Abstract: The present invention is directed to a breast compression paddle for a mammographic/tomosynthesis imaging system. The paddle including a front wall which is adjacent an imaged patient's chest. The bottom wall which is connected to a curved lower interface extends away from the chest wall and is adjacent to the top of a compressed breast. Two outer edges which extend away from the front reference surface, partially define a slightly raised central portion of the bottom wall. A bottom reference plane, a vertical reference plane substantially orthogonal to the front reference surface and the bottom reference plane, and an access surface disposed proximate at least one of the two outer edge portions are each defined by the bottom wall. The access surface is non-orthogonal to the front reference surface, the bottom reference plane, and the vertical reference plane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a breast compression paddle for a mammographic/tomosynthesis imaging system. The paddle including a front wall which is adjacent an imaged patient's chest. The bottom wall which is connected to a curved lower interface extends away from the chest wall and is adjacent to the top of a compressed breast. Two outer edges which extend away from the front reference surface, partially define a slightly raised central portion of the bottom wall. A bottom reference plane, a vertical reference plane substantially orthogonal to the front reference surface and the bottom reference plane, and an access surface disposed proximate at least one of the two outer edge portions are each defined by the bottom wall. The access surface is non-orthogonal to the front reference surface, the bottom reference plane, and the vertical reference plane.

Abstract: The front wall of an imaging system breast compression paddle is adjacent to and faces a patients chest wall during imaging. The front wall has a reference surface adjacent to the chest wall. The bottom wall which is connected to a curved lower interface extends away, from the chest wall and is adjacent to the top of a compressed breast. Two outer edges which extend away from the front reference surface, partially define a slightly raised central portion of the bottom wall. A bottom reference plane, a vertical reference plane substantially orthogonal to the front reference surface and the bottom reference plane, and an access surface disposed proximate at least one of the two outer edge portions are each defined by the bottom wall. The access surface is non-orthogonal to the front reference surface, the bottom reference plane, and the vertical reference plane.

Abstract: A breast compression paddle for use in an imaging system includes a compression surface and a jacket. The jacket includes at least one inflatable chamber disposed adjacent to the compression surface and a sheet covering at least a portion of the compression surface. The at least one inflatable chamber is configured to selectively inflate and induce the sheet to slide along the compression surface.

Abstract: Breast securement devices for imaging systems are provided. The securement device can include a breast tray configured to support a patient's breast. In one example, one or more walls extend from the breast tray to receive the patient's breast. In another example, a pair of arms pivotably extend at least partially over the breast tray to receive the patient's breast therebetween. In still another example, a membrane covers the breast tray and the patient's breast and selectively couples to the breast tray via a suction force. In yet another example, a paddle includes a plurality of flexible fingers that contour to the patient's breast, or includes an array of pins that independently slide within of the paddle and contour to the patient's breast, or includes a bladder having non-Newtonian fluid. Additionally or alternatively, a sling may receive the patient's breast and support the breast from below.