Optically adaptable breast compression element

A mammography imaging system, comprising:

• an image acquiring device configured to acquire image data of a breast to be examined;
• and
• a breast holding arrangement comprising a support element for supporting the breast during an imaging procedure, and a compression element for applying a compression force during the imaging procedure, the compression element comprising:
• a supporting structure configured to be attached to a mounting structure for exerting a compression force on a breast under examination;
• a first surface;
• and
• a second surface;
• wherein the first and second surfaces are attached to the supporting structure;
• wherein the first and second surfaces are arranged facing in opposite directions;
• wherein the second surface is provided to compress the breast under examination;
• wherein the first surface is provided to be visible to a user;
• wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface is provided as an optically adaptable surface;
• and
• wherein at least one of the first and second surfaces is configured to change to different levels of transparency depending on a state of the mammography examination.

A method for a mammography examination, comprising:

• arranging a breast to be examined between a support element and a compression element and compressing the breast, wherein during the arranging, the compression element provides a first at least partly transparent state;
• adapting an optically adaptable at least one of a first surface and a second surface of the compression element visible to a user;
• and
• conducting the examination of the breast, wherein the examination comprises acquiring at least one image of the breast;
• and
• controlling the compression element wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface change to different levels of transparency depending on a state of the mammography examination.

A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored a computer program which, when executed by a computer unit, is adapted to perform a method for a mammography examination, comprising:

• compressing a breast arranged to be examined within a compression element, wherein during the arranging, controlling the compression element to provide a first at least partly transparent state;
• adapting an optically adaptable at least one of a first surface and a second surface of the compression element visible to a user;
• and
• conducting a determined examination of the breast, wherein the examination comprises acquiring at least one image of the breast;
• and
• controlling the compression element wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface change to different levels of transparency depending on a state of the examination.