Device for cushioning of compression surfaces

Abstract

According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A compression device for a mammography unit, comprising:
 a compression plate positionable in an x-ray field of the mammography unit; and   a radiolucent foam pad on the compression plate comprising an impermeable exposed surface for contacting tissue disposed on the pad within the x-ray field, the pad producing no significant visual artifact on a mammogram while in use.   
     
     
         3 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein the impermeable exposed surface comprises an impermeable membrane covering the pad. 
     
     
         4 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein the pad comprises skinned foam. 
     
     
         5 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein the pad is removably attached to the compression plate. 
     
     
         6 . The compression device of  claim 5 , wherein the pad further comprises an adhesive layer on the first surface for releasably attaching the pad to the compression surface. 
     
     
         7 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein the pad and compression plate are a single integral unit. 
     
     
         8 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein the pad has a thickness between 0.050 inch and 0.500 inch. 
     
     
         9 . A compression device for a mammography unit, comprising:
 a compression plate positionable in an x-ray field of the mammography unit; and   a radiolucent foam pad on the compression plate for contacting tissue disposed on the pad within the x-ray field, the pad producing no significant visual artifact on a mammogram while in use,   wherein the pad and compression plate are a single integral unit.   
     
     
         10 . The compression device of  claim 9 , wherein the pad further comprises an impermeable membrane covering the pad. 
     
     
         11 . The compression device of  claim 9 , wherein the pad comprises skinned foam. 
     
     
         12 . The compression device of  claim 9 , wherein the padded surface and the compression paddle are integrally assembled as one unit. 
     
     
         13 . The compression device of  claim 9 , wherein the pad has a thickness between 0.050 inch and 0.500 inch.