Patent Number: 039719502
Section: summary

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Breast compression in the mammographic field is necessary to provide images of improved quality since the breast is an object of wide geometric change. For example, compression has reduced the thickness variation of the breast from the nipple to the chest wall. An image of the compressed breast therefore will provide more uniform information in the developed image. Breast compression also inhibits the movement of the breast during exposure thereby reducing image degradation due to breast movement. Prior art x-ray systems, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,824,397, generally incorporate integral compression devices. The degree of flexibility in positioning the integral device to accommodate the desired image view or breast size is limited by the associated x-ray system. Further, the non-universality of integral compression devices limit their capability of incorporating significant improvements in breast compression devices and techniques. An independent compression device will serve those users having an existing x-ray facility who are unwilling to dedicate a portion of the equipment to mammography. The breast compression device, in addition to being independent of the x-ray system, should preferably be lightweight and portable and incorporate a compression member which may be adjusted in a plurality of directions, allows breast visualization during compression and provides for optiminum compression over the contacted breast area. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention provides a mammographic compression and positioning device which is independent of x-ray system utilized to produce images of an object being examined. A slide assembly is movable along a vertical post member which is adjustably secured to a base member. A compression paddle is coupled to the slide assembly and has a curved lower surface which, upon contacting the object, exerts a variable compressive force thereon. The position of the compression paddle is adjustable in a plurality of directions, allowing the paddle to be exactly positioned whereby an image of a selected object view may be obtained. The compression paddle is transparent enabling the user of the device to visualize the object being compressed and to take the steps necessary to provide initial image results which are satisfactory thereby reducing the number of reimages which normally would be required. It is an object of the present invention to provide a compression device for use in mammography which is independent of the x-ray system and imaging member. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a breast compression device which is independent of the x-ray system and imaging member which is adjustable in a plurality of directions enabling the device to be positioned whereby an image of a selected breast view may be obtained. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a breast compression device which is independent of the x-ray system and imaging member and which includes a compression member having a curved lower portion which exerts optimum compression over the contacted area of the breast, by bringing the breast away from the chest wall and aiding in the separation of structure within the breast. It is still an object of the present invention to provide a breast compression device which is independent of the x-ray system and imaging member and which includes a transparent compression member having a curved lower portion which exerts variable pressure over the contacted area of the breast and which allows a user to visually verify the position of the breast with respect to the imaging member and to verify the absence of skin folds prior to imaging. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a breast compression device which is independent of the x-ray system and imaging member and is lightweight and portable.