As breast density increases there is a progressive decrease in
mammographic sensitivity, partly because conventional screening paddles
only produce optimum compression of the posterior breast.
Why is S.O.F.T. Paddle® Superior To All Other Screening Paddles?
Several compression paddles have been developed to improve
compression of the anterior breast. They rotate as compression is
applied, tilting downward over the anterior breast. At the same time
they rotate upward posteriorly, which unfortunately, then causes
suboptimal compression of the posterior breast.
The S.O.F.T. Paddle® is different.
Its patented design utilizes a multi-planar fixed compression
surface. The paddle is horizontal near the chest wall and then curves
slightly to slope downward toward the nipple. Image quality is improved
in several ways. Increased compression of the anterior two thirds of the
breast is achieved while maintaining excellent compression posteriorly.
Fibroglandular tissue is spread apart more effectively so that a cancer
is less likely to be obscured by superimposed structures. There is
additional reduction in breast thickness. This permits a lower kV,
which increases contrast. Exposure time is also shortened which
eliminates motion blur.
The better compression of the mid breast and the anterior breast with
the sloping contoured S.O.F.T. Paddle® should improve the
detection of breast cancers particularly in dense breasts.
The world renowned Dr. László
Tabár of Falun Sweden says: "The image details are visualized with
such a sharpness with Dr. Hixson's new plate (S.O.F.T. Paddle)
that I have never experienced previously. This product can be
considered one of the most important simple tools in improving image
quality that we have seen in the past decade."
S.O.F.T. Paddle Is Available for GE-DMR,
800T, DMR Plus, & 2000D; Lorad Analog, Siemens Analog, and GE (Instrumentarium)
RT, ST, IQ, Performa & Diamond**
(Both 18 x 24 and 24 x 30 Configurations)
PRICE: $995 each
$895 each for 2 paddles
**PRICE: $1095 each (Diamond)
**$995 each for 2 paddles
*FDA MARKETING APPROVAL GRANTED 12-13-02
MQSA COMPLIANT [Sec. 900.12 (b)(8)(ii) ¶(A) & (C)]
American Mammographics was awarded the 2003 Kruesi Foundation Spirit
of Innovation Award for S.O.F.T.
Paddle®
S.O.F.T.
Paddle® is a
patented technology, exclusive to American Mammographics
