WO2025190926A1

WO2025190926A1 - Gamma radiation imaging system for imaging of both breasts of a female person

Info

Publication number: WO2025190926A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/056581
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frederik Johannes Beekman
Original assignee: Stichting Molecular Imaging
Current assignee: Stichting Molecular Imaging
Priority date: 2024-03-11
Filing date: 2025-03-11
Publication date: 2025-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-11
Also published as: NL2037220B1

Abstract

A gamma radiation imaging system for imaging of both the left and right breast of a female person simultaneously. The system comprises a frame, a left breast imaging assembly and a right breast imaging assembly supported by the frame. Each imaging assembly comprises a set immobilization plates and at least a gamma camera. Seen in an anatomical frontal view of the torso of the female person, the left and right breast imaging assemblies are supported by the frame in a downward pointed V-arrangement.

Description

GAMMA RADIATION IMAGING SYSTEM FOR IMAGING OF BOTH BREASTS OF A FEMALE PERSON

The present invention relates to the field of gamma radiation imaging system for imaging of a breast of a female person.

Gamma radiation imaging systems for imaging of the female breast are, for example, disclosed in US9168014 and in US10617382. The known systems are configured for imaging one breast at a time, e.g. having two gamma cameras imaging the one breast.

In gamma radiation imaging a tracer, also called radiopharmaceutical, is administered to the person and then imaging is performed.

Screening of the female population for breast cancer is commonly done with an x-ray based mammography system. Gamma radiation imaging is nowadays not or hardly used for screening large numbers of female persons, even though the technique produces highly desirable detection outcomes, e.g. also in cases of (extremely) dense breast tissue. It is generally known that dense, or extremely dense, breast tissue decreases the sensitivity of mammography. This may lead to an increased risk of late diagnosis of breast cancer. Also, female persons with extremely dense breasts have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

The present invention aims to provide measures that allow for enhancement of the gamma radiation imaging process, e.g. allowing this imaging technique to be used for large scale screening of the female population for breast cancer.

According to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides a gamma radiation imaging system for imaging of both the left and right breast of a female person simultaneously, wherein the system comprises:

- a frame,

- a left breast imaging assembly supported by the frame,

- a right breast imaging assembly supported by the frame, wherein each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly comprises: - a set of a first immobilization plate and a second immobilization plate, wherein the first and second immobilization plates define an imaging space between them and are configured to hold a breast to be imaged between the immobilization plates,

- a first gamma camera configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the first immobilization plate, wherein, seen in an anatomical frontal view of the torso of the female person, the left and right breast imaging assemblies are supported by the frame in a downward pointed V- arrangement.

The system according to the first aspect further comprises an ergonomic support for support the female person comprising:

- a seat member for supporting the posterior thigh and/or buttocks of the female person,

- a lower leg support for supporting the anterior side of the lower legs of the female person,

- a torso support for resting thereon the torso of the female person in a forward leaning position, possibly a near horizontal position, of the torso.

The left and right breast imaging assemblies are arranged such as to allow for simultaneous imaging of the breasts of the female person whilst the forward leaning torso rests on the torso support.

In embodiments, the torso support is configured to define a forward leaning angle of the torso between 10° and 60°, e.g. between 25° and 45°, e.g. about 30 °, relative to a vertical orientation of the torso. Whilst a larger angle helps to move the breast naturally into a position which renders their holding between the plates more comfortable, a larger angle appears to be more demanding on the general population. Therefore, practical embodiments may allow for an inclination between 25° and 45°, e.g. about 30°. In practical embodiments, this angle of inclination leaning forward is fixed, so not adjustable. This allows for a simpler frame. In other embodiments, the frame allows to adjust this angle, e.g. between 10° and 50°.

The inventive system according to the first aspect beneficially combines an ergonomic posture including a forward leaning torso of the female person with effective simultaneous imaging using the left and right breast imaging assemblies in a downward V-arrangement, each holding a respective breast between the immobilization plates thereof.

The system according to the first aspect allows for a reduction of the dose of tracer to be administered to the female person compared to performing the imaging of one breast after another, and therefore a lower radiation burden on the person. Also, the total time period in which the person has to have the breasts held between the immobilization plates is halved. This may cause more persons to subject their breasts to regular screening.

Compared to known imaging systems wherein the person stands or sits down with the torso vertically, this ergonomic posture provides enhanced comfort and can be readily combined with the two imaging assemblies as discussed herein. The posture is also considered practical for large scale screening, as many persons will find it attractive and getting into and out of the posture can be easily done.

The support of the anterior side of the lower legs may provide support for a major portion of the lower legs, but could also be supporting, for example, just a region near the ankle. Or a support at the knee and at the ankle is envisaged.

In an embodiment, the ergonomic support further comprises a head rest for resting thereon the head of the female person. Preferably, the head rest is embodied as a face rest with a central opening and a face pillow, e.g. an annular, U-shaped, or horseshoe shaped pillow, against which the person places her face.

In an embodiment, the ergonomic support further comprises arm supports configured to support the arms of the female person. Preferably, this is combined with a head rest.

In an embodiment, the arm supports are forearm supports which are configured to support the forearms of the seated female person in a configuration wherein the upper arms are spread outwards, e.g. each upper arm being angled between 45 - 90° outward when seen in frontal view on the torso, e.g. between 70 and 90°. This posture is beneficial in combination with the V-arrangement of the imaging assemblies, in particular in absence of any torso support along the outer lateral sides of the breast. This creates space for the V-arrangement of the imaging assembly and allows for optimal positioning of the imaging assemblies when they, or parts thereof, are adjustable in position as discussed herein. Preferably, the forearm supports allow for a posture wherein the upper arms are also angled forwards. For example, the forearm supports are configured to support the forearms in a forward direction. This may be parallel to one another, but other arrangements, e.g. converging so that the hands of the person may contact one another, are also envisaged. In embodiments, the forearm support are configured to provide a substantially horizontal support of the forearms. In an embodiment, the torso support comprises, preferably consist of, an abdominal support member configured to support a lower abdominal region of the torso and an upper chest region support member configured to support the torso above the breast, the left and right breast imaging assemblies being arranged between the abdominal support member and the upper chest region support member. Most preferably, the torso support is devoid of any support member at the lateral sides of the breasts so as to allow for optimal arrangement of the imaging assemblies.

In practical embodiments, the abdominal support member is configured to extend across the frontal width of the lower abdomen, above the legs of the seated female person. In practical embodiments this abdominal support member is mounted centrally to a frame.

In practical embodiments, the upper chest region support member is configured to extend across the width of the chest above the breast, so over a region of the sternum, e.g. over the manubrium, and over upper ribs, e.g. in proximity or over the clavicles.

In order to allow for a comfortable posture of the female person, in embodiments, one or more of the seat member, lower leg support, torso support, head rest, and/or arm supports, is adjustable in position and/or inclination allowing for adaptation to the female person. For example, the seat member is adjustable in height. For example, the inclination of the seat member is adjustable about a horizontal transverse axis. For example, the lower leg support is adjustable in generally horizontal direction and/or in inclination about a horizontal transverse axis. For example, the abdominal support is translatable towards and away from the seated person. For example, the upper chest region support is adjustable relative to the abdominal support in direction of height of the person, so as to allow for taller and shorter persons. For example, the arm supports are adjustable, e.g. forearm supports being adjustable with regard to the transverse position and/or in vertical direction and/or in inclination about a horizontal transverse axis.

It will be appreciated that by allowing for adjustability of the one or more components of the ergonomic support an optimal set-up for the female person can be established. In a simple embodiment only the height of the seat member is adjustable. In other embodiments a plurality of adjustments can be made. Whilst having multiple adjustable components may benefit the individual comfort during the imaging process, this may impair the efficiency. In view thereof, as explained below, the present invention proposes to provide an additional dummy imaging device which allows to determine a person-specific set-up, preferably not just of the seating but also of the components of the imaging assemblies, which set-up can then be transferred to the real imaging device. This avoid undue time being spent on the real imaging device in getting the set-up right for the person.

In an embodiment, the arm supports are configured to support the arms of the female person in a configuration wherein the arms are extended upwards from the torso of the female person on both sides of the head. In practical embodiments, the arms are then held effectively like one normally raises both arms upwards. Preferably, this is combined with a head rest. This posture of the arms facilitates the use of the left and right breast imaging assemblies, each holding a respective breast between the immobilization plates. It is believed that this posture of the arms, whilst being advantageous in view of the arrangement of the imaging assemblies, is less universally applicable for the broader population to be screened.

In an embodiment, the components of the ergonomic support share a frame with the imaging assemblies.

Due to the downward pointed V-arrangement of the imaging assemblies in the first aspect of the invention, the imaging assemblies can provide an effective image of both breasts. For example, in embodiments, the frame supports the imaging assemblies in an angular adjustable manner so that the angle of the V-arrangement in this anatomical frontal view can be altered. In an embodiment, the angle of the V-arrangement is adjustable over a range of angles which includes a horizontal position of each of the imaging assemblies (seen in anatomical frontal view). So, for example, the imaging assemblies can be adjusted into a position wherein the assemblies are horizontal, that is the V-arrangement has been brought into a 180 degree angle.

In an embodiment, the imaging assemblies are supported by the frame such that the transverse spacing between the imaging assemblies is adjustable.

Preferably, each of the left and right breast imaging assemblies has an inner end and an outer end, wherein each breast imaging assembly is support by the frame such that the inner end is in proximity of the anatomical sagittal plane of the female person and the outer end in proximity of the respective left and right shoulder of the female person. For example, a lower gamma camera of an imaging assembly is adjustable along an axis through its inner and outer ends relative to the upper gamma camera of the assembly, e.g. allowing to performing imaging with multiple positions along this axis of the lower gamma camera. Preferably, seen in an anatomical top view of the torso of the female person, the left and right breast imaging assemblies are supported by the frame in a forward pointed V-arrangement, with an inner end of the breast imaging assembly further forward from the anatomical coronal plane of the female person than an outer end of the breast imaging assembly. This allows the imaging assemblies to be positioned in conformity with the torso of the person and allows for enhanced imaging in the area where the breasts adjoin the torso. For example, in embodiments, the frame supports the imaging assemblies in an angular adjustable manner so that the angle of this V-arrangement in top view can be altered.

In practical embodiments, the first gamma camera comprises:

- a first collimator assembly, which extends in a plane parallel to the first immobilization plate,

- a first gamma sensitive detector arranged to receive gamma radiation passing through the first collimator assembly.

In practical embodiments, each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly further comprises:

- a second gamma camera configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the second immobilization plate.

In embodiments, the second gamma camera comprises:

- a second collimator assembly, which extends in a plane parallel to the second immobilization plate,

- a second gamma sensitive detector arranged to receive gamma radiation passing through the second collimator assembly.

For example, the first gamma camera is an upper gamma camera of the imaging assembly and the second gamma camera is a lower gamma camera of the imaging assembly, the breast generally being located between the gamma cameras.

For example, a collimator assembly comprises, e.g. is embodied as, a collimator plate part with planar and parallel incident and rear faces, e.g. with slanted parallel holes through the plate part.

For example, the gamma cameras of the system, e.g. the lower cameras in particular, e.g. the collimator assemblies thereof, may at their inner ends be configured to allow for a minimal spacing between them, e.g. having slanted inner sides to allow for minimal spacing. In a particular beneficial embodiment, each imaging assembly has first and second immobilization plates as well as first and second gamma cameras with a collimator assembly. In embodiments, both of the first and second collimator assemblies each comprise a collimator part provided with a set of parallel holes, preferably at an angle of inclination relative to a planar incident face of the collimator part, e.g. parallel slanted holes. Preferably, the holes of the collimator parts of two gamma cameras belonging to one imaging assembly have an inclination with an opposite sign relative to a normal plane of the respective collimator part. Most preferably, these holes have the same angle of inclination for an arrangement wherein holes of one collimator part are aligned with holes in the other collimator part.

In a practical embodiment, the angle of inclination of the holes corresponds to the maximum angle of inclination of the downward V-arrangement of the imaging assemblies. In another embodiments, the angle of inclination of the holes is different than said maximum angle.

In practical embodiments, each of the left and right breast imaging assemblies has an inner end and an outer end, wherein each breast imaging assembly is supported by the frame such that the inner end is in proximity of the anatomical sagittal plane of the female person and the outer end in proximity of the respective left and right shoulder of the female person.

In an embodiment each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly further comprises a second gamma camera arranged at a side of the second immobilization plate opposite the first gamma camera, the second gamma camera being configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the second immobilization plate. In a practical embodiment, one of the first and second cameras then is the upper gamma camera, arranged above the breast, and the other one is the lower gamma camera, arranged below the breast, wherein above and below also applies for the inclined orientation due to the downward pointed V- arrangement of the left and right breast imaging assemblies. In such an embodiment, preferably, the lower gamma camera of each imaging assembly is adjustable along an axis through the inner and outer ends relative to an upper gamma camera of the imaging assembly. This allows for further adaptation to the anatomy of the person and the breasts thereof. Such adjustment may involve also adjusting the respective immobilization plate associated with the lower gamma camera, but in another embodiment, the adjustment along said axis of the lower gamma camera can be done without moving the associated immobilization plate. In an embodiment, each gamma camera has an inner side directed - in use - to the anatomical sagittal plane of the female person, wherein said inner side is inclined relative to the associated immobilization plate, e.g. so as to be generally parallel to said sagittal plane at a maximum angle of the downward pointed V-arrangement of the left and right breast imaging assemblies. This inclined design of the inner sides of the gamma cameras allows for a close proximity of the inner ends of the gamma cameras to said sagittal plane, e.g. closer compared to a traditional design wherein the gamma camera has sides which are perpendicular to the associated immobilization plate. In embodiments, the gamma cameras each comprise a collimator part provided with a set of parallel holes, preferably at an angle of inclination relative to a planar incident face of the collimator part.

In an embodiment, each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly is configured to be releasably mounted to the frame. Preferably, each assembly is embodied as one imaging assembly unit which at least comprises the set of the first immobilization plate and the second immobilization plate as well as each gamma camera of the imaging assembly. For example, the frame is provided with a left mounting structure and with a right mounting structure, each configured to releasably mount thereon a respective one of the left breast imaging assembly unit and the right breast imaging assembly unit.

The embodiment wherein each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly is configured to be releasably mounted to the frame, e.g. each as one unit, it is envisaged that the system may be equipped with both imaging assemblies to simultaneously image both breast. This embodiment also allows for an operational configuration of the system wherein just one of the imaging assemblies is mounted to the frame, e.g. just the left one or the right one, when this is desired.

In an embodiment wherein each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly is configured to be releasably mounted to the frame, e.g. each as one unit, a further optional feature may be that at least one assembly, e.g. unit, is configured to be placed on a table without requiring a frame for support. This, for example, may allow for use of such an assembly when a person is seated at the table.

In an embodiment, at least one of the immobilization plates, in practical embodiments along with the respective gamma camera, is movable in a direction substantially towards the other plate of the imaging assembly, e.g. allowing for a breast to be held immobile under (light) compression during imaging. In general, compression will cause the breast to remain in place with respect to the plates and the gamma cameras, so enhancing the quality of the image. Also compression may make the breast to be imaged thinner, and the obtained images more unambiguous.

In an embodiment, one of the immobilization plates and the associated gamma camera is tiltable relative to the other immobilization plate and associated other gamma camera allowing for the immobilization plates and gamma cameras to be arranged non-parallel during imaging, yet imaging in parallel orientation is preferred.

The inventive concept and aspects discussed herein is/are not limited to any particular design of the gamma camera, the collimator assembly, and/or the detector thereof. It is noted that a rather thin embodiment of the gamma camera is advantageous as it allows for the incident faces of the collimators of the gamma cameras of the two imaging assemblies to be brought close together in the V-arrangement. For example, a detector which is rather thin is used, e.g. for the upper gamma cameras.

In an embodiment, the detector is a CZT (Cadmium Zinc Telluride) detector.

For example, the breast imaging is performed as dual- or multi-isotope imaging, e.g. using two or three tracers which have different energy levels which can be discerned by the detector, e.g. the CZT detector. These tracers may be administered simultaneously to the female person, but other approaches are also envisaged. For example, one tracer labels a metabolic probe. For example, another tracer labels another type of probe, e.g. a selective probe which includes an antibody. For example, when use is made of a dummy imaging device as discussed herein, the one or more tracers can be administered after the person has been seated on the dummy imaging device to determine the person-specific set-up. Sometimes tracers are used that require a lengthy time period before imaging can take place. It may then be an option to administer such tracer prior to seating the person on the dummy device. However, administering the one or more tracers after seating on the dummy device is preferred as no radiation issue then arises, e.g. for the person assisting with the seating on the dummy device.

In embodiments, one or more of the collimator assemblies comprise a collimator part provided with a set of parallel holes, e.g. perpendicular or at an angle of inclination relative to a planar incident face of the collimator part. For example, one or more of the collimator assemblies comprises a first collimator part having a first set of parallel holes at a first angle, e.g. perpendicular, and a second collimator part having parallel holes at a different, second angle differing from the first, e.g. inclined. These first and second collimator parts are then exchangeable, e.g. shiftable or otherwise movable, so that in a first imaging step imaging can be done with the first collimator part and in a second imaging step with the second collimator part allowing to obtain more accurate information than with just one collimator part.

In an embodiment, at least one of the immobilization plates is provided with a grid of tool apertures each configured to allow for passage of a tool, e.g. a biopsy tool or a marking tool, through the immobilization plate. For example, after imaging has been done and a region of interest has been localized, without undoing the clamping of the breast, the tool is used for a biopsy or marking. There may be a multitude of such apertures, e.g. apertures being spaced closely to one another, e.g. closer than their individual diameter. For example, the grid of tool apertures is a rectangular grid with equidistant spaced tool apertures. In practical embodiments, the tool apertures are circular, e.g. having a diameter between 2 mm and 4 mm, e.g. about 3 mm. For example, a gamma camera associated with the immobilization plate provided with a grid of tool apertures is movable into a remote position, e.g. tilted and/or shifted from its operative position.

As discussed herein also with respect to the fourth aspect of the invention, the use of gamma radiation imaging in screening of the female population for breast cancer, even when it would only be applied to persons having dense or even extremely dense breast tissue, requires efficiency when performing the screening. In this regard, in an embodiment, the system further comprises a dummy imaging device which has no gamma camera(s) allowing, for example, for the person to become acquainted with the posture before being examined by means of the real imaging device. This saves time spent on a session at the real imaging device, e.g. allowing for more persons to be handled per day. It may, possibly, also allow for a reduction of the dose of tracer as less time is wasted on seating the person on the real imaging device ahead of the start of the imaging process.

In a practical embodiment, the dummy imaging device also comprises an ergonomic support for support the female person with:

- a torso support for resting thereon the torso of the female person in a forward leaning position of the torso, wherein dummy imaging device further comprises:

- a frame,

- a dummy left breast imaging assembly supported by the frame,

- a dummy right breast imaging assembly supported by the frame, wherein each of the dummy left breast imaging assembly and the dummy right breast imaging assembly comprises:

- a set of a first immobilization plate and a second immobilization plate, wherein the first and second immobilization plates define an imaging space between them and are configured to hold a breast to be imaged between the immobilization plates, and wherein each of the dummy left breast imaging assembly and the dummy right breast imaging assembly are devoid of a gamma camera, wherein, seen in an anatomical frontal view of the torso of the female person, the dummy left and right breast imaging assemblies are supported by the frame in a downward pointed V- arrangement.

The dummy imaging assemblies may have, and preferably have, the same adjustability of the imaging assemblies as in the real imaging device, e.g. including adjustment of the angles in the downward pointed V-arrangement and/or one or more of the other adjustments as discussed herein.

In an embodiment, a person is first seated at the dummy imaging device and the one or more adjustments of the dummy imaging assemblies are made to achieve a set-up which is specific for the person.

In practical embodiments, the ergonomic support of the real imaging device and of the dummy imaging device (when present) is also adjustable to adapt the support to the specific person. In an embodiment, the person is seated first at the dummy imaging device and the one or more adjustments of the ergonomic support are made to achieve a set-up of the ergonomic support which is specific for the person.

In a practical embodiment, the set-up created with the person seated on the dummy imaging device is transferred to the real imaging device, e.g. automatically, e.g. the adjustments being made by motorized actuators.

The first aspect of present invention also relates to a method of gamma imaging both breasts of a female person simultaneously, wherein use is made of the system as described herein.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a gamma radiation imaging system for imaging of both the left and right breast of a female person simultaneously, wherein the system comprises: - a frame,

- a left breast imaging assembly supported by the frame,

- a right breast imaging assembly supported by the frame, wherein each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly comprises:

- a set of a first immobilization plate and a second immobilization plate, wherein the first and second immobilization plates define an imaging space between them and are configured to hold a breast to be imaged between the immobilization plates,

The system of the second aspect of the invention may further comprise one or more of the features discussed herein with reference to first aspect of the invention. In particular, in embodiments, the system of the second aspect of the invention may further comprise one or more of the features as disclosed in the subclaims.

In an embodiment, the system of the second aspect of the invention is embodied such that each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly further comprises a second gamma camera arranged at a side of the second immobilization plate opposite the first gamma camera, the second gamma camera being configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the second immobilization plate, wherein the second gamma camera comprises:

In a particular beneficial embodiment, each imaging assembly has first and second immobilization plates as well as first and second gamma cameras with a collimator assembly, wherein both of the first and second collimator assemblies each comprise a collimator part provided with a set of parallel holes, preferably at an angle of inclination relative to a planar incident face of the collimator part, e.g. parallel slanted holes. Preferably, the holes of the collimator parts of two gamma cameras belonging to one imaging assembly have an inclination with an opposite sign relative to a normal plane of the respective collimator part. Most preferably, these holes have the same angle of inclination. This allows for an arrangement wherein holes of one collimator part are aligned with holes in the other collimator part.

In a practical embodiment, the angle of inclination of the holes corresponds to the maximum angle of inclination of the downward V-arrangement of the imaging assemblies.

In an embodiment each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly further comprises a second gamma camera arranged at a side of the second immobilization plate opposite the first gamma camera, the second gamma camera being configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the second immobilization plate. In a practical embodiment, one of the first and second cameras then is the upper gamma camera, arranged above the breast, and the other one is the lower gamma camera, arranged below the breast, wherein above and below also applies for the inclined orientation due to the downward pointed V- arrangement of the left and right breast imaging assemblies. In such an embodiment, preferably, the lower gamma camera of each imaging assembly is adjustable along an axis through the inner and outer ends relative to an upper gamma camera of the imaging assembly. This allows for further adaptation to the anatomy of the person and the breasts thereof. Such adjustment may involve also adjusting the respective immobilization plate associated with the lower gamma camera, but in another embodiment, the adjustment along said axis of the lower gamma camera can be done without moving the associated immobilization plate.

In an embodiment, each gamma camera has an inner side directed - in use - to the anatomical sagittal plane of the female person, wherein said inner side is inclined relative to the associated immobilization plate, e.g. so as to be generally parallel to said sagittal plane at a maximum angle of the downward pointed V-arrangement of the left and right breast imaging assemblies. This inclined design of the inner sides of the gamma cameras allows for a close proximity of the inner ends of the gamma cameras to said sagittal plane, e.g. closer compared to a traditional design wherein the gamma camera has sides which are perpendicular to the associated immobilization plate. In embodiments, the gamma cameras each comprise a collimator part provided with a set of parallel holes, preferably at an angle of inclination relative to a planar incident face of the collimator part.

In an embodiment wherein each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly is configured to be releasably mounted to the frame, e.g. each as one unit, a further optional feature may be that the system comprises multiple different frames, e.g. each frame being embodied for a specific posture, e.g. one or more of a frame for a standing posture, a seated posture with an upright torso, a posture with a forward leaning posture, for example, using the ergonomic support as described herein, and/or a posture wherein the person lies on a table. This allows for enhanced versatility of the system in accordance with the second aspect.

The second aspect of present invention also relates to a method of gamma imaging both breasts of a female person simultaneously, wherein use is made of the system as described herein.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to an ergonomic support for support of a female person during gamma radiation imaging of one or both breasts, comprising:

- a torso support for resting thereon the torso of the female person in a forward leaning position, of the torso,

- preferably, a head rest for resting thereon the head of the female person.

This ergonomic support is, preferably, provided for use in combination with left and right breast imaging assemblies, e.g. as described herein, so as to allow for simultaneous imaging of the breasts of the female person whilst the torso rests on the torso support. Preferably, one or more parts of the ergonomic support are adjustable to adopt the seating to a specific person.

It will be appreciated that the ergonomic support according to the third aspect may comprises one or more features as discussed herein, e.g. with reference to the first and/or second aspect, with respect to the figures, and/or as disclosed in the subclaims. The third aspect of the present invention also relates to a gamma radiation imaging system for imaging of a breast of a female person, for example of both the left and right breast of a female person simultaneously, the system comprising:

- a frame,

- a breast imaging assembly supported by the frame, e.g. a left and right breast imaging assembly,

- an ergonomic support for support the female person during gamma radiation imaging of one or both breasts, comprising:

- a torso support for resting thereon the torso of the female person in a forward leaning position, possibly a near horizontal position, of the torso,

- preferably, a head rest for resting thereon the head of the female person.

Herein the frame can be integrated with the ergonomic support, e.g. the breast imaging assembly being mounted to the torso support.

The third present invention also relates to the use of the ergonomic support as described herein for supporting the female person during gamma radiation imaging of one or both breasts.

A fourth aspect of the present invention concerns the issue that the use of gamma radiation imaging in screening of the female population for breast cancer, even when it would only be applied to persons having dense or even extremely dense breast tissue, requires efficiency when performing the screening. In the fourth aspect, as in embodiments of other aspects discussed herein, it is envisaged that the screening is performed by an imaging device including left and right imaging assemblies which are adjustable in at least one direction and/or angle. For example, the imaging assemblies, seen in an anatomical frontal view of the torso of the female person, are supported by a frame in a downward pointed V-arrangement in an angular adjustable manner so that the angle of the V-arrangement can be adjusted to the actual person. Any adjustment, in particular when the person is screened in this manner for the first time, may be time consuming. This may impair the number of persons that can be handled per day. The fourth aspect of the present invention envisages a gamma radiation imaging system comprising a real imaging device for imaging of both the left and right breast of a female person simultaneously, wherein the real imaging device comprises:

- a frame,

- a left breast imaging assembly supported by the frame,

- a first gamma camera configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the first immobilization plate, wherein the left and right imaging assemblies are adjustable in at least one direction and/or angle, and wherein the gamma radiation imaging system further comprises a dummy imaging device which comprises:

- a frame,

- a dummy left breast imaging assembly supported by the frame,

- a set of a first immobilization plate and a second immobilization plate, wherein the first and second immobilization plates define an imaging space between them and are configured to hold a breast to be imaged between the immobilization plates, and wherein each of the dummy left breast imaging assembly and the dummy right breast imaging assembly are devoid of a gamma camera, wherein the dummy left and right imaging assemblies are adjustable in at least one direction and/or angle similar to the left and right imaging assemblies of the real imaging device.

The presence of a dummy imaging device in addition to the real imaging device allows for an operation wherein, for a specific female person, first an appropriate set-up of the dummy left and right imaging assemblies is determined, e.g. including the angle of the V-arrangement in the frontal view. This can be done under the guidance of an assistant who need not necessarily be qualified for operating the real imaging device. The selected set-up can then be transferred to the real imaging device, so that the time the real imaging device is in use for the person can be reduced. For example, the adjustment of the V-arrangement is motorized, e.g. at least in the real imaging device, e.g. both in the dummy and the real imaging device.

In an embodiment, both the real imaging device and the dummy imaging device comprise an associated ergonomic support for support the female person comprising:

- optionally, a lower leg support for supporting the anterior side of the lower legs of the female person,

- optionally, a torso support for resting thereon the torso of the female person in a forward leaning position of the torso, wherein at least one part of the ergonomic support is adjustable to adapt the seating for a specific person.

It will be appreciated that this arrangement allows to select the most appropriate set-up of both the ergonomic support and of the imaging assemblies on the dummy imaging device, which set-up is than transferred to the real imaging device. This allows to shorten the duration of a session on the real imaging device. This may increase the number of person that can be handled per day. It may, possibly, also allow for a reduction of the dosage of tracer as less time is spent ahead of the actual imaging.

The fourth aspect of the present invention envisages a gamma radiation imaging system comprising a real imaging device for imaging of at least one breast of a female person simultaneously, wherein the real imaging device comprises:

- a frame, - a breast imaging assembly supported by the frame, wherein each breast imaging assembly comprises:

- a first gamma camera configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the first immobilization plate, wherein the imaging assembly is adjustable in at least one direction and/or angle, and wherein the gamma radiation imaging system further comprises a dummy imaging device which comprises:

- a frame,

- a dummy breast imaging assembly supported by the frame, wherein each dummy breast imaging assembly comprises:

- a set of a first immobilization plate and a second immobilization plate, wherein the first and second immobilization plates define an imaging space between them and are configured to hold a breast to be imaged between the immobilization plates, and wherein each dummy breast imaging assembly is devoid of a gamma camera, wherein both the real imaging device and the dummy imaging device comprise an associated ergonomic support for support the female person comprising:

- optionally, a torso support for resting thereon the torso of the female person in a forward leaning position of the torso, wherein at least one part of the ergonomic support is adjustable to adapt the seating for a specific person. It will be appreciated that the imaging assemblies, the mounting and/or adjustability thereof, and/or the functionality thereof in the real and in the dummy imaging device, preferably, may further include one or more of the features as discussed herein with reference to one or more of the other aspects, e.g. as disclosed in the claims.

It will be appreciated that the ergonomic supports of the real and the dummy imaging device, preferably, may further include one or more of the features as discussed herein with reference to one or more of the other aspects, e.g. as disclosed in the claims.

In embodiments, for adjusting the position and/or inclination of one or more of the components of the ergonomic support one or more motorized actuators are provided. In embodiments, this applies both to the ergonomic support of the real imaging device and to the ergonomic support of the dummy imaging device. The latter may allow for a set-up for the seating of a person established on the dummy imaging device to be transferred automatically to the real imaging device, e.g. a controller, e.g. computerized controller, being linked to all motorized actuators, and to be established by the one or more motorized actuators thereof.

It will be appreciated that the determination of a person-specific set-up may not only include one or more components of the ergonomic support but also of the set-up of the imaging assemblies, e.g. of one or more of the inclination(s) of the imaging assemblies, their transverse spacing, the position of the lower gamma camera relative to the upper gamma camera in transverse direction, etc. Also such parameters of the set-up may be determined on the dummy imaging device and then transferred to the real imaging device.

The fourth aspect of the invention also relates to a method for use of the system. In embodiments, a person is first placed, e.g. seated, at the dummy imaging device to determine a set-up of the imaging assemblies, possibly also of the ergonomic support, which set-up is then transferred and implemented on the real imaging device.

The invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

- fig. 1A shows in an anatomical frontal view schematically, an embodiment of a system according to the invention whilst imaging both breasts of a female person,

- fig. 1B shows the system of figure 1 wherein the imaging assemblies have been tilted into horizontal orientation,

- fig. 2 shows the system of figure 1 in anatomical top view,

- fig. 3 shows in an anatomical frontal view, schematically, the breasts to be imaged as well as the imaging assemblies, - fig. 4 shows schematically in side view, an example of a system according to the invention whilst imaging both breasts of a female person,

- fig. 5 shows the system of figure 4 with the arms resting on the arm supports,

- fig. 6 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of the ergonomic support of the system according to the invention,

- figs. 7a, b, c show an example of the ergonomic support of a system according to the invention.

The figures illustrate schematically a gamma radiation imaging system 1 for imaging of both the left and right breast 10, 11 of a female person 5 simultaneously.

The system comprises:

- a frame 20,

- a left breast imaging assembly 30 supported by the frame,

- a right breast imaging assembly 50 supported by the frame.

The left breast imaging assembly 30 comprises:

- a set of a first immobilization plate 31 and a second immobilization plate 32, wherein the first and second immobilization plates 31, 32 define an imaging space between them and are configured to hold a breast 10 to be imaged between the immobilization plates,

- a first or upper gamma camera 34 configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the first immobilization plate 31 ,

- a second or lower gamma camera 40 configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the second immobilization plate 32.

The right breast imaging assembly 50 comprises:

- a set of a first immobilization plate 51 and a second immobilization plate 52, wherein the first and second immobilization plates 51, 52 define an imaging space between them and are configured to hold a breast 11 to be imaged between the immobilization plates,

- a first gamma camera 54 configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the first immobilization plate 51 ,

- a second or lower gamma camera 60 configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the second immobilization plate 52. In each assembly 30, 50, see the schematically shown example of figure 3, the first gamma camera 34, 54 comprises:

- a first collimator assembly 34a, 54a, which extends in a plane parallel to the first immobilization plate 31, 51,

- a first gamma sensitive detector 34b, 54b arranged to receive gamma radiation passing through the first collimator assembly.

In each assembly 30, 50, the second gamma camera 40, 60 comprises:

- a second collimator assembly 40a, 60a, which extends in a plane parallel to the second immobilization plate 32, 52,

- a second gamma sensitive detector 40b, 60b arranged to receive gamma radiation passing through the second collimator assembly.

Figure 3 shows, by way of example, an embodiment wherein the collimator assemblies each comprise a collimator part, provided with a set of parallel holes, here at an angle of inclination relative to a planar incident face of the collimator part. As shown, in embodiments, the holes of the collimator parts of two gamma cameras belonging to one imaging assembly have an inclination with an opposite sign relative to a normal plane of the collimator part, and, preferably, with the same angle, allowing holes of one collimator part to be aligned with holes in the other collimator part.

For example, as shown, a collimator assembly 34a, 40a, 54a, 60a comprises, e.g. is embodied as a collimator plate part with planar and parallel incident and rear faces, e.g. with slanted parallel holes through the plate part.

As illustrated, the gamma cameras of the system, e.g. the lower cameras 40, 60 in particular, e.g. the collimator assemblies thereof, may at their inner ends be configured to allow for a minimal spacing between them, e.g. having slanted inner sides to allow for minimal spacing.

For example, as schematically shown, the collimator assemblies comprises a first collimator part having a first set of parallel holes at a first angle, e.g. perpendicular, and a second collimator part having parallel holes at a different, second angle differing from the first, e.g. inclined. These first and second collimator parts are then exchangeable, e.g. shiftable or otherwise movable, so that in a first imaging step imaging can be done with the first collimator part and in a second imaging step with the second collimator part allowing to obtain more accurate information than with just one collimator part. It is noted that, in embodiments, one or more of the gamma cameras are devoid of a collimator assembly.

In embodiments, each breast imaging assembly 30, 50 is supported as a unit (indicated with dashed lines in figure 3) by the frame 20, e.g. as a releasably mounted unit. In other embodiments, each combination of an immobilization plate and the respective gamma camera is supported as a unit by the frame 20, e.g. allowing for adjustment thereof relative to the other combination of an immobilization plate and the respective gamma within the same imaging assembly, e.g. as shown with dashed lines in figure 1A.

As illustrated in figure 1 A, seen in an anatomical frontal view of the torso 6 of the female person 5, the left and right breast imaging assemblies 30, 50 are supported by the frame 20 in a downward pointed V-arrangement. Herein, the downward direction is to be seen in anatomical terms. For example, in the posture of figure 3 the torso 6 leans forward yet the left and right breast imaging assemblies 30, 50 are supported by the frame 20 in a downward pointed V-arrangement like shown in figure 1.

In embodiments, the frame 20 supports the imaging assemblies 30, 50 in an angular adjustable manner so that the angle of the V-arrangement in the anatomical frontal view is adjustable, e.g. to adapt the arrangement to the person and the breasts thereof.

The angular adjustment of the V-arrangement may, in embodiments, comprise that the angle of the V-arrangement is adjustable over a range of angles which includes a horizontal position of each of the imaging assemblies (seen in anatomical frontal view). So, for example, the imaging assemblies can be adjusted into a position wherein the assemblies are horizontal, that is the V-arrangement has been brought into a 180 degree angle. This is illustrated in figure 1B.

For example, imaging of the breasts is performed in a configuration wherein the imaging assemblies 30, 50 are in a V-arrangement in the anatomical frontal view and also in a configuration wherein the imaging assemblies 30, 50 are in the horizontal position seen in anatomical frontal view. This allows for image data acquisition from different angles, which enhances the imaging process. Also, it allows, in embodiments, to match these gamma radiation images with other images of the same breasts obtained with X-ray images obtained with an X-ray device and taken with the same configuration. As explained, the inventive system may also be used for imaging just one breast, e.g. when earlier screening (e.g. based on X-ray) detected a suspect region. For such imaging of a single breast, in embodiments, just a single imaging assembly could be mounted to the frame with the other imaging assembly being removed.

In embodiments, the left breast and right breast imaging assemblies 30, 50 are supported by the frame 20 such that the spacing between the imaging assemblies 30, 50 is adjustable, e.g. to adapt the arrangement to the person and the breasts thereof.

As shown in figure 1, in embodiments, each of the left and right breast imaging assemblies 30, 50 has an inner end and an outer end, wherein each breast imaging assembly is supported by the frame 20 such that the inner end is in proximity of the anatomical sagittal plane SP (see figure 3) of the female person and the outer end in proximity of the respective left and right shoulder of the female person.

For example, as illustrated in figures 1 and 3, a lower gamma camera 40, 60 of each imaging assembly 30, 50 is adjustable along an axis through the inner and outer ends relative to an upper gamma camera 34, 54 of the imaging assembly 30, 50. This allows for further adaptation to the anatomy of the person and the breasts thereof. Such adjustment may involve also adjusting the respective immobilization plate 32, 52, but in another embodiment, the adjustment of the gamma camera 40, 60 can be done without moving the plate.

As illustrated in figure 2, seen in an anatomical top view of the torso 6 of the female person 5, the left and right breast imaging assemblies 30, 50 are supported by the frame 20 in a forward pointed V-arrangement, with an inner end of the breast imaging assembly further forward from the anatomical coronal plane CP of the female person 5 than an outer end of the breast imaging assembly 30, 50. For example, the frame supports each of the imaging assemblies 30, 50 in an angular adjustable manner so that the angle of the V-arrangement in this anatomical top view is adjustable.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the system, wherein an ergonomic support 100 for supporting the female person 5 during imaging of both breasts simultaneously is provided.

The support 100 comprises:

- a seat member 101 for supporting the posterior thigh and/or buttocks of the female person 5,

- a lower leg support 102 for supporting the anterior side of the lower legs of the female person 5, - a torso support 103 for resting thereon the torso 6 of the female person 5 in a forward leaning position, possibly a near horizontal position, of the torso 6,

- a head rest 104 for resting thereon the head 7 of the female person 5.

The frame 20 may be integral or combined with the ergonomic support 100, so one or more parts of the support 100 may serve as frame 20 which supports the assemblies. As shown, the left and right breast imaging assemblies 30, 50, are arranged relative to the support 100 so as to allow for simultaneous imaging of the breasts of the female person 5 whilst the torso rests on the torso support 103. Here, see figure 5, it is envisaged that the torso support, e.g. the left and right torso support members 103a, b may be embodied to mount thereon, e.g. releasably, the assemblies 30, 50, so that the torso support forms part of the frame.

The ergonomic support 100 further may comprise arm supports 106 configured to support the arms 8 of the female person 5, e.g. the arms being extended upwards on both sides of the head as shown in figure 5. As shown, the arms need not be fully extended in an upward direction relative to the leaning forward torso. This might be uncomfortable over time, so an angled elbow is well possible. The arm supports 106 need not be parallel to one another, they could also be diverging or otherwise. For example, the angle between the arm supports is adjustable to optimize support of the arms of a specific person.

For example, the seat member 101 and/or the torso support are adjustable in view of the height of the female person to be screened, and/or the assemblies 30, 50 are adjustable for this purpose (so adjustable in height when considered in the anatomical frontal view of the person).

Figure 5 shows the system of figure 4 wherein the arm supports 106 support the arms 8 of the female person 5 in a configuration wherein the arms are extended upwards from the torso of the female person 5 on both sides of the head. As illustrated the arms need not be fully stretched in this position as that may be uncomfortable to maintain during the imaging process. It can be recognized that this upwardly raised arrangement of the arms 8 also moves the arms 8 away from the sides of the torso and the breasts, which is - for example - beneficial in view of arranging the imaging assemblies 30, 50 in the desired position for imaging.

Figure 6 schematically an exemplary embodiment of the ergonomic support of the system according to the invention. Herein the same components are denoted with the same reference numerals as in figures 4 and 5. In an embodiment, the torso support 103 comprises a left torso support member 103a for support a left portion of the torso and a right torso support member 103b for supporting a right portion of the torso. For example, the left and right torso support members 103a, b are configured to support the torso below the breasts.

In embodiments, an upper torso support member, e.g. schematically shown as 103c, is provided to support the torso above the breasts, e.g. at the height of the front of the shoulders.

Preferably, the torso support does not support the torso in between the breasts in order to allow for access by the imaging assemblies 30, 50. For the same reason, preferably, the torso support does not support the torso at lateral outer sides of the breast. In embodiments, as shown, the torso support only supports the torso at location(s) below and/or above the region of the breasts.

The left and right torso support members 103a, b may be configured to be arranged in various positions and/or angles in order to adapt the support to the person. For example, seen in an anatomical top view of the torso of the female person, the left and right torso support members 103a, b may be arrangeable, if desired, in a forward pointed V- arrangement, with an inner sides of the torso support members 103a, b further forward from the anatomical coronal plane of the female person than an outer sides of the torso support members 103a,b.

In an embodiment, each of the left and right torso support members 103a, b is configured to support, or supports, a respective one of the imaging assemblies 30, 50, e.g. each being embodied as a unit 30, 50, e.g. a releasably mounted unit.

In a practical embodiment, each imaging assembly 30, 50 is supported so as to be movable into a desired position and angle independent from the one or more torso support members of the system.

In an embodiment, each imaging assembly 30, 50 is supported on a respective support device to allow for setting the position and angle(s) of the imaging assemblies independently from one another.

For example, each support device holding an assembly 30, 50 is motorized having one or more motors to allow for changing the position and/or angle(s) of the respective assembly 30, 50. For example, each support device comprises an articulated motion arm having multiple interconnected arm segments.

For example, one or more parts of the ergonomic support are adjustable, e.g. motorized, to allow for adaptation to the person. For example, the spacing and/or angle between the torso support members 103a, b is adjustable, e.g. also including an arrangement wherein the left and right torso support members are in the same plane, so not in a V-arrangement relative to one another.

For example, the members 103a, b are hinged to one another via a hinge connecting their inner sides. Other arrangements are envisaged as well, e.g. each member 103a, b being independently supported.

For example, each torso support member 103 is supported on a respective support device to allow for setting the position and/or angle of the member 103. For example, each support device is motorized having one or more motors to allow for changing the position and/or angle. For example, each support device comprises an articulated motion arm having multiple interconnected arm segments.

In an embodiment, the torso support 103 is part of the frame of the imaging system, e.g. the imaging assemblies 30, 50 being mounted, e.g. releasable, e.g. each as a unit, to the torso support. For example, in an embodiment, each of the left and right torso support members 103a, b is configured to support, or supports, a respective one of the imaging assemblies 30, 50, e.g. each being embodied as a unit, e.g. a releasably mounted unit.

As discussed, the measures provided by the inventive concept allow for an enhanced gamma radiation imaging system allowing for both the left and right breast of a female person to be imaged simultaneously, preferably whilst the person is supported in an ergonomic manner.

As discussed herein, the real imaging device, e.g. as discussed with reference to figures 1 - 7, may also be accompanied by a dummy imaging device. This device basically is the same as the real one, yet without any gamma camera being present. For example, just an empty shell mimicking the outside of the gamma camera is present. The presence of a dummy imaging device allows to determine the optimal set-up of one or more adjustable parts of the imaging device ahead of the person taking place at the real imaging device. This set-up can then be transferred to the real imaging device, thereby reducing time spent on the real imaging device. For example, a first assistant performs the set-up of a person on the dummy imaging device, which the first assistant need not be qualified for gamma radiation imaging, and a qualified assistant performs the actual imaging of the person on the real imaging device.

With reference to figures 7a, b, and c an example of the ergonomic support of a system according to the invention will be discussed. In figure 7c it is shown that the person 5 is seated thereon. In these figures the imaging assemblies 30, 50 are left out for reasons of clarity. It is apparent that the frame 20 allows for their mounting in the space denoted with 200, e.g. secured to brackets 101 of the frame 20.

The support 100 is configured for the person 5 to be seated with the torso in a forward leaning position. It is noted that in more universally suited embodiments, the forward angle may be somewhat less than shown here, e.g. about 30° forward.

Generally, the frame 20 comprises a frame base 21 to the placed on the ground, a central vertical frame structure 22, and a transverse vertical frame structure 23 at a front of the frame and connected to a front of the frame structure 22.

A seat member 101 for supporting the posterior thigh and/or buttocks of the female person 5 is movable up and down by mechanism 101a, here along an inclined guide having an angle corresponding to the desired angle of inclination of the torso of the seated person. As shown, the seat member 101 is tilted forward.

Left and right lower leg support members 102 on opposite sides of the frame structure 22 are present for supporting the anterior side of the lower legs of the female person.

The torso support consist of an abdominal support member 103d which is configured to support a lower abdominal region of the torso and an upper chest region support member 103e which is configured to support the torso above the breast. As can be seen, the left and right breast imaging assemblies 30, 50 are then to be arranged between the abdominal support member 103d and the upper chest region support member 103e. As shown, there is no torso support along the outer lateral sides of the breast. This creates space for the V- arrangement of the imaging assemblies 30, 50 and allows for optimal positioning of the imaging assemblies when they, or parts thereof, are adjustable in position as discussed herein. It is shown, that the abdominal support member 103d is configured to extend across the frontal width of the lower abdomen, above the legs of the seated female person. It is shown that this abdominal support member is mounted centrally to a frame structure 22.

It is shown that the upper chest region support member 103e is configured to extend across the width of the chest above the breast, so over a region of the sternum, here over the manubrium and over upper ribs, e.g. in proximity or over the clavicles.

It is shown here that the person leans with her torso on these members 103d, e, with the breasts being engaged by the imaging assemblies 30, 50 as discussed herein.

The frame also supports head rest 104 on which the person rests her head. As preferred, the head rest 104 is embodied as a face rest with a central opening and a face pillow, here a more or less annular shaped pillow against which the person a place her face.

The ergonomic support further comprises forearm support members 106a, b configured to support the forearms 8 of the female person 5. The forearm supports are supported on the transverse frame member 23, here on upwardly extending posts of the frame member 23.

It is shown here that the forearm supports 106a, b are configured to support the forearms 8 in a configuration wherein the upper arms are spread outwards, e.g. each upper arm being angled between 45 - 90° outward when seen in frontal view on the torso, here, between 70 and 90°. So, the person is seated with the upper arms spread laterally relative to the torso. Also it is shown that the upper arms are also angled forwards, so not just sideways. The forearms are directed here in a forward direction, here substantially horizontal. As shown, this allows for the space 200 to be accessible from the front of the frame 100 as well as from the lateral side, with the central frame member 22 in between the left and right breast imaging assemblies 30,50.

It will be appreciated that the ergonomic support 100 may include other adjustability’s in order to allow for comfortable seating of the person. In general, one or more of the seat member 101 , lower leg support 102, torso support 103d,e , head rest 104, and/or arm supports 106a,b, is adjustable in position and/or inclination allowing for adaptation to the female person.

As discussed, it is envisaged that for adjusting the position and/or inclination of one or more of the components of the ergonomic support one or more motorized actuators are provided. In embodiments, this applies both to the ergonomic support of the real imaging device and to the ergonomic support of the dummy imaging device. The latter may allow for a set-up for the seating of a person established on the dummy imaging device to be transferred automatically to the real imaging device and to be established by the one or more motorized actuators thereof.

Claims

C L A I M S

1 . Gamma radiation imaging system (1) for imaging of both the left and right breast (10,11) of a female person (5) simultaneously, wherein the system comprises:

- a frame (20, 103, 103a,b),

- a left breast imaging assembly (30) supported by the frame,

- a right breast imaging assembly (50) supported by the frame, wherein each of the left breast imaging assembly and the right breast imaging assembly comprises:

- a set of a first immobilization plate (31 ,51 ,32, 52) and a second immobilization plate, wherein the first and second immobilization plates define an imaging space between them and are configured to hold a breast to be imaged between the immobilization plates,

- a first gamma camera (34,54) configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the first immobilization plate, wherein, seen in an anatomical frontal view of the torso of the female person, the left and right breast imaging assemblies (30,50) are supported by the frame in a downward pointed V-arrangement, wherein the system further comprises an ergonomic support (100) for support the female person comprising:

- a seat member (101) for supporting the posterior thigh and/or buttocks of the female person,

- a lower leg support (102) for supporting the anterior side of the lower legs of the female person,

- a torso support (103, 103a, b, 103d, e) for resting thereon the torso of the female person in a forward leaning position of the torso, e.g. between 20° and 40°, wherein the left and right breast imaging assemblies (30,50) are arranged such as to allow for simultaneous imaging of the breasts (10,11) of the female person whilst the torso rests on the torso support.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the ergonomic support further comprises a head rest (104) for resting thereon the head of the female person (5).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ergonomic support further comprises arm supports (106) configured to support the arms (8) of the female person (5).

4. System according to claim 3, wherein the arm supports (106) are forearm supports configured to support the forearms (8) of the female person (5) in a configuration wherein the upper arms are spread outwards, e.g. each upper arm being angled between 45 - 90° outward when seen in frontal view on the torso, e.g. between 70 and 90°, e.g. with the upper arms also angled forwards, e.g. with the forearms in a forward direction, e.g. substantially horizontal.

5. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 4, wherein the torso support comprises, preferably consist of, an abdominal support member (103d) configured to support a lower abdominal region of the torso and an upper chest region support member (103e) configured to support the torso above the breast, the left and right breast imaging assemblies (30,50) being arranged between the abdominal support member and the upper chest region support member.

6. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 5, wherein one or more of the seat member, lower leg support, torso support, head rest, and/or arm supports, is adjustable in position and/or inclination allowing for adaptation to the female person.

7. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 6, wherein the frame supports the imaging assemblies (30,50) in an angular adjustable manner so that the angle of the V- arrangement in the frontal view on the torso is adjustable.

8. System according to claim 7, wherein the angle of the downward pointed V- arrangement is adjustable over a range of angles which includes a horizontal position of each of the imaging assemblies (30,50).

9. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 8, wherein the left breast and right breast imaging assemblies (30,50) are supported by the frame such that the spacing between the imaging assemblies is adjustable.

10. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 9, wherein each of the left and right breast imaging assemblies (30,50) has an inner end and an outer end, wherein each breast imaging assembly is support by the frame such that the inner end is in proximity of the anatomical sagittal plane of the female person (5) and the outer end in proximity of the respective left and right shoulder of the female person.

11. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 10, wherein each of the left breast imaging assembly (30) and the right breast imaging assembly (50) further comprises:

- a second gamma camera (40,60) configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the second immobilization plate, and wherein one of said first and second gamma cameras is an upper gamma camera and the other is a lower gamma camera, wherein said lower gamma camera (40,60) of an imaging assembly is adjustable along an axis through the inner and outer ends relative to the upper gamma camera (34,54) of the imaging assembly, e.g. the lower gamma camera being adjustable along said axis relative to the associated immobilization plate.

12. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 11, wherein, seen in an anatomical top view of the torso (6) of the female person, the left and right breast imaging assemblies (30,50) are supported by the frame (20, 103, 103a,b) in a forward pointed V- arrangement, with an inner end of the breast imaging assembly further forward from the anatomical coronal plane of the female person than an outer end of the breast imaging assembly.

13. System according to claim 12, wherein the frame (20, 103, 103a,b) supports each of the imaging assemblies (30,50) in an angular adjustable manner so that the angle of the V- arrangement in top view of the torso is adjustable.

14. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 13, wherein the first gamma camera (34, 54) comprises:

- a first collimator assembly (34a, 54a), which extends in a plane parallel to the first immobilization plate (31, 51),

- a first gamma sensitive detector (34b, 54b) arranged to receive gamma radiation passing through the first collimator assembly.

15. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 14, wherein each of the left breast imaging assembly (30) and the right breast imaging assembly (50) further comprises:

- a second gamma camera (40,60) configured and arranged to detect gamma radiation emitted from a volume in the imaging space passing through the second immobilization plate.

16. System according to claim 15, wherein the second gamma camera comprises:

- a second collimator assembly (40a, 60a), which extends in a plane parallel to the second immobilization plate (32,52),

- a second gamma sensitive detector (40b, 60b) arranged to receive gamma radiation passing through the second collimator assembly.

17. System according to claim 16, wherein both of the first and second collimator assemblies of the first and second gamma cameras of an imaging assembly each comprise a collimator part provided with a set of parallel holes.

18. System according to claim 17, wherein the parallel holes are parallel slanted holes at an angle of inclination relative to a planar incident face of the collimator part, and wherein the holes of the collimator parts of two gamma cameras belonging to one imaging assembly have the same angle of inclination with an opposite sign relative to a normal plane of the respective collimator part allowing for holes of one collimator part to be aligned with holes in the other collimator part.

19. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 18, wherein at least one of the imaging assemblies, preferably each of the imaging assemblies (30,50), is embodied as an imaging assembly unit at least comprising the set of the first immobilization plate and the second immobilization plate as well as each gamma camera of the imaging assembly, e.g. each imaging assembly unit configured to be releasably mounted to the frame.

20. System according to any one or more of claims 1 - 19, wherein the system further comprises a dummy imaging device with an ergonomic support (100) for support the female person, the dummy imaging device comprising:

- a lower leg support (102) for supporting the anterior side of the lower legs of the female person, - a torso support (103, 103a, b) for resting thereon the torso of the female person in a forward leaning position of the torso, wherein dummy imaging device further comprises:

- a frame,

- a dummy left breast imaging assembly supported by the frame,

21. System according to claim 20, wherein the ergonomic support further of the dummy imaging device, like the ergonomic support of the imaging device, further comprises one or more of:

- a head rest (104) for resting thereon the head of the female person (5),

- arm supports (106) configured to support the arms (8) of the female person (5), e.g. wherein the arm supports (106) are forearm supports configured to support the forearms (8) of the female person (5) in a configuration wherein the upper arms are spread outwards, e.g. the upper arm being angled between 45 - 90 degrees outward when seen in frontal view on the torso, e.g. with the forearms in a forward direction, e.g. substantially horizontal,

- the torso support comprising, preferably consisting of, an abdominal support member configured to support the abdominal region of the torso below the breast and an upper chest region support member configured to support the torso above the breast, the left and right dummy breast imaging assemblies being arranged between the abdominal support member and the upper chest region support member.

22. System according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein one or more of the seat member, lower leg support, torso support, head rest, and/or arm supports, of both the ergonomic support of the imaging device and of the ergonomic support of the dummy imaging device is adjustable in position and/or inclination allowing for adaptation to the female person.

23. System according to claim 22, wherein for adjusting the position and/or inclination one or more motorized actuators are provided in both the ergonomic support of the imaging device and the ergonomic support of the dummy imaging device, e.g. a set-up for the seating of a person established on the dummy imaging device is transferred automatically to the imaging device and established by the one or more motorized actuators thereof.

24. Method of gamma imaging both breasts of a female person simultaneously, wherein use is made of the system according to any one or more of claims 1 - 23.