Breast stabilization devices and methods
First Claim
1. A breast stabilization device for imaging and invasive procedures, comprising:
- a substantially rigid outer member;
an inner member joined to the outer member, the inner member being configured to generally conform to a shape of a female breast;
an opening disposed through the outer and inner members, the opening being adapted to align with a nipple/areola complex of the breast, andat least one imaging port disposed within a side surface of at least the outer member.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A breast stabilization device includes a substantially rigid outer member and an inner member joined to the outer member. The inner member is configured to conform to the shape of the female breast. An opening is disposed through the outer and inner members, the opening being centered on the nipple/areolar complex of the breast and exposing at least a portion of the areola surrounding the nipple. A rigid rim may surround the periphery of the opening and may rise above the surface of the outer member. The device stabilizes the breast in an uncompressed or slightly expanded state to allow interventional and imaging procedures to be carried out without compressing the breast. The opening allows access to the breast through the areola and the rim allows one or more instruments to be attached thereto. A method of imaging a breast, according to the present invention, includes the steps of placing a generally breast shaped member on the breast, the breast shaped member having one or more imaging port therein; expanding the breast to come into intimate contact with the breast shaped member; and imaging the breast through the imaging port(s). The imaging step may be carried out by directing ultrasonic energy through the port(s).
46 Citations
34 Claims
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1. A breast stabilization device for imaging and invasive procedures, comprising:
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a substantially rigid outer member; an inner member joined to the outer member, the inner member being configured to generally conform to a shape of a female breast; an opening disposed through the outer and inner members, the opening being adapted to align with a nipple/areola complex of the breast, and at least one imaging port disposed within a side surface of at least the outer member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A procedure facilitating platform for a breast, comprising:
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a generally breast shaped member configured to cover at least a portion of the breast; suction means for drawing the breast shaped member in close contact with the breast; an access port disposed in the generally breast shaped member, and at least one imaging port, the at least one imaging port being disposed in a side of the generally breast shaped member. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A method of imaging a breast, comprising the steps of:
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placing a generally breast shaped member on the breast, the breast shaped member having a first imaging port therein; expanding the breast to come into intimate contact with the breast shaped member; and imaging the breast through the first imaging port. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A breast stabilization device for imaging and invasive procedures, comprising:
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a substantially rigid outer member; an inner member joined to the outer member, the inner member being configured to generally conform to a shape of a female breast and comprising a curved base portion configured to support the device against a patient'"'"'s chest, the curved base portion comprising a sealing edge that is configured to seal the device to the patient'"'"'s chest, and an opening disposed through the outer and inner members, the opening being adapted to align with a nipple/areola complex of the breast.
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30. A breast stabilization device for imaging and invasive procedures, comprising:
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a substantially rigid outer member; an inner member joined to the outer member, the inner member being configured to generally conform to a shape of a female breast and including a plurality of through holes disposed therein, the inner member and the outer member being adapted to form a substantially gas-tight interstitial space therebetween when the device is applied to the breast; an opening disposed through the outer and inner members, the opening being adapted to align with a nipple/areola complex of the breast, and at least one suction port disposed in the outer member.
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31. A breast stabilization device for imaging and invasive procedures, comprising:
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a substantially rigid outer member; an inner member joined to the outer member, the inner member being configured to generally conform to a shape of a female breast; an opening disposed through the outer and inner members, the opening being adapted to align with a nipple/areola complex of the breast, and securing means attached to the outer member, the securing means being adapted to secure the breast stabilization device to at least one of a table and a chair. - View Dependent Claims (32)
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33. A method of stabilizing an uncompressed breast, comprising the steps of:
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placing a generally breast-shaped member over the uncompressed breast, the breast-shaped member including an opening aligned with and exposing at least a portion of a nipple/areolar complex of the breast; and sealing the breast within the shaped--shaped member by means of at least one of an adhesive and a vacuum-induced force that draws the breast thereto. - View Dependent Claims (34)
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Specification