Fixation and compression of a breast in mammography

Abstract

The invention relates to a mammography compression device (10). The mammography compression device (10) has a carrier unit (1) comprising a first holding position (HP1) and a second holding position (HP2). The mammography compression device (10) has a breast pad (2) attached to the first holding position (HP1) of the carrier unit (1) and a compression paddle (3) arranged at the second holding position (HP2) of the carrier unit (1). The compression paddle (3) is designed to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis (HSA) passing through the second holding position (HP2) in the direction of the breast pad (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mammography compression device. The invention also relates to a method for the automated fixation of a patient's breast in a compression position for a mammogram. The invention further relates to a breast compression method.

[0002] Currently, rigid compression paddles are primarily used in breast imaging. These cannot adapt individually to the existing breast shape and therefore result in suboptimal force transmission to the breast. This leads to increased pain for the patient.

[0003] Furthermore, positioning the breast is made more difficult by the radiologic technologist. To fix the breast in place, the technologist's hand must necessarily rest on or against the breast and must be withdrawn as soon as sufficient fixation is achieved by the paddle. The reason why different sized compression paddles are used is therefore to allow the technologist to withdraw her hand more easily and painlessly from under the paddle.

[0004] There are various ideas for improving compression techniques. These include curved but rigid compression paddles. Ideas such as generating compression through elastic materials or using an air cushion for compression are also known. However, none of the methods mentioned have yet fully solved the fundamental problems described and / or have failed to gain widespread acceptance due to associated disadvantages.

[0005] The purpose of the invention is to simplify and facilitate the positioning of a patient's breast before mammography.

[0006] This problem is solved by a mammography compression device according to claim 1, a method for automatically fixing a patient's breast in a compression position for a mammography image according to claim 12 and a breast compression method according to claim 13.

[0007] The mammography compression device according to the invention comprises a carrier unit. The carrier unit includes a first end and a second end. Furthermore, the carrier unit includes a first holding position and a second holding position. The first holding position is arranged closer to the first end than the second holding position, and the second holding position is arranged closer to the second end of the carrier unit.

[0008] The carrier unit is preferably also part of a mammography system and carries an X-ray source at one position towards the second end or at the second end. In this sense, the second holding position is positioned closer to the X-ray source than the first holding position.

[0009] Part of the mammography compression device according to the invention is also a breast support, which is attached to the first holding position of the carrier unit and extends transversely to the carrier unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the mammography compression device according to the invention comprises a compression paddle which is arranged at the second holding position of the carrier unit. The compression paddle is designed to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis, which runs through the second holding position, in the direction of the breast support. A compression paddle generally serves to compress the breast in order to improve image quality during a mammogram.

[0011] The mammography compression device according to the invention further comprises an adjustment mechanism for changing the height or distance of the second holding position relative to the first holding position. Normally, when the mammography compression device is positioned as intended, the second holding position is located above the first holding position. However, it is also possible to rotate the mammography compression device by 180° so that the second holding position is then located below the first holding position.

[0012] Finally, the mammography compression device according to the invention also includes a pivoting mechanism at the second holding position. The pivoting mechanism is configured to pivot the compression paddle towards a portion of a patient's breast located on the end of the breast pad furthest from the support unit. Furthermore, the pivoting mechanism is configured to exert a torque on the compression paddle in order to transmit compression pressure from the compression paddle to the portion of the patient's breast located on the end of the breast pad furthest from the support unit. The compression pressure is dimensioned to be sufficient to fix the breast. The pivoting mechanism is also configured to pivot the compression paddle back during a reduction in the distance between the second holding position and the first holding position, thereby achieving a more even fixation of the breast.Preferably, but not necessarily, the compression paddle is swung back into a horizontal position while reducing the distance between the second holding position and the first holding position.

[0013] Furthermore, the mammography compression device includes a clearance unit to keep a beam path clear for imaging the breast of body tissue of the patient, which is located in the area surrounding the breast, preferably above the patient's breast, when the patient's breast is positioned as intended.

[0014] The support unit is preferably designed as a solid frame positioned on the floor. The "first end" or "lower end" refers to the end of the support unit that, during normal use, is in contact with the floor and is positioned closest to it. The "second end" or "upper end" refers to the part of the support unit furthest from the floor. In other words, the second support position is located closer to the X-ray source, while the first support position is located further away. The first support position serves to fix the breast support of the mammography compression device according to the invention. The breast support is typically positioned at a height that depends on the patient's dimensions, allowing the patient to comfortably rest her breast on it.The breast support remains unchanged in its position during the positioning and fixation of the breast.

[0015] In contrast, according to the invention, the compression paddle is pivotably arranged at the second holding position of the support unit. The compression paddle is designed to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis that runs through the second holding position. The pivotability of the compression paddle is preferably limited to the downward direction, i.e., towards the chest support, which is located below the compression paddle.

[0016] To compress the breast in a horizontal position of the compression paddle, the aforementioned adjustment mechanism is designed to change, and in particular reduce, the distance between the second holding position and the first holding position. In other words, the compression paddle can be pressed downwards against the patient's breast to compress it and thus obtain improved image quality.

[0017] The aforementioned pivoting mechanism is located at the second holding position for swiveling the compression paddle. This mechanism applies a torque to the compression paddle, preferably mechanically transmitted by an actuator. The resulting compression pressure is dimensioned to be sufficient to stabilize a patient's breast. Due to the diagonal orientation of the compression paddle when stabilizing the breast, it is significantly easier for a radiographer to withdraw a hand from underneath it, as there is more space beneath the paddle in this position than when it rests horizontally on the breast.

[0018] If the compression paddle is lowered further downwards at the second holding position, i.e., towards the breast pad, its position changes from a diagonal position to a more horizontal or completely horizontal position. Thus, the compression paddle is pivoted back into a less diagonal and preferably horizontal position as the distance between the second holding position and the first holding position decreases. Once the compression paddle has reached the target position, preferably a horizontal position, the actual compression of the breast can begin immediately before the start of the imaging procedure. The second holding position preferably has a mechanical lock to prevent the compression paddle from pivoting further "upwards" beyond the target position, preferably a horizontal position.to prevent the compression paddle from moving towards the second end of the carrier unit and thus increasing the pressure exerted on the chest as the compression paddle is lowered further or as it approaches the first holding position, and virtually flattening the chest in the target position, preferably a horizontal position, of the compression paddle.

[0019] The mammography compression device according to the invention preferably comprises a control unit for controlling the movable elements of the mammography compression device, in particular for controlling the swivel mechanism and the adjustment mechanism of the mammography compression device according to the invention. With this control unit, individual processes of fixation and compression can be carried out partially or fully automatically.

[0020] In the inventive method for the automated fixation of a patient's breast in a compression position for a mammogram, the breast is positioned on a breast support. The breast support is attached to a first holding position of a support unit. The support unit comprises a first end and a second end.

[0021] The chest support extends transversely to the support unit. The support unit also includes a second support position, which is located closer to the second end than the first support position.

[0022] In the method according to the invention, a compression paddle, which is arranged at the second holding position, is pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis that passes through the second holding position in the direction of the breast support. A pivoting mechanism at the second holding position pivots the compression paddle towards a part of the patient's breast located away from the end of the breast support unit and applies a torque to the compression paddle to transmit compression pressure to this part of the patient's breast. This part of the breast rests on the end of the breast support unit furthest from the supporting unit. The compression pressure, and thus the torque, is selected to be sufficient to fix the breast in place.

[0023] Furthermore, the distance between the second holding position and the first holding position is reduced by an adjustment mechanism. Here, the compression paddle is pivoted back into a less diagonal position than when the breast was initially fixed, preferably a horizontal position, in order to achieve a more even fixation of the breast. Additionally, the path of the X-ray beam for imaging the breast is kept clear of the patient's surrounding body tissue, preferably located above the breast. The inventive method for the automated fixation of a patient's breast in a compression position for mammography shares the advantages of the inventive mammography compression device.

[0024] In the breast compression method according to the invention, the inventive method for automatically fixing a patient's breast in a compression position for a mammogram is first performed. Once the breast is fixed, the compression paddle then compresses the breast over a surface in the position achieved during fixation, preferably a horizontal position. After a predetermined compression of the breast has been achieved, an image of the breast is then acquired and a mammogram of the patient's breast is generated. The breast compression method according to the invention shares the advantages of the inventive method for automatically fixing a patient's breast in a compression position for a mammogram.

[0025] The invention can be implemented, in particular, in the form of a computer unit with suitable software. The computer unit can, for example, comprise one or more cooperating microprocessors or the like. In particular, it can be implemented in the form of suitable software program components within the computer unit. A largely software-based implementation has the advantage that even previously used computer units can be easily retrofitted by means of a software or firmware update to operate in the manner of the invention.The problem is therefore also solved by a corresponding computer program product comprising a computer program that can be directly loaded into a storage device of a computer unit, preferably a control unit of a mammography system, with program sections to execute all steps for controlling the inventive method for the automated fixation of a patient's breast in a compression position for a mammogram and for controlling the inventive breast compression method when the program is executed in the computer unit. In addition to the computer program, such a computer program product may optionally include additional components such as documentation and / or additional components, including hardware components such as hardware keys (dongles, etc.) for using the software.

[0026] For transport to the computer unit and / or for storage on or in the computer unit, a computer-readable medium, such as a memory stick, a hard drive or other portable or permanently installed data carrier, can be used, on which the program sections of the computer program that can be read and executed by a computer unit are stored.

[0027] Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention result from the dependent claims and the following description, wherein the claims of one claim category may also be further developed analogously to the claims and description parts of another claim category and, in particular, individual features of different embodiments or variants may be combined to form new embodiments or variants.

[0028] It is preferred that, in one embodiment of the mammography compression device according to the invention, the compression paddle has a pressure-bearing element, wherein the pressure-bearing element is made of a flexible material. The pressure-bearing element forms the part of the compression paddle that is pressed against the patient's breast to compress it. Due to its flexibility, the pressure-bearing element can adapt to the shape of the breast and thus achieve a more even pressure distribution during the compression process compared to a rigid, conventional compression paddle. On the other hand, the material of the pressure-bearing element should have sufficient strength to allow for a minimum pressure to fix the breast in place. It is also preferred that the material of the pressure-bearing element be cleanable.

[0029] In one variant of the mammography compression device according to the invention, the material of the compression element is disposable. Advantageously, for hygienic reasons, the compression element can be replaced before each examination. Alternatively, the compression element can also have a film, which likewise serves as hygienic protection for the patient and can also be easily replaced.

[0030] Alternatively, the compression body of the mammography compression device according to the invention can also comprise a solid, rigid material, in particular polyethylene terephthalate or acrylic glass, in order to transmit strong pressure to the breast of a patient.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the mammography compression device according to the invention, the flexible material comprises a gauze material. Gauze is flexible yet very robust and can be stabilized by a tensioning process to achieve the necessary firmness during the compression of the breast. The gauze conforms to the patient's breast and thus allows for an even distribution of pressure across the breast. This also advantageously increases patient comfort.

[0032] It is also preferred that the compression paddle of the mammography compression device has a frame in which the compression element is clamped. The frame of the compression paddle is preferably arranged at the periphery of the compression paddle and provides attachment points for the compression element.

[0033] In one variant of the mammography compression device according to the invention, the frame is formed laterally and on the side facing the carrier unit or the side facing away from the patient of the compression paddle. Visually, the frame has a U-shaped form to which the compression element can be attached. The frame opens towards the patient, so that the patient does not come into contact with the frame, but only with the compression element.

[0034] It is preferred that, in one embodiment of the mammography compression device according to the invention, the pivoting mechanism comprises a hinge, preferably a friction hinge. The friction hinge has a restoring force sufficient to generate pressure acting on the patient's breast that is sufficient to fix the patient's breast in place. Initially, the breast is therefore not compressed further, but only fixed.

[0035] The position of the compression paddle and the selected pressure for fixing the breast can also be determined algorithmically, whereby an optimal pressure and / or angle of the compression paddle is determined based on breast parameters.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the mammography compression device according to the invention, the pivoting mechanism has a mechanical lock, preferably a stop, to limit the pivoting range of the compression paddle to a lower quadrant. The stop engages with the compression paddle when the compression paddle comes into contact with the stop. The stop is preferably located at the second holding position or on the pivoting mechanism, preferably opposite a hinge of the pivoting mechanism. Advantageously, the position of the compression paddle is maintained in a horizontal position during the compression paddle pressing against the patient's breast, so that as the compression paddle is moved further towards the breast, the compression of the breast is increased uniformly.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the mammography compression device according to the invention, the holding unit of the mammography compression device according to the invention has a movable plate which is slidable transversely to the horizontal pivot axis of the compression paddle up to an end of the compression paddle facing away from the support unit and is oriented transversely to the compression paddle. The movable plate solves the problem that body tissue surrounding the breast, in particular the tissue located above the breast in the décolleté area and the skin, also referred to as the upper breast skin, tends to protrude beyond the breast edge during a mammogram and potentially produce X-ray artifacts. This is more frequently the case in obese patients, but also in older patients. According to the invention, the displacement of the upper breast skin is achieved by the movable plate.This movable plate is not in its final position upon initial contact between the compression paddle and the breast. Instead, it is shifted away from the breast and towards the carrier unit. Once the compression paddle reaches a horizontal position, the movable plate is automatically or manually moved against the chest wall into its final position, thus pressing horizontally against the upper breast skin. This advantageously keeps the upper breast skin out of the X-ray path, minimizing the patient's radiation exposure and avoiding image artifacts caused by the upper breast skin hanging into the image area.

[0038] It is therefore also preferred that, in one embodiment of the mammography compression device, the compression paddle has a slide guide extending transversely to the horizontal pivot axis of the compression paddle, and the movable plate has a slide that engages in the slide guide such that the movable plate is displaceable transversely to the horizontal pivot axis of the compression paddle. Advantageously, the plate can be moved to a different position as needed using this mechanism. In particular, the movable plate is only moved to the edge of the chest when the compression plate is in a target position, preferably a horizontal position.

[0039] The slide guide can be designed, in particular, as a dovetail guide to guide the movement of the sliding plate. Advantageously, the slide of the sliding plate is secured against being lifted out in the normal direction of the sliding plate by the positive locking of the slide with the dovetail guide.

[0040] In one embodiment of the mammography compression device according to the invention, the mammography compression device has a fixing mechanism for fixing the movable plate in a final position at the end of the compression paddle facing away from the carrier unit. Advantageously, this fixing mechanism ensures that the movable plate remains in a final position at the edge of the patient's breast during a scan.

[0041] Preferably, this is achieved by a locking mechanism, which can be performed manually or automatically. It is therefore also preferred that, in one embodiment of the mammography compression device according to the invention, the fixing mechanism of the mammography compression device according to the invention comprises a locking mechanism. Advantageously, the position of the movable plate remains essentially unchanged during a compression process of the breast relative to the compression plate and the upper breast skin, thus ensuring that the upper breast skin is displaced from the radiation field of the mammography system.

[0042] The movable plate can also have a stabilizing effect on the pressure body, especially the gauze, so that the main compression process only begins after reaching the final position of the movable plate, since this stabilizing effect on the pressure body does not occur before then.

[0043] Preferably, the movable plate is made of polyethylene terephthalate or carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Advantageously, these materials possess sufficient strength to displace the upper breast skin and, if necessary, also to stabilize the compression element.

[0044] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and exemplary embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1 A schematic side view of a mammography compression device according to an embodiment of the invention with a compression paddle in a diagonal position, Fig. 2 a schematic side view of the in Fig. 1 illustrated mammography compression device, wherein the compression paddle is oriented horizontally, Fig. 3 a schematic top view of a compression paddle of a mammography compression device according to an embodiment with a pivoting mechanism with two hinges, Fig. 4 A schematic top view of a compression paddle of a mammography compression device according to an embodiment with a pivoting mechanism having only a single hinge, Fig. 5 a flowchart illustrating a breast compression procedure which also includes a procedure for the automated fixation of a patient's breast in a compression position for a mammography image according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a mammography compression device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, with a compression paddle in a diagonal position. The mammography compression device 10 has a carrier unit 1. A combination of an X-ray source 9 and an X-ray detector 11 is arranged on the carrier unit 1. The X-ray source 9 is located at an upper end of the carrier unit 1, and the X-ray detector 9 is located below a breast support 2, which is also part of the mammography compression device 10. The breast support is located at a first holding position HP1, which is arranged approximately at the breast level of an average patient.

[0046] A compression paddle 3, which is also part of the mammography compression device 10, is arranged at a second holding position HP2, which is located above the first holding position HP1. The compression paddle 3 is designed to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis HSA, which runs through the second holding position, in the direction of the breast support 3. Fig. Figure 1 shows a diagonal position of the compression paddle 3. In this position, the end of the compression paddle 3 furthest from the carrier unit 1 is in contact with the patient's breast B. The mammography compression device 10 also includes a pivoting mechanism 5, which comprises a carrier-side hinge 5a to which the compression paddle 3 is suspended. When the compression paddle 3 pivots from the horizontal position (not shown) to the diagonal position, the pivoting mechanism exerts a torque on the compression paddle 3. This torque transmits mechanical pressure from the compression paddle 3 to a portion of the patient's breast B located on the end of the breast support 2 furthest from the carrier unit 1. The mechanical pressure is dimensioned such that the breast B is fixed in place.In this position of the compression paddle 3, however, no strong pressure is yet exerted on breast B, so breast B is not yet compressed.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 1 also shows a holding unit in the form of a movable plate 6, which is located on the compression paddle 3 and with which an epidermis of a patient can be pushed out of the area of ​​an imaging or radiation area.

[0048] In Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the mammography compression device 10, wherein the compression paddle 3 is oriented horizontally. In the Fig. In the illustrated phase 2, the compression paddle 3 was moved towards the breast support 2 until it was in a horizontal position. In this horizontal position, the compression paddle 3 lies flat against the breast and is now ready to compress it in the next step. For this, the compression paddle is pushed further towards the breast support 2 from a starting position HP2'. A carrier-side locking mechanism 5b prevents the compression paddle 3 from pivoting upwards, thus preventing it from shifting downwards towards the breast support when pressure is increased. This prevents the compression paddle 3 from moving under increased pressure on the breast B by shifting the second holding position HP2' downwards, thereby increasing the compression pressure on the breast B to a predetermined value.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of a compression paddle 3 of a mammography compression device 10 according to an embodiment with a pivoting mechanism with two hinges 5a. The compression paddle 3 has a pressure body 3a made of gauze and a frame 3b with two parallel frame elements and a rear frame element to which the pressure body 3a is attached. A slide guide 7 is formed on the frame on the two parallel frame elements. The compression paddle 3 also has a movable plate 6, which has a slide element (not shown) and can be moved along the slide guide 7.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a compression paddle 3 of a mammography compression device 10 according to an embodiment with a pivoting mechanism with only one hinge 5a.

[0051] In Fig.Figure 5 shows a flowchart 500 illustrating a breast compression procedure which also includes a procedure for the automated fixation of a patient's breast B in a compression position for a mammography image according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0052] In step 5.I, breast B is positioned on a breast support 2.

[0053] In step 5.II, a compression paddle 3, which is arranged at a second holding position HP2, is pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis HSA, which runs through the second holding position HP2, in the direction of the chest support 2.

[0054] In step 5.III, the height of the second holding position HP2 relative to a first holding position HP1, which is assigned to the chest support 2, is changed by an adjustment mechanism 4.

[0055] In step 5.IV, a compression paddle 3 is swung back into a horizontal position WP during a reduction in the height of the second holding position HP2.

[0056] In step 5.VI, the actual compression process of breast B is performed.

[0057] A mammogram can then be taken of breast B.

[0058] Finally, it should be noted once again that the detailed methods and devices described above are exemplary embodiments and that the basic principle can be varied in many ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, insofar as it is defined by the claims. For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not preclude the possibility that the features in question may be present multiple times. Likewise, the term "unit" does not preclude the possibility that it consists of several components, which may also be spatially distributed. Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons of male, female, or other gender identities are included.

Claims

[1] Mammography compression device (10), comprising: - a carrier unit (1) comprising a first holding position (HP1) and a second holding position (HP2), - a chest support (2) which is attached to the first holding position (HP1) of the support unit (1) and extends transversely to the support unit (1), - a compression paddle (3) which is arranged at the second holding position (HP2) of the carrier unit (1), wherein the compression paddle (3) is designed to be pivotable in the direction of the breast support (2) about a horizontal pivot axis (HSA) which runs through the second holding position (HP2), - an adjusting mechanism (4) for changing a distance of the second holding position (HP2) relative to the first holding position (HP1), - a pivoting mechanism (5) at the second holding position (HP2), which is arranged to - to pivot the compression paddle (3) towards a part of a breast (B) of a patient (P) lying on an end of the breast support (2) facing away from the support unit (1), - to exert a torque on the compression paddle (3) in order to transfer a compression pressure of the compression paddle (3) to the part of a breast (B) of a patient (P) lying on an end of the breast support (2) facing away from the support unit (1), which compression pressure is sufficient to fix the breast (B), - pivoting back the compression paddle (3) while reducing the distance between the second holding position (HP2) and the first holding position (HP1) in order to thereby achieve a planar fixation of the breast (B), - a clearance unit (6) for keeping a beam path for imaging the breast (B) clear of body tissue of the patient (P) which is located in the area surrounding the breast (B) of the patient (P). [2] Mammography compression device according to claim 1, wherein the compression paddle (3) has a contact body (3a), wherein the contact body (3a) preferably has a flexible material. [3] Mammography compression device according to claim 2, wherein the compression paddle (3) has a frame (3b) in which the pressing body (3a) is clamped. [4] Mammography compression device according to claim 3, wherein the frame (3b) is formed laterally and on the side of the compression paddle (3) facing the carrier unit (1). [5] Mammography compression device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivoting mechanism (5) is configured to pivot the compression paddle (3) back to a horizontal position of the compression paddle (3) in order to realize a planar fixation of the breast (B). [6] Mammography compression device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivoting mechanism (5) comprises a friction hinge (5a). [7] Mammography compression device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivoting mechanism (5) has a mechanical lock (5b) for limiting a pivoting range of the compression paddle (3). [8] Mammography compression device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clearance unit has a displaceable plate (6) which is designed to be displaceable transversely to the horizontal pivot axis (HSA) of the compression paddle (3) up to an end of the compression paddle (3) facing away from the carrier unit (1) and is aligned transversely to the compression paddle (3). [9] Mammography compression device according to claim 8, wherein the compression paddle (3) has a carriage guide (7) extending transversely to the horizontal pivot axis of the compression paddle (3) and the displaceable plate (6) has a carriage which engages in the carriage guide (7) such that the displaceable plate (6) is displaceable transversely to the horizontal pivot axis (HSA) of the compression paddle (3). [10] Mammography compression device according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a fixing mechanism (8) for fixing the displaceable plate (6) in a final position at the end of the compression paddle (3) facing away from the carrier unit (1). [11] Mammography compression device according to claim 10, wherein the fixing mechanism (8) comprises a locking mechanism. [12] Method for the automated fixation of a breast (B) of a patient (P) in a compression position for a mammography image, comprising the steps: - positioning the breast (B) on a breast support (2) which is attached to a first holding position (HP1) of a support unit (1) and extends transversely to the support unit (1), - pivoting a compression paddle (3), which is arranged at a second holding position (HP2) of the support unit (1), about a horizontal pivot axis (HSA), which runs through the second holding position (HP2), in the direction of the breast support (2), wherein a pivoting mechanism at the second holding position (HP2) pivots the compression paddle towards a part of a breast (B) of a patient (P) lying on an end of the breast support (2) facing away from the support unit (1), and a torque is exerted on the compression paddle (3) in order to transfer a compression pressure of the compression paddle (3), which is sufficient to fix the breast (B), to a part of the breast (B) of the patient (P) lying on the end of the breast support (2) facing away from the support unit (1), - changing a distance of the second holding position (HP2) relative to the first holding position (HP1) by means of an adjusting mechanism (4), - pivoting back the compression paddle (3) while reducing the distance between the second holding position (HP2) and the first holding position (HP1) in order to thereby achieve a flat fixation of the breast (B), - Keeping a beam path for imaging the breast (B) clear of body tissue of the patient (P) which is located in the area surrounding the breast (B) of the patient (P). [13] A breast compression procedure comprising the steps of: - carrying out the method according to claim 12, - Compressing the breast (B) over the entire area. [14] Computer program product comprising a computer program which can be loaded directly into a control device for controlling a mammography compression device (10), with program code sections for executing all steps for controlling the steps of a method according to one of claims 12 or 13 when the program is executed in the control device. [15] A computer-readable medium on which program sections executable by a computer unit are stored in order to carry out all the steps for controlling the steps of a method according to one of claims 12 or 13 when the program sections are executed by the computer unit.

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