Mammography Breast Compression Paddle for Wire Localization

Abstract

A mammogram is a common and effective procedure for breast cancer detection. In the event hat abnormal tissue is detected, a wire localization procedure is performed. To accomplish this, the breast must be compressed with a mammogram paddle that has an opening in it and a coordinate system etched on the paddle. However, locating the abnormal tissue with an opening in the paddle is difficult since the original X-ray was done with a solid paddle. An ideal paddle would provide compression to the entire breast and provide access for a wire localization procedure to be conducted anywhere on the compressed surface.