Breast stabilizers having an open lattice structure and imaging methods using same

A breast stabilizer for imaging and invasive medical procedures, comprising:

• a first and a second strut, each including a proximal and a distal end;
• a third strut defining a first arc configured to allow at least a portion of a nipple-areolar complex of the breast to protrude therethrough, the third strut being attached to the distal ends of the first and second struts, and
• a fourth strut defining a second arc configured to encircle a portion of a base of the breast, the fourth strut being attached to the proximal ends of the first and second struts.

26 The stabilizer of claim 15, further including a third flange extending from the fourth strut, the third flange being oriented to face a chest wall when the stabilizer is in use.

The stabilizer of claim 26, wherein the third flange defines a plurality of through holes in fluid communication with the suction port.

A method of imaging a female breast, comprising the steps of:

• stabilizing the breast by placing a breast stabilizer thereon, the stabilizer including a first annular member adapted to encircle at least a portion of a base of the breast;
• a second annular member adapted to encircle at least a portion of a peri-areolar region of the breast, and at least one strut, the at least one strut mechanically coupling the first annular member to the second annular member;
• imaging the breast through an exposed portion of the stabilized breast.

A method of imaging a female breast, comprising the steps of:

• stabilizing the breast by placing a breast stabilizer thereon, the stabilizer including a first and a second strut, each of the first and second struts including a proximal and a distal end;
• a third strut defining a first arc configured to allow at least a portion of a nipple-areolar complex of the breast to protrude therethrough, the third strut being attached to the distal ends of the first and second struts and a fourth strut defining a second arc configured to encircle a portion of a base of the breast, the fourth strut being attached to the proximal ends of the first and second struts, and
• imaging the breast through an exposed portion of the stabilized breast.

A breast stabilizer for imaging and invasive medical procedures, comprising a cage having an open lattice structure, the cage being shaped to conform to at least a portion of a breast, the cage being adapted to removably adhere to the breast by a selective application of suction, wherein a surface area of the breast at least sufficient to allow access for imaging and/or invasive medical procedures is exposed through the open lattice structure of the cage.