Devices, methods and systems for collecting material from a breast duct

US6689070B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cytyc Health Corporation · US

Inventors

• David Hung · Belmont, US
• Philip Olsen · Cupertino, US
• Daniel Kurz · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 29, 2002
• Grant date: Feb 10, 2004
• Expiry date: Mar 29, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2210/1007
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention provides methods, devices and systems for collecting breast ductal fluid comprising cellular material and other useful markers for analysis. The methods typically comprise access of at least one breast duct and collecting materials from that duct separate from all other ducts in the breast. The devices comprise ductal access devices that provide the opportunity to collect fluid from a single duct separate from all the other ducts in the breast. The systems employ the methods and devices that used together provide systems for analysis of a breast condition in a patient specific to accessed breast ducts. The methods, devices and systems are particularly useful for identification of breast precancer or cancer in within the patient.