Patent ID: 6876879

Claim:
A method for examining a breast of a subject, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus including a compression paddle constructed from a plastic material, the paddle comprising a first surface against which the breast is compressed and a second surface opposite the first surface, an ultrasound probe for generating ultrasound image data of the breast through the material of the compression paddle and in spatial registration with the compression paddle, a motion control system for movement of the probe in relation to the compression paddle and for sensing the probe's position, the motion control system comprising a Z-axis positioner for movement of the probe in a dimension perpendicular to the compression paddle, and a computer for generating an ultrasound image from the ultrasound image data and from information regarding the spatial registration; compressing the breast with the paddle causing the breast to be in contact with the first surface of the paddle; and generating ultrasound image data of the compressed breast through the plastic material of the compression paddle utilizing the motion control system for movement of the probe in relation to the compression paddle, wherein the Z-axis positioner is utilized for maintaining contact of the probe with the second surface of the paddle.