Clinical Study Shows MammoPad(R) Helps Improve Compression, Tissue Acquisition.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. -- When combined with training in breast positioning, the MammoPad breast cushion can help increase compression and tissue acquisition, while decreasing discomfort, according to a poster presentation at the annual conference of the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). The conference is February 24-28 in Las Vegas.

The poster will be presented by Dr. Barbara Jaeger, M.D., and Pam Waller, R.T. (R)(M), of Mercy Medical Center (Baltimore, Md.). It describes a clinical study at Mercy that compared each patient's current and most recent prior mammogram. The study's five mammography technologists were trained in breast positioning techniques before using MammoPad on the current mammogram.

The study shows a statistically significant increase in compression force and tissue acquisition for all four views. In addition, there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean discomfort score -- showing that the cushion can reduce discomfort even while compression force is increased. Other results include a statistically significant increase in the openness of the inframammary fold (IMF) and visualization of pectoralis muscle by approximately 20 percent compared to the prior year's images.

"Increased tissue acquisition and greater compression are known to improve image quality," said Dr. Barbara Jaeger. "The combination of the cushion and training resulted in an overall improvement of the images."

"The cushion-specific benefits are likely due to its grip-like surface that helps hold the breast in place for imaging, as well as its ability to significantly reduce discomfort during positioning," said Pam Waller, the lead technologist at Mercy.

African-American women comprised approximately 44 percent of the study subjects. This study is the first documentation of the MammoPad/training combination to have a substantial cohort of African-American patients. Though the results showed no significant difference in results because of ethnicity, there are relevant mammography issues affecting this group. African-American women are known to have sensitivity to mammography-related pain, lower rates of breast cancer screening, and higher breast cancer mortality rates.

The study included 87 women who presented for screening mammography at Mercy Medical Center. The posterior nipple line (PNL) was measured on all films, and compression force was recorded. Patients completed questionnaires regarding exam comfort. The radiologist evaluated each image for acceptability based on American College of Radiology-recommended criteria.

MammoPad is a radiolucent foam cushion that covers the cold, hard surfaces of all commercially available mammography equipment. Clinical studies show the cushion can reduce discomfort by 50 percent for three out of four women. More than 10 million women have benefited from a softer, more comfortable mammogram with MammoPad.

BioLucent is a women's health company dedicated to the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. The company's products remove a major barrier to screening mammography and offer an innovative solution to treating early breast cancer. In addition to the MammoPad breast cushion, BioLucent has developed the SAVI[TM] applicator, a new breast brachytherapy device that helps treat breast cancer. For more information, call (toll-free) 866-460-4141 or access www.BioLucent.com