Abstract: A breast support platform for an x-ray imaging system includes a housing having a compression plate and a front wall, and a heating system disposed at least partially within the housing. The heating system is configured to heat at least a portion of the compression plate, at least a portion of the front wall, or at least a portion of the compression plate and the front wall. In an example, the heating system includes a transparent conducting film coupled to an inner surface of the housing. In another example, the heating system includes a blower disposed at least partially within the housing, and the blower is configured to channel hot air across an inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: A breast support platform for an x-ray imaging system includes a housing having a compression plate and a front wall, and a heating system disposed at least partially within the housing. The heating system is configured to heat at least a portion of the compression plate, at least a portion of the front wall, or at least a portion of the compression plate and the front wall. In an example, the heating system includes a transparent conducting film coupled to an inner surface of the housing. In another example, the heating system includes a blower disposed at least partially within the housing, and the blower is configured to channel hot air across an inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: Methods and devices for testing effects of external stimuli on breast appearance in an x-ray image are provided. A model for testing may include a breast phantom with an encapsulated hydrogel. In some examples, a three-dimensional cell culture and/or microfluidic channels may be encapsulated in the hydrogel. A first set of x-ray images of the model may be captured, thermal energy may be applied to the model, and a second set of x-ray images of the model may be captured while the thermal energy is being applied for comparison with the first set to determine effects of the thermal energy on appearance of the model. By incrementally increasing an amount of thermal energy applied and capturing subsequent x-ray images for comparison, an appropriate temperature range may be determined for heating compression surfaces of a breast imaging system to reduce compression-related pain and discomfort for patients without compromising x-ray image quality.

Abstract: A breast support platform for an x-ray imaging system includes a housing having a compression plate and a front wall, and a heating system disposed at least partially within the housing. The heating system is configured to heat at least a portion of the compression plate, at least a portion of the front wall, or at least a portion of the compression plate and the front wall. In an example, the heating system includes a transparent conducting film coupled to an inner surface of the housing. In another example, the heating system includes a blower disposed at least partially within the housing, and the blower is configured to channel hot air across an inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: Methods and devices for facilitating post-resection tissue formation to accelerate healing are provided. A hydrogel scaffold with encapsulated cells may be prepared. The encapsulated cells may be cells of the patient undergoing the resection that correspond to a type of the tissue resected. The hydrogel scaffold may be integrated with a frame to form an implantable device for insertion into a cavity created by the resection. The hydrogel scaffold and the frame may be bioabsorbable, and the frame may include non-bioabsorbable, radiopaque markers spaced along the frame. Upon insertion of the implantable device into the cavity, the encapsulated cells may interact with native cells to facilitate new tissue formation within the hydrogel scaffold and other areas of the cavity, the frame may provide temporary structural support for the cavity to reduce deformations as new tissue is being formed, and the markers may enable identification of the resection site.

Abstract: A breast support platform for an x-ray imaging system includes a housing having a compression plate and a front wall, and a heating system disposed at least partially within the housing. The heating system is configured to heat at least a portion of the compression plate, at least a portion of the front wall, or at least a portion of the compression plate and the front wall. In an example, the heating system includes a transparent conducting film coupled to an inner surface of the housing. In another example, the heating system includes a blower disposed at least partially within the housing, and the blower is configured to channel hot air across an inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: Methods and devices for testing effects of external stimuli on breast appearance in an x-ray image are provided. A model for testing may include a breast phantom with an encapsulated hydrogel. In some examples, a three-dimensional cell culture and/or microfluidic channels may be encapsulated in the hydrogel. A first set of x-ray images of the model may be captured, thermal energy may be applied to the model, and a second set of x-ray images of the model may be captured while the thermal energy is being applied for comparison with the first set to determine effects of the thermal energy on appearance of the model. By incrementally increasing an amount of thermal energy applied and capturing subsequent x-ray images for comparison, an appropriate temperature range may be determined for heating compression surfaces of a breast imaging system to reduce compression-related pain and discomfort for patients without compromising x-ray image quality.

Abstract: A breast support platform for an x-ray imaging system includes a housing having a compression plate and a front wall, and a heating system disposed at least partially within the housing. The heating system is configured to heat at least a portion of the compression plate, at least a portion of the front wall, or at least a portion of the compression plate and the front wall. In an example, the heating system includes a transparent conducting film coupled to an inner surface of the housing. In another example, the heating system includes a blower disposed at least partially within the housing, and the blower is configured to channel hot air across an inner surface of the housing.