Apparatus and method for breast immobilization

An apparatus comprising:

• a scanner configured to image internal structure of a biological specimen of a subject;
• and
• an immobilization assembly configured to immobilize the specimen during an imaging session, wherein the immobilization assembly includes:
• a curved compression plate assembly having a first concave major surface;
• a curved support plate assembly having a second concave major surface;
• an assembly coupling configured to position the first concave major surface opposite the second concave major surface, wherein a cross section view through the curved compression plate assembly and the curved support plate assembly includes two portions of a single ellipse separated by a distance;
• wherein the curved compression plate assembly and the curved support plate assembly are configured to immobilize the biological specimen between the first concave major surface and the second concave major surface;
• and
• wherein the curved compression plate includes a flat region contiguous with a portion of the first concave major surface, wherein the flat region and a portion of the curved support plate assembly are configured to immobilize pectoral muscle of the subject.