Breast stabilization devices and methods

A procedure facilitating platform for a breast, comprising:

• a generally breast shaped member configured to cover at least a portion of the breast;
• suction means for drawing the breast shaped member in close contact with the breast;
• an access port disposed in the generally breast shaped member, and
• at least one imaging port, the at least one imaging port being disposed in a side of the generally breast shaped member.

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

• placing a generally breast shaped member on the breast, the breast shaped member having a first imaging port therein;
• expanding the breast to come into intimate contact with the breast shaped member;
• and
• imaging the breast through the first imaging port.

A breast stabilization device for imaging and invasive procedures, comprising:

• a substantially rigid outer member;
• an inner member joined to the outer member, the inner member being configured to generally conform to a shape of a female breast and including a plurality of through holes disposed therein, the inner member and the outer member being adapted to form a substantially gas-tight interstitial space therebetween when the device is applied to the breast;
• an opening disposed through the outer and inner members, the opening being adapted to align with a nipple/areola complex of the breast, and
• at least one suction port disposed in the outer member.

A breast stabilization device for imaging and invasive procedures, comprising:

• a substantially rigid outer member;
• an inner member joined to the outer member, the inner member being configured to generally conform to a shape of a female breast;
• an opening disposed through the outer and inner members, the opening being adapted to align with a nipple/areola complex of the breast, and
• securing means attached to the outer member, the securing means being adapted to secure the breast stabilization device to at least one of a table and a chair.