Methods using pressure to obtain fluids and cellular material from breast ducts
US6494859B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B10/0045
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods, kits, and apparatus for obtaining cellular, chemical, and other materials from breast ducts are described. A single milk duct is accessed and washed with a washing fluid to obtain marker materials from the lining the duct. The washing fluid is then collected, and the marker materials in the washing fluid identified and analyzed. Usually, the washing fluid is introduced using a syringe through a lumen of a dual-lumen catheter. The ductal volume is filled with the washing fluid and excess fluid flows outwardly through a second lumen of the dual-lumen catheter, from which it is collected. Methods and kits provide for collection of fluid and cells by a lavage procedure that includes applying external pressure to the breast to improve the yield of fluid and cells from the breast duct.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.