Method and device for immobilization of the human breast in a prone position for radiotherapy

A method for immobilizing a breast and maintaining a precise geometric relationship between the breast, chest wall, and a patient support structure during breast imaging and therapy, comprising the steps of:

• providing a breast immobilization cup assembly comprising,
• a continuous concave outer layer and a continuous perforated inner layer with an airspace there between conforming to a human breast, and
• an annular flange joined peripherally around said outer layer and said inner layer, having a plurality of alignment pins spaced radially around said flange;
• providing a breast frame having an aperture sized to accept said outer layer of the cup assembly, patient body straps, and a plurality of holes for pass-through of said alignment pins;
• attaching said breast immobilization cup assembly to said breast frame by aligning said outer layer and said alignment pins with said aperture and said holes of the breast frame, respectively, and bringing said breast frame flush with said annular flange;
• applying a negative vacuum to the airspace of said cup assembly;
• inserting a patient's breast into said cup assembly;
• supporting said cup assembly and said breast frame to a patient's body by securing said patient body straps;
• positioning the patient on a support structure having a breast aperture and a plurality of holes for pass-through of said alignment pins by insertion of the cup assembly and alignment pins through said breast aperture and said holes of support structure, respectively, and attachment thereto.