mammosense

What it does

Mammosense analyzes individual breasts to determine the optimal breast compression force, reducing procedural pain by objectively adjusting the force applied during screenings. This enhances comfort and encourages more to undergo breast cancer screenings.

Your inspiration

The concept for Mammosense arose from recognising that many women avoid mammograms due to the discomfort and pain of breast compression, leading to delayed breast cancer detection and higher mortality rates. Mammograms are the current gold standard for breast cancer screening. Hence, I aimed to create a more patient-centred mammogram experience for a more comfortable procedure. The inspiration for the solution came from the need for solutions transparent to X-rays to avoid compromising imaging. This led to using LiDAR technology to indirectly analyse the breast, ensuring objective use of compressive force during screenings.

How it works

Mammosense leverages on LiDAR technology to analyse the breast during mammograms to provide data-driven guidance for radiographers. Its sensors help map the breast digitally in its software, with algorithms processing the data in real time to help determine the optimal compression force required to achieve clear imaging while minimising discomfort. The user interface is easy to use and provides radiographers with the recommended compression value, simplifying what was once a subjective skill-based procedure to allow radiographers of all experience levels to apply consistently good compression. Mammosense is designed to be adapted to existing mammogram machines to avoid costly upgrades, making it a practical and cost-effective solution to improve patient comfort. Early trials show that mammosense was able to reduce force exertion by 34% with a 25% reduction in reported pain experienced during breast compression.

Design process

The design process for Mammosense began with thorough research into the challenges faced by patients and radiographers during mammograms, particularly the discomfort from breast compression. To gain empathy, I underwent a mammogram to experience this discomfort firsthand. Early iterations focused on cushioning techniques to manage pain, but these concepts compromised imaging capabilities and were unsuitable. Therefore, I shifted my approach to reducing the force of compression - thereby reducing discomfort, by analysing the breast to determine the optimal compression force for optimised comfort without sacrificing image quality. Radiographers currently estimate the compression needed, resulting in over or under-compression, which is not ideal for screening, contributing to poor patient experiences. To maintain imaging integrity, I integrated LiDAR technology, which provides an indirect form of sensing. This preserved the imaging capabilities of current mammograms. The development of the Mammosense system involved iterative testing and collaboration with medical professionals, whose feedback was crucial. Their insights guided decisions on usability, integration with existing workflows, and overall effectiveness in enhancing patient comfort and creating a new mammogram workflow.

How it is different

Efforts to standardize and predict optimal breast compression values are not new. Still, current solutions often impair imaging capabilities due to sensors requiring physical contact, leading to increased radiation exposure and imaging noise, both not ideal for breast cancer imaging. Mammosense's approach of using LiDAR technology to analyse the breast indirectly is the first of its kind. It offers personalised mammogram screenings without compromising image quality. Designed to be adaptable to existing mammogram machines, Mammosense allows for retrofitting rather than costly upgrades. This innovation ensures consistently comfortable mammogram screenings for all patients, regardless of the radiographer's experience. By acting as a co-pilot to assist the radiographer in applying optimised compression force, Mammosense aims to avoid painful compressions during mammograms, encouraging more women to undergo this life-saving procedure.

Future plans

Next steps for Mammosense include increasing the LiDAR detection resolution to improve the reliability of force recommendations. We're planning larger pilot tests with hospital patients to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing screening experiences. Additionally, I'll be sharing our findings with Siemens' research and development team once initial patent rights are secured. In the long term, I aim for Mammosense to become the standard in mammogram screenings, providing comfortable and consistent experiences to encourage more women to undergo this life-saving procedure, ultimately reducing deaths due to late detection of breast cancer.

Awards

Patented together with the National University of Singapore and National University Hospital