Acoustic performance of mesh compression paddles for a multimodality breast imaging system

A system incorporating automated 3-D ultrasound and digital X-ray tomosynthesis is being developed for improved breast lesion detection and characterization. The goal of this work is to develop and test candidates for a dual-modality mesh compression paddle. A Computerized Imaging Reference Systems (Norfork, VA, USA) ultrasound phantom with tilted low-contrast cylindrical objects was used. Polyester mesh fabrics (1- and 2-mm spacing), a high-density polyethylene filament grid (Dyneema, DSM Dyneema, Stanley, NC, USA) and a solid polymethylpentene (TPX; Mitsui Plastics, Inc., White Plains, NY) paddle were compared with no overlying structures using a GE Logic 9 with M12L transducer. A viscous gel provided coupling. The phantom was scanned 10 times over 9 cm for each configuration. Image volumes were analyzed for signal strength, contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio. X-ray tests confirmed X-ray transparency for all materials. By all measures, both mesh fabrics outperformed TPX and Dyneema, and there were essentially no differences between 2-mm mesh and unobstructed configurations.