Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.

Abstract: A compression device includes a frame mountable to a mammography unit that includes a window disposed within an x-ray field of the mammography unit when the frame is mounted to the mammography unit, and a radiolucent compressible member connectable to the frame across the window for providing a compression surface within the x-ray field. For example, the compressible member may include a rigid backing member and a radiolucent pad, e.g., a gel pad, on the backing member. The backing member and frame may include tongue and groove or other connectors for connecting the compressible member to the frame. Optionally, one or more thin, radiolucent films may be removable from the compressible member, e.g., after obtaining x-rays from successive individual patients.

Abstract: A biopsy localization device made according to the invention includes an intracorporeal delivery cannula and at least one marker disposed within an inner lumen of the delivery cannula. The marker includes an expandable fibrous body with at least one radiographically detectable marker element. The expandable fibrous body may also be bioabsorbable. Methods of use of the device are also described.

Abstract: These are site marking devices for marking a selected site within tissue of a patient. More particularly, the devices include an elongated body of gel and a metallic band disposed at least partially surrounding the body of gel. The body of gel is recognizably artificial when the marker is subject to ultrasound or x-ray imaging. Therefore, it is readily distinguishable from biological features within the tissue site.

Abstract: A compression device for a mammography unit includes a compression plate positionable in an x-ray field of the mammography unit, and a radiolucent foam pad removably attached to the compression plate that includes an impermeable exposed surface for contacting tissue disposed on the pad within the x-ray field. The pad includes an adhesive layer on the first surface, or a hook and eye fastener for removably attaching the pad to the compression plate. The pad is attached to the compression plate in the x-ray field of the mammography unit, a breast is compressed using the compression plate, a mammogram of the compressed breast is obtained, the pad producing no significant visual artifact on the mammogram, and thereafter the pad is removed.

Abstract: These are biopsy cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the biopsy cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a detectable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a biopsy cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a detectable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

Abstract: These are site marking devices for marking a selected site within tissue of a patient. More particularly, the devices include an elongated body of gel and a metallic band disposed at least partially surrounding the body of gel. The body of gel is recognizably artificial when the marker is subject to ultrasound or x-ray imaging. Therefore, it is readily distinguishable from biological features within the tissue site.

Abstract: These are biopsy site marking devices. More particularly, the devices include a body of gelatin and an x-ray detectable body of a specific, predetermined non-biological configuration embedded in the body of gelatin. In one embodiment, the x-ray detectable body is made from metal. In alternative embodiments, the x-ray detectable body can be made from stainless steel or metal oxides.

Abstract: These are breast implant devices and methods of use. The breast implants are made of a matrix of collagen material having a porous structure for supporting surrounding tissue of a breast. The implants are also configured to provide a framework for the in-growth of fibrous tissue into the matrix. The matrix can be resilient and/or self-expanding. The methods of use include the steps of forming a cavity having surrounding breast tissue and forming a resorbable implant made up of collagen that is sized to occupy the cavity. The implant is then implanted into the cavity, thereby supporting the surrounding tissue and allowing for in-growth of fibrous tissue into and replacing the resorbable material. The resorbable material may also be elastically compressible, such that the step of implanting includes the step of compressing the resorbable material. The implants may also contain a medicinal, therapeutic, or diagnostic substance.

Abstract: These are biopsy cavity marking devices and methods. The devices and methods include a bioabsorbable filler body and a detectable marker attached to the filler body, where the detectable marker has a predetermined shape. The detectable marker may be mammographic, radiopaque, echogenic, or palpable. The predetermined shape may be non-spherical, a barb, a sphere, a ring, a wire, or a band. It may also be affixed to the interior of the body or to the surface of the body. In another embodiment, the device may include a bioabsorbable filler body and a detectable marker attached to the filler body, where the detectable marker is a wire. Methods of using these devices to mark a biopsy cavity are also included.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein said compression paddle and said cushion can be separately or integrally formed.

Abstract: A pad for cushioning a compression device, e.g., an x-ray plate, of a mammography unit. The pad includes a radiolucent central region, e.g., including radiolucent orientation markings, that is secured adjacent a contact surface of the x-ray plate. The pad includes a pair of side regions secured along respective side surfaces of the x-ray plate including a slot for inserting an x-ray cassette into the x-ray plate. The pad also includes a front region securable along a front surface of the x-ray plate. A double coated tape may be attached to the pad that includes a pressure sensitive adhesive for removably attaching the pad to the x-ray plate. Alternatively, the side regions may extend around the compression device and connect to one another to secure the pad or the pad may be a sleeve that is slidably received around at least a portion of the compression device.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.

Abstract: A pad for cushioning a compression device, e.g., an x-ray plate, of a mammography unit. The pad includes a radiolucent central region, e.g., including radiolucent orientation markings, that is secured adjacent a contact surface of the x-ray plate. The pad includes a pair of side regions secured along respective side surfaces of the x-ray plate including a slot for inserting an x-ray cassette into the x-ray plate. The pad also includes a front region securable along a front surface of the x-ray plate. A double coated tape may be attached to the pad that includes a pressure sensitive adhesive for removably attaching the pad to the x-ray plate. Alternatively, the side regions may extend around the compression device and connect to one another to secure the pad or the pad may be a sleeve that is slidably received around at least a portion of the compression device.

Abstract: These are subcutaneous cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a subcutaneous cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

Abstract: This is a subcutaneous cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a subcutaneous cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

Abstract: These are subcutaneous cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a subcutaneous cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

Abstract: These are subcutaneous cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a subcutaneous cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.