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26 November 2008
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Breast radar slashes test time
The world’s first radar breast imaging system developed at Bristol University is being trialled at North Bristol NHS Trust.
The system has the potential to revolutionise the way women are scanned for breast cancer, with its inventors claiming it is quicker and more comfortable for patients than using conventional mammograms.
Prof Alan Preece and Dr Ian Craddock at the University of Bristol have developed a breast-imaging device which uses radio waves and therefore has no radiation risk, unlike conventional mammograms.
Craddock, from the department of electrical and electronic engineering, said: “This new imaging technique works by transmitting radio waves of a very low energy and detecting reflected signals. It then uses these signals to make a 3D image of the breast. This is basically the same as any radar system, such as the radars used for air traffic control.”
Currently women are diagnosed in three ways: firstly by a clinician, then using imaging such as mammography and ultrasound, and lastly by a needle biopsy. The radar breast imaging system takes less time to operate than a mammogram – approximately six minutes for both breasts compared with 30-45 minutes for an MRI – yet provides a very detailed 3D digital image.
The radar breast imaging system is built using transmitters and receivers arranged around a ceramic cup, which the breast sits in. These transmitters view the breast from several angles.
Preece, of the university’s medical physics department, said: “We built the machine using ground-penetrating radar, a similar technique to landmine detection, to take 400 quarter of a second pictures of the breast to form a 3D image.
“Women do not feel any sensation and it equates to the same type of radiation exposure as speaking into a mobile phone at arms length, which makes it much safer. We are constantly learning and adapting it and have seen some very promising results.”
© PE Publishing, 26 November 2008
