Devices, Systems and Methods to Detect and Reduce or Prevent Entry of Inflammatory Mediators into Milk Ducts
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsSylvia Hon, Anahitta Khosraviani, Amar Miglani, David Brandon Smith, Lanping Amy Sung, Geert W. Schmid-Schonbein
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Abstract
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for measurement and reduction or prevention of fluid movement in lactiferous ducts, detection of diseased conditions in the breasts, and treatments thereof. Such techniques, methods and devices are applicable to a variety of conditions including carcinomas.
Claims20
A method for detecting assessing and promoting breast health through an open lactiferous duct, the method comprising:
- exposing a nipple to a fluid containing a contrast medium;
- allowing passage of an elapsed period of time;
- and
- detecting the presence of the contrast medium in the lactiferous duct in order to determine if the lactiferous duct is open.
A milk duct cap comprising:
- a concave thimble-like inner portion adapted to position over a nipple of a breast;
- and
- an outer rim extending from the concave inner portion;
- wherein the outer rim portion contains an adhesive to adhere to an areola of the breast.
A system for introducing a therapeutic into a nipple of a breast and then detecting the presence of the therapeutic, the system comprising:
- a container having a rim, wherein the rim fits snugly around a nipple and areolar portion of a breast;
- the container further including a liquid therapeutic within its interior when the container is attached to the areolar portion such that the liquid therapeutic comes into direct contact with the nipple to allow the liquid therapeutic to enter the nipple through milk ducts;
- and
- an imaging system to detect the presence of the liquid therapeutic within the nipple and measure its concentration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.