Mammography compression devices and methods
OwnerBenjamin M. Galkininventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Compression devices and mammography units using the same, and methods of using the same during imaging of a patient's breast are provided. The devices compress the breast against a bucky without the need for a traditional mammography unit compression paddle. The devices comprise at least one x-ray transparent inflatable chamber for containing a fluid, for example, a pressurized gas. In use, at least one surface of the chamber expands in the direction of the bucky. The devices secure the breast to the bucky by wrapping over the tube-side surface of the breast. Compressed air, for example, can be introduced, manually or automatically, to inflate the chamber. As the chamber expands, breast motion is limited and the breast is compressed against the surface of the bucky.
Claims21
A device for use with a bucky of a mammography unit for imaging a patient's breast comprising:
- at least one x-ray transparent inflatable chamber for containing a fluid;
- and wherein the device is secured to the side or bottom surfaces of the bucky such that the breast is positioned between the device and the bucky;
- and wherein when the fluid is introduced into the chamber, at least one surface of the chamber expands in the direction of the bucky, such that, as the chamber expands, the breast is compressed against the top surface of the bucky.
A mammography unit for imaging a patient's breast onto a mammogram comprising:
- a bucky comprising an imaging area;
- and
- a compression device comprising at least one x-ray transparent inflatable chamber and a manifold operatively associated with the inflatable chamber for introducing a fluid into the inflatable chamber and/or for receiving the fluid from the inflatable chamber;
- wherein when fluid is introduced into the at least one chamber of the compression device, at least one surface of the chamber expands in the direction of the bucky, such that, as the chamber expands, the breast is compressed against the top surface of the bucky;
- and
- wherein the device is secured to the side or bottom surfaces of the bucky such that the breast is positioned between the device and the bucky.
A method of imaging a patient's breast onto a mammogram comprising:
- securing a compression device comprising at least one inflatable chamber over a tube-side surface of the breast, wherein the device is secured to the side or bottom surfaces of a bucky such that the breast is positioned between the device and the bucky;
- inflating the at least one chamber of the compression device with a fluid;
- compressing the breast between the at least one inflatable chamber and an imaging area of the bucky;
- such that, as the chamber expands, the breast is compressed against the top surface of the bucky;
- and
- transmitting x-rays through the breast and onto the mammogram.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.