Development of a Micro Computed Tomography Scanner for Localization of Lesions and Assessment of the Margin Width of Resected Breast Specimens in the Operating Room

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanner machine and software dedicated to the localization of calcification in resected breast tissue specimens in a 3-dimensional image. The micro-CT scanner was designed to be used as a mobile machine, particularly for use in the operating room.Material and Methods: The system was designed to perform a 360-degree scan on a rotating table between the x-ray source and the detector sensor using a cone beam x-ray. The prototype was developed collaboratively between Prince of Songkla University (PSU) and the National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand (NSTDA). This was the first prototype for scanning specimens. The overall scan time and the image reconstruction was 5-10 minutes. The machine was tested for safety by PTEC (Electrical and Electronic Product Testing Center of NSTDA).Results: The specification of MiniiScan® and preliminary results of 3D image reconstruction of the resected breast tissue specimen by using the MiniiScan® are present in this report. The study evaluated specimens form 31 patients obtained from June 2016 through January 2018. The average scan time was 10.4 minutes. The turnaround time of the conventional technique was 27.9 minutes. The quality of the 3D images as evaluated by PSU staffs was superior to the conventional x-ray images done with the standard mammogram. The 3D images can display the correct position of calcification and a width between calcification to margins in all directional plane.Conclusion: The 3D images of the prototype intraoperative MiniiScan® scan were superior in quality to the standard mammogram, and had a quicker turnaround time for intraoperative application. Surgeons can use this machine in the operating room instead of relying on the conventional x-rays with a mammogram machine outside the operating theater.