Device for cushioning of compression surfaces

1. 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;

wherein the pad and compression plate are a single integral unit.

2. The compression device of claim 1 , wherein the impermeable exposed surface comprises an impermeable membrane covering the pad.

3. The compression device of claim 1 , wherein the pad comprises skinned foam.

4. A method for performing a procedure using a mammography unit including a compression plate comprising an opening, comprising:

providing a cushioning element on a compression surface of the compression plate in an x-ray field of the mammography unit, the cushioning element comprising an opening therethrough;

compressing a breast using the compression plate, the cushioning element deforming under forces applied during compression to provide comfort;

obtaining an x-ray of the compressed breast; and

accessing the breast through the opening in the compression plate.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the breast is accessed through the opening to perform a biopsy of tissue of the breast.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the breast is accessed through the opening to place a device to identify a specific location in the breast.

7. The method of claim 4 , wherein the opening through the cushioning element comprises a window.

8. The method of claim 4 , wherein the cushioning clement is removably attached to the compression surface, and wherein the method further comprises removing the cushioning element from the compression surface.