fitting (clips as in Figures 9D and 9E), etc.

Starting from the storage mode in Figure 8B, the source 2 undergoes a rotation Θ of 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the gantry 5, by means of the hinge 53 as shown in Figure 5.

The removable fixing of the detector platform 3 onto the body 17 of the apparatus 1 is preferably obtained by mounting of reversible elastic press-fit type, bayonet type or screw-nut type.

The fixing of screw-nut type is schematically illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B. In this case, it is formed for example of a threaded rod 3641 ending in a winged head 3642, the rod 3641 cooperating with a hole 161 1 tapped in the body 17 passing through an orifice 3643 provided in the detector platform 3. After clamping, the detector platform 3 is therefore locked between the head 3642 and the body 17.

The securing of bayonet type is schematically illustrated in Figure 9C. In this case, the mounting is formed for example of at least one lug 3641 e.g. T-shaped, cooperating with at least one L-shaped groove 161 1 in the body 17, the short side of the L of the groove 161 facing the lower part of the body 17. After insertion (by translation and/or rotation) the detector platform 3 is locked by the short side of the T of the lug 3641 placed in the short side of the L of the groove 161 1 . Securing via reversible elastic press-fitting is illustrated in Figures 9D and 9E.

In Figure 9D, a lug 65 e.g. on the body 17 cooperates with two profiles 235 and 236 of the detector platform 3 (or of the source 2) to achieve reversible elastic press-fitting by exerting a force along axis BB'.

In Figure 9E, an excrescence 66 is provided close to the lug 65 to allow local deformation of the body 6 and avoid a force along axis BB'.

In Figures 9A and 9C, the connections 260 are formed of flat electric connectors in the centre of the interface, but they may also be formed of sockets e.g. on the body 17 cooperating with plugs connected to the detector platform 3 via electric cables (Figure 9B).

It is evidently possible to make provision for any combination of the connections 260 and mounts described above, and to provide mounts adapted for the source to the detector platform, and reciprocally.

When the source 2 and the detector platform 3 are deployed, the source 2 lies a good distance away from the detector platform 3 for X-ray imaging.

When in normal function, the paddle 4 is moved relative to the detector platform 3 so that it can be used to compress a patient's breast.

For this purpose, the carriage 7 connected firstly to the paddle 4 is also connected to a mechanism for moving the compression paddle 4.

As can be ascertained in Figures 3C, 4 and 5, the mechanism for moving the paddle can be located either side of a surface S of the detector platform 3 integrating the X-ray detector 31 . The surface S may be planar or curved.

For passing of the mechanism and the carriage 7, the detector platform 3 comprises a cut-out 32 on the side of the central part 171 of the body 17.

Owing to its positioning either side of the surface S, and no longer solely in upper position relative to the surface S (as in the prior art) the body 17 is able to have a more compact central part 171 . To provide the ultra-portability of the apparatus 1 , the movement of the paddle 4 is advantageously obtained by means of a thumb wheel 71 for example, to avoid the presence of any motorization. Evidently the movement of the paddle 4 may also be motorized.

Different embodiments of the mechanism are described in more detail in the remainder of the present description.

In all the embodiments described in more detail in the present description, the displacing mechanism comprises a post that is mobile relative to the body 17 and/or detector platform 3, and adapted so that maximum extension of the post, identified by h or h' in Figures 6A to 6F, relative to the surface S, follows the displacement of the paddle 4 relative to the detector platform 3.

FIRST GENERAL EMBODIMENT

According to a first general embodiment, the mechanism comprises a post which is slidably mounted in at least one corresponding receiver provided in the main body 17 of the apparatus 1 and/or the detector platform 3.

One first possible embodiment of a mechanism 80 comprising a said post 801 is schematically illustrated in Figure 6A.

The post 801 forms a rigid block supporting the carriage 7 connected to the paddle 4. It will be understood that a receiver 802 in which the post 801 is slidably mounted has a corresponding inner profile.

Advantageously, the post-forming block 801 is a solid block of oblong shape and of length substantially equal to the required travel distance of the carriage 7 and paddle 4.

The travel of the post block 801 inside the receiver 802 is continuous but mainly has two positions: a top position h for placing a breast on the detector platform 3 and a bottom position h' for compressing the breast on the detector platform 3. In both cases, it is noted that the maximum extension identified by h or h' in Figure 6A of the post 801 relative to the surface S follows the movement of the paddle 4 relative to the detector platform 3. The carriage 7, connected to the paddle, lies in upper position on the free end of the post 801 .

On the other hand, the receiver 802 lies in lower position relative to the surface S of the detector platform 3, so that the mechanism 80 for moving the paddle 4 extends either side of the surface S of the detector platform 3. It will therefore be understood that the mechanism 80 for moving the paddle 4 takes up less space over the top part of the detector platform 3 compared with the prior art in Figure 1 , which allows the incorporation of the mechanism 80 in ultra-portable apparatus for example.

A second possible embodiment of a mechanism 81 comprising a post

81 1 slidably mounted in a corresponding receiver 812 provided in the main body 17 of the apparatus 1 and/or the detector platform 3 is illustrated in Figure 6B.

The post 81 1 forms a block carrying the carriage 7 connected to an arm 813 which itself is connected to the paddle 4.

Therefore, instead of being placed in upper position on the free end of the post 81 1 , as is the case for the embodiment in Figure 6A, the carriage 7 is located at an intermediate position relative to the mechanism 81 for moving the paddle 4.

The arm 813 therefore extends parallel to the post 81 1 and is linked to the paddle 4 via an elbow 8131 .

As previously, the post 81 1 therefore moves inside the receiver 812, placed in lower position relative to the surface S of the detector platform 3, in order to cause the paddle 4 to be raised or lowered via the arm 813 relative to the detector platform 3.

The arm 813 can therefore have two end positions: a top position h and a bottom position h' relative to the detector platform 3.

It will therefore be understood that the end-to-end extension of the post 81 1 follows the movement of the paddle 4 relative to the detector platform 3.

The cross-section of the post blocks 801 and 81 1 is rectangular but other forms may evidently be provided.

Figure 6C schematically illustrates a third possible embodiment of a mechanism 82 comprising a post 821 slidably mounted in at least one corresponding receiver 822 of the main body 17 of the apparatus 1 and/or of the detector platform 3.

As can be seen in Figure 6C, the post 821 comprises at least two rigid rods 821 1 , mounted slidably in at least two tubes 8221 of mating inner shape and provided in the main body 17 of the apparatus 1 and/or in the detector platform 3.

The carriage 7 is preferably placed in upper position on the free end of the rods 821 1 .

As previously the mechanism 82 extends either side of the surface S of the detector platform 3 and the carriage has two end positions relative to the detector platform 3, namely a top position h and a bottom position h'.

The cross-section of the rods 821 1 is circular for example but other forms of cross-section can evidently be provided.

The raising and lowering of the post 801 , 81 1 or 821 within the receivers 802, 812 or 822 respectively, can be performed using any manner known to persons skilled in the art, for example by mechanical cooperation of a rack with a cogged wheel, worm screw, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, etc.

The movement of the post 801 , 81 1 or 821 within the receiver 802, 812 or 822 may be manual by means of a thumb wheel 71 for example, and/or motorized.

SECOND GENERAL EMBODIMENT

According to a second general embodiment, the mechanism comprises a post which is telescopic relative to the main body 17 of the apparatus 1 and/or the detector platform 3.

A first possible embodiment of a mechanism 83 comprising a said post 831 is illustrated in Figure 6D.

The post 831 forms a telescopic block supporting the carriage 7 connected to the paddle 4 at the upper part on the free end of the block.

The block 831 may for comprise three tiers for example, but provision may also be made for a different number. According to a second possible embodiment of a mechanism 84 comprising a said post 841 illustrated in Figure 6E, the post 841 comprises at least two telescopic rods 841 1 supporting the carriage 7 connected to the paddle 4, at the upper part on the free end of the rods 841 1 .

In both cases, the telescopic post 831 or 841 is mobile relative to the detector platform 3 and/or to the body 17 between an end top position denoted h and an end bottom position h' for the carriage 7.

As can be ascertained in Figures 6D and 6E, the block 831 or the rods 841 1 advantageously, but not limited thereto, may be received in retracted position inside a receiver 832 or 842 of mating shape and provided in the main body 17 of the apparatus 1 and/or in the detector platform 3. Therefore the mechanism 83 or 84 extends either side of the surface S of the detector platform 3.

The cross-section of the telescopic block 831 is rectangular for example, and the cross-section of the rods 841 1 is circular for example, but other forms of cross-section can evidently be provided.

The raising and lowering of the post 831 or 841 in the receiver 832 or 842 respectively, in particular but not limited thereto, may be carried out using any manner known to those skilled in the art, for example by mechanical cooperation of hollow or telescopic worm screws, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, etc.

The movement of the post 831 or 841 may be manual, by means of a thumb wheel 71 for example, and/or motorized. THIRD GENERAL EMBODIMENT

According to a third general embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a mechanism 85 comprising a post 851 that is scissor-hinged.

As shown figure 6F, the post 851 comprises at least one tier, each tier comprising at least two arms 851 1 and 8512 crossed in an X-shape and hinged substantially at their centre by means of a pivot link 8513, to form a scissor-like structure therefore able to raise or lower the carriage 7 connected to the paddle 4, in relation to the spacing x of the arms 851 1 and 8512. In Figure 6F, the post 851 comprises two tiers but any number of tiers can evidently be provided.

The mechanism 85 also comprises a protection 853 around the post 851 to prevent problems related to possible pinching of a user or patient by the hinged post 851 .

Said protection 853 can be formed for example of an elastic fabric or rigid telescopic structure for example.

As previously, the movement of the post 851 may be manual or motorized.

A carriage 7 has been described lying at intermediate position of the mechanism with reference to Figure 6B, the carriage 7 being connected to an arm 813 itself connected to a paddle 4; it will evidently be understood that the said carriage 7 and the said arm 813 can be applied as a variant to the embodiments described in the other figures.

The apparatus 1 advantageously comprises at least one handle 9 which, as shown in Figure 5, can advantageously be mounted in rotation on the body 17 of the apparatus 1 around the central part 171 and around the detector platform 3, so that the patient is able to hold the handle 9 during imaging.

The handle is also advantageously adapted so that it can have a deployed position and a retracted position as explained below.

The handle 9 can therefore be slidably mounted in a corresponding outer tube 91 , the tube 91 and the handle 9 being generally C-shaped. When the handle 9 lies fully inside the tube 91 , it is in retracted position, and when the handle 9 projects at least partly from the tube 91 it is in deployed position. The length of handle 9 projecting from the tube 91 allows adaptation to different patient heights.

The C formed by the tube 91 and the handle 9 is preferably positioned underneath the detector platform 3 relative to the gantry 5 in deployed position.

The C formed by the tube 91 and the handle 9 may be angled relative to the main body 17 of the apparatus 1 , for example to allow a free end of the handle 9 to be drawn closer as and when it leaves the tube 91 , or conversely. It is also possible to make provision for a degree of mechanical freedom of the tube 91 along one, two or three axes.

The length of the handle 9 after emerging from the tube 91 also enables the required angle to be imparted to the handle 9 in relation to the angle of imaging.

As shown in Figures 3C, 4 and 5, and as is conventional, the gantry 5 when in deployed position may effectively have an angular range a so that it is possible to take images from several possible angles.

In mammography, the detector platform 3 is in locked position relative to the gantry 5 and follows the angular movement of the gantry 5. The central part 171 may then undergo a rotation relative to the body 17 at the same time as the gantry 5.

However, advantageously, the apparatus 1 can also be used for tomosynthesis i.e. an entire sequence of radiographic images in a single cycle allowing a three-dimensional radiological image of the patient's breast to be formed. In this case, the detector platform 3 is in unlocked position relative to the gantry 5 and remains fixed (as well as the central part 171 ) relative to the body 17 during the angular movement of the gantry 5.

To impart ultra-portability to the apparatus 1 , the angular movement a of the gantry 5 is advantageously manual to avoid the presence of a motor.

In this case, the gantry 5 preferably comprises a handle for manually setting the gantry 5 in rotation, and the angular movements of the gantry 5 are preferably identified by graduation marks 54 on the body 17.

Evidently, the angular movement of the gantry 5 can be motorized and/or identified by other means such as a potentiometer or optical encoder.

To offset the relatively heavy weight of the source 2 (of the order of 20 kg) the apparatus 1 advantageously comprises balancing means 52 of the gantry 5.

The balancing means 52 can be formed of a counterweight located at a position diametrically opposite the gantry 5 relative to the body 17. The balancing means 52 may also comprise two toothed wheels linked by a spring of constant force and connected to the body 17, such as known to those skilled in the art, which is more lightweight and compact.

The apparatus 1 preferably solely comprises space 18 for storing mammography and/or tomosynthesis images, the display of the images for viewing being performed subsequently in an analysis laboratory.

The storage space 18 may be a flash memory for example or a hard disk.

The apparatus 1 may also comprise local means 19 for controlling and/or adjusting radiation and/or image acquisition parameters.

The apparatus 1 may also be adapted to have a link 201 with an external device 20:

for controlling and/or

adjusting

radiation and/or image acquisition parameters.

The device 20 may also be adapted for viewing mammography and/or tomosynthesis images.

The link 201 may be a wire or wireless link (WIFI or Bluetooth protocols for example).

The external device 20 may be a conventional console for controlling and/or adjusting radiation and/or image acquisition parameters. The device 20 may also be a portable device of PC, PDA or pad type.

Claims

1 . Apparatus (1 ) for mammography or tomosynthesis, adapted:

- in the one hand to have a deployed position adapted for normal operation of the apparatus, and

- in the other hand to have a retracted position for storage and/or transport of the apparatus,

characterized in that it is ultra-portable in retracted position and comprises an outer shell (10) for storage and/or transport of the apparatus (1 ) in retracted position.

2. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , comprising at least one X-ray source (2) removably mounted on a gantry (5), preferably via mounting of bayonet type, mounting of screw-nut type or via reversible elastic press-fit.

3. The apparatus (1 ) according to either of claims 1 or 2, comprising a detector platform (3) integrating an X-ray detector (31 ) removably mounted on a body (17) of the apparatus (1 ), preferably via mounting of reversible elastic press-fit type, or screw-nut or bayonet type.

4. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 3, comprising a handle (9) mounted in rotation on the body (17) of the apparatus (1 ) around the detector platform (3), and adapted to have a deployed position and a retracted position.

5. The apparatus according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the source (2) and/or the detector platform (3) are placed in the shell (10) in the retracted position of the apparatus (1 ).

6. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shell (10) comprises at least one wheel (16) for transporting the apparatus (1 ) in retracted position, and advantageously comprising a braking system to stabilize the apparatus in deployed position.

7. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6 comprising at least one foot (13, 15, 172) for stabilizing the apparatus in deployed position.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the foot (13, 15, 172) is part of the shell (10).

9. The apparatus according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the foot (13, 15, 17) is adapted to have a deployed position and a retracted position.

10. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a gantry (5) supporting at least one X-ray source (2) mounted in rotation on a body (17) of the apparatus, and comprising means (52) for balancing the gantry (5), preferably comprising a handle (51 ) for manually setting the gantry (5) in rotation.

1 1 . The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one part (1 1 ) of the shell (10) is part of a main body (17) of the apparatus (1 ).

12. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 1 1 , comprising a mechanism (80, 81 , 82, 83, 84, 85) for moving a paddle (4) relative to a detector platform (3) fixed to a main body (17) of the apparatus (1 ), to compress a patient's breast on the detector platform (3) forming a surface (S),

the mechanism (80, 81 , 82, 83, 84, 85) comprising a post (801 , 81 1 , 821 , 831 , 841 , 851 ), mobile relative to the detector platform (3) and/or the body (17), and adapted so that maximum extension (h, h') of the post relative to the surface (S) follows the movements of the paddle (4) relative to the detector platform (3).

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, comprising a thumb wheel (71 ) for manually actuating the mechanism (80, 81 , 82, 83, 84, 85).

14. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a storage space (18) for storing mammography and/or tomosynthesis images.

15. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 14, adapted to have a link (201 ) with an external device (20) for controlling and/or displaying mammography and/or tomosynthesis images.

16. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 15 weighing less than 100 kg.