A breast stabilization device for imaging and invasive medical procedures
includes a shell configured to surround a superior portion of a breast
when the breast rests on a substantially flat surface. The shell includes
a first opening configured to allow at least a portion of a nipple-areolar
complex of the breast to protrude therethrough. A first and second flange
extend from the shell to secure the shell to the flat surface. A third
flange may also be included to secure the shell to the patient's chest
wall. The shell includes a substantially rigid outer member and a
relatively softer inner member that is in contact with the patient's
breast when the device is in use. The substantially rigid outer member
includes a suction port and the relatively softer inner member includes a
through holes in fluid communication with the suction port, to allow a
patient's breast to be drawn toward the inner member when fluid is drawn
from the suction port. Imaging and interventional procedures may be
carried out through the opening by making an incision in the superior
portion of the peri-areolar border. Both surface and intra-tissue
ultrasound may be utilized to localize the lesion and to provide real time
imaging of the uncompressed and stabilized breast during the
breast-stabilized biopsy or excisional procedure.