Method of noninvasively obtaining intraductal fluid
AssigneeNeomatrix, LLC
InventorsKevin B. Morton, Rex O. Bare, Jeffrey C. Smith, Timothy J. Payne, Paul Gleason
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method is disclosed for noninvasively obtaining intraductal fluid. The method includes the use of an intraductal fluid sampling device to contact the patient, provide compression, and deliver heat thereto according to predetermined cycle characteristics. The cycle characteristics, such as compression cycle times and compression rates, may be varied and controlled by a control circuit.
Claims42
A method of obtaining a sample of intraductal fluid, comprising the steps of:
- providing an intraductal fluid sampling device having an adjustable support, at least one inflatable bladder carried by the support and a patient interface surface carried by the bladder;
- adjusting the support to correspond with the approximate size of a breast to be tested;
- placing the interface in contact with the breast;
- inflating the bladder to provide compression to the breast;
- and
- noninvasively obtaining the intraductal fluid sample.
A method of obtaining a sample of intraductal fluid, comprising the steps of:
- providing an intraductal fluid sampling device having an adjustable support, at least one inflatable bladder carried by the support and a patient interface surface carried by the bladder;
- adjusting the support to correspond with the approximate size of a breast to be tested;
- placing the interface in contact with the breast prior to the adjusting the support to correspond with the approximate size of a breast to be tested step, wherein the adjusting step comprises rotating an adjustment ring;
- and
- inflating the bladder to provide compression to the breast;
- whereby a sample of intraductal fluid is obtained.
A method of obtaining a sample of intraductal fluid, comprising the steps of:
- providing an intraductal fluid sampling device having an adjustable support, at least one inflatable bladder carried by the support and a patient interface surface carried by the bladder;
- adjusting the support to correspond with the approximate size of a breast to be tested;
- placing the interface in contact with the breast;
- and
- inflating the bladder to provide compression to the breast;
- wherein the support comprises at least 3 petals, and the adjusting step comprises pivotally adjusting the petals to approximately fit the breast without imparting compression;
- whereby a sample of intraductal fluid is obtained.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.