Inventors:
Benjamin M. Galkin - Cherry Hill NJ, US
International Classification:
A61B 6/04
Abstract:
Provided are systems using compression devices for a mammography unit, and methods of using the same, for example, in conjunction with imaging of a patient's breast. The instant mammography units can comprise at least one x-ray transparent inflatable chamber for containing a fluid. When fluid is introduced into the chamber, at least one surface of the chamber expands, breast motion is limited, and the breast and its vasculature are compressed. Fluid may also be released from the chamber, and as the chamber deflates, blood flow to the breast is restored, producing Korotkoff sounds that may be detected by a sound detection device. The detected sounds may be used to assist a radiologist in identifying regions of interest on a mammogram, and additionally or alternatively may be used to a enhance a computer-assisted detection (CAD) process by contributing an additional data parameter.