Anatomical support medical device

Abstract

An anatomical support device for post radiation cancer treatment, such as for breast or prostate cancer, including a breast support device for supporting the breast away from the chest or a scrotum support device for supporting the scrotum away from the groin and perineal areas. Each support device includes a central portion configured to create space between the affected part of the anatomy and underlying skin to prevent irritating friction contact. The central portion has one or more perforations therethrough and/or open transverse channels for providing and/or enhancing circulation of air to and around the affected tissue to speed healing. An enclosed raised channel is provided on the central portion in communication with at least one of the perforations through the raised channel and be delivered to the affected tissue.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an anatomical support device which is particularly suitable for use as a post treatment medical aid for women and men who have had radiation therapy for breast or prostate cancer, respectively. More specifically, the invention relates to a support device for preventing skin to skin contact against a treated, irradiated portion of the body, such as the underside of a woman's breast or the underside of a man's scrotum, and/or perineal area and which also creates space therebetween for air to circulate to speed healing.

[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0004] Treatment of breast cancer often involves radiation therapy. Typically, the breast is lifted and the underside of the breast and chest wall is irradiated to destroy potentially cancerous cells in that region. Due to the high vascularity of that region, any cancerous cells which remained in that region could quickly spread throughout the patient's body. The same can generally be true of certain treatments for prostate cancer, involving irradiation of the skin under the scrotum in the groin and perineal areas. The following description is in terms of breast cancer radiation treatment, but is also generally applicable to, for example but not limited to, prostate cancer radiation treatment.

[0005] Radiation therapy excoriates, or bums, the treated area. Thus, the irradiated region is very painful and sensitive after treatment. Conventionally, after the radiation therapy, the woman's breast is simply allowed to return to its normal position over top of the irradiated area. The bum itself is painful, but this pain can be greatly exacerbated due to skin-to-skin rubbing contact between the underside of the breast and the chest wall. In addition to the rubbing and irritation, the excoriated area is covered by the breast, which prevents air from circulating around the excoriated area. This can result in lengthening the time it would otherwise take for the irradiated skin to heal.

[0006] The breast support device according to the present invention aids in reducing irritation and speeds up healing time after the radiation therapy by supporting a woman's breast away from the chest wall. By supporting the breast away from the chest wall, the excoriated skin on the underside of the breast and/or chest wall is not further irritated by rubbing contact. Moreover, faster healing of the excoriated skin can be promoted because the breast support device can also be configured to permit air to circulate through and around the breast support device, and thus under the breast and around the excoriated skin. Accordingly, it is both desirable and useful to have such a breast support device and a scrotum support device which can both reduce pain, by preventing rubbing contact, and speed up the healing time, by allowing air to circulate around the excoriated skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A medical anatomical support device is provided for supporting a first body tissue, such as for example, a female breast or male scrotum, away from a second body tissue, such as for example, a chest wall or the male groin area, respectively. The medical anatomical device of the present invention is useful as a breast support device for women who have undergone radiation treatment for breast cancer. The breast support device of the present invention has a central portion with flange members extending from upper and lower sides thereof. The central portion is generally arcuate shaped to conform to the curvature of the chest wall at a location just below the breast. The central portion is further generally concave at the side positioned facing the chest wall. The concavity of the central portion creates space between the underside of the breast and the chest wall, which provides space for air to circulate around the excoriated region. Thus, the central portion not only separates the underside of the breast from the chest wall, but also creates space therebetween through which air can freely circulate to promote faster healing of the excoriated skin. Circulation of air is permitted by unobstructed open ends of the concave central portion at either side of the arcuate structure. Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the concave central portion can have multiple perforations through the structure itself to further enhance air circulation around the excoriated skin. In a further embodiment, a generally enclosed raised channel can be provided on the underside of the central portion, opposite the space created between the underside of the breast and the chest wall, defining a generally enclosed region. The raised channel can be closed at one end and have an opening at the other end to which can be connected a source of air or oxygen. At least some of the perforations through the concave central portion can communicate with the generally enclosed region defined by the raised channel such that a flow of air can be delivered through the raised channel and delivered directly against the excoriated tissue via the perforations.

[0008] The flange member extending from the upper side of the concave central portion, which has the same arcuate curvature as the central portion, extends generally upwardly and the edge curls out away from the underside of the breast which it is configured to support. The upwardly extending and outwardly curling shape is designed to comfortably support the breast out away from the chest wall and the concave central portion, to assist the concave central portion in permitting air to circulate under the breast and around the excoriated skin. The flange member extending from the lower side of the concave central portion is designed to brace the concave central portion and the upper flange member against the chest wall so that the weight of the breast on the upper flange does not dislodge the breast support device.

[0009] Similarly to the breast support, a scrotum support device of the present invention can be constructed to accomplish like purposes as the breast support device, and comprises an elongate member which tapers from a wider base portion toward a slightly narrower distal end. The wider base portion is adapted to be positioned adjacent a man's groin area, under the scrotum and in proximity to the perineal area. The generally concave central portion of the elongate member can have an arcuate curvature along its length. The generally concave central portion, particularly at the wider base portion adjacent the scrotum, creates space between the underside of the scrotum and underlying perineal skin which prevents irritating skin-to-skin contact. Like the breast support device, the concave central portion creates space for air flow, and multiple perforations through the central portion, and/or open transverse channels at spaced apart positions can be provided along the length of the elongate member for providing/enhancing air circulation along the length of the elongate member to the irradiated tissue. In another embodiment of the present invention concerning the scrotum support device, a generally enclosed raised channel, similar to the one described above for the breast support device, is provided on the underside of the central portion to direct a forced flow of air or oxygen to the excoriated tissue to speed healing.

[0010] Various other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings figures of certain embodiments thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of a breast support device of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a section view taken through line II-II in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a section view taken through line III-III in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 shows a human chest and excoriated area (partially shown by parallel lining) on the chest wall behind the breast.

[0016] FIG. 5a illustrates the placement of the breast support device of the present invention under the breast.

[0017] FIG. 5b is a larger view, showing the cross section of a presently preferred embodiment of the breast support device of the present invention under the breast.

[0018] FIGS. 6a-6c are cross section views illustrating alternative embodiments of the breast support device of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the breast support device of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 7b is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the breast support device shown in FIG. 7a.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, except shown having an induced, or pre-formed, curvature.

[0022] FIGS. 9a-9b illustrate alternative embodiments of the breast support device shown in FIGS. 7a and 8.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of a scrotum support device of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates the placement of the support device of the present invention under the scrotum and perineum region of a human male.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a section view taken through line XIII-XIII in FIG. 10.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a section view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring now to the drawing figures wherein like reference numbers refer to similar parts throughout the several views, a presently preferred embodiment of a breast support medical device 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-5, having a generally arcuate shape along the longest dimension of the overall device 10. The breast support device preferably has a generally concave central portion 13 with upper 16 and lower 19 flange members extending from upper and lower sides, respectively, of the concave central portion 13. The generally arcuate shape along the longest dimension of the breast support device 10 is designed to conform comfortably to the curvature of the chest wall 22 just behind the breast 25, since that is where the breast support device 10 will be positioned (see FIGS. 5a-5b). The concavity of the central portion 13 extends outwardly from the side of the arcuate structure which is designed to be positioned adjacent the chest wall 22, thus both separating the underside 26 of the breast 25 from the chest wall 22 and creating space for air to circulate under the breast 25. This prevents painful skin-to-skin rubbing contact between the underside 26 of the breast 25 and the chest wall 22 and promotes faster healing of the excoriated region 28 that occurs on and around the chest wall 22 that is behind the breast 25. Excoriated region 28 is partially shown by the closely spaced parallel lines in FIG. 4. As best seen in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the generally concave center portion 13 creates a generally arcuate open region 27 which provides a pathway between the underside 26 of the breast 25 and the chest wall 22 through which air can circulate to promote faster healing. Circulation of air is permitted by the unobstructed open ends of the generally concave central portion 13 at either side 31, 34 (see FIG. 1) of the arcuate breast support device 10. The open ends permit air to freely circulate through the open region 27 (see FIGS. 5a and 5b). The concave central portion 13 can have one or more perforations 37 through the structure itself to further enhance air circulation to and around the excoriated area 28. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the breast support device further includes a generally enclosed raised channel 39 on the central portion 13, shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5b, and most preferably on the underside of the central portion 13, (i.e., the side opposite the open region 27). The raised channel 39 can be closed at one end 40a and have an opening at the opposite end 40b, defining a generally enclosed region 41 (see FIG. 3). However, at least some of the perforations 37, and preferably a central row 38 (FIG. 1) of the perforations 37, communicate with the generally enclosed region 41. Thus, a forced flow of air or oxygen can be provided through the raised channel 39 to deliver air directly against the excoriated tissue via the respective perforations 37 in communication with enclosed region 41 and more preferably via a central row 38 of perforations 37. This is done simply by connecting a source of pressurized air or oxygen to the opening at the end 40b of the raised channel 39. The direction of flow of air is indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6a-c. It should also be understood either of the ends 40a, 40b of the raised channel 39 could be provided with an opening. Alternatively, both ends can have openings, and can be closed, such as for example but not limited to, with removable plugs, in which case either end of the raised channel 39 could be connected to a source of air or oxygen as desired.

[0029] Although the presently preferred embodiment of the central portion 13 is described as generally concave, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes could easily be substituted which also create space for air to circulate between the underside of the breast 25 and the chest wall 22. Some examples of alternative shapes are illustrated in FIGS. 6a through 6c. The central portion 13 clearly need not be concave to function satisfactorily. One of ordinary skill in the art would immediately recognize that the central portion 13 could be formed in many alternative configurations, including being formed from two angled sides 88, 90, or three sides 92, 94, 96 forming an open channel, as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, respectively. Alternatively, the central portion 13 could simply be a flat single side 98 between the upper 16 and lower 19 flanges as shown in FIG. 6c. As in the previous embodiment, the alternatively configured breast support devices shown in FIGS. 6a through 6c can likewise include a generally enclosed raised channel 91, 97, 99, respectively, to direct a forced flow of air, or oxygen, (flow direction shown by arrows) directly against the excoriated tissue.

[0030] The breast support 10 is designed to be positioned under the breast 25, between the breast 25 and the chest wall 22, (as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b) to comfortably separate the underside 26 of the breast 25 away from the chest wall 22 to prevent irritating rubbing contact therebetween. Normally, the breast would be permitted to rest in its normal position, over top of and in contact with the excoriated area 28, as shown in FIG. 4. However, permitting the breast 25 to remain in this position can cause increased pain due to rubbing, skin-to-skin contact between the chest wall 22 and the underside 26 of the breast 25, one or both of which may be excoriated from the radiation treatment. Additionally, covering the excoriated region 28 with the breast 25 prevents air from circulating around the excoriated area 28 and can thus increase the amount of time needed for healing. Similarly to the perforations 37 in the concave central portion 13, circulation of air around the underside 26 of the breast 25 can be promoted by one or more open transverse channels 42 (FIG. 1) provided at one or more spaced apart locations along the upper flange member 16 which supports the breast 25, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. These open transverse channels 42 (FIG. 1) create space for air flow between the underside 26 of the breast 25 and the upper flange 16. In a preferred embodiment the upper flange 16 can be slightly longer than the lower flange member 19 since it must extend outward further to adequately support the breast 25 out away from the chest wall 22. Thus, the length of the upper flange member 16 may be different for different women depending upon the size of the breast 25. The lower flange member 19 may be slightly shorter than the upper flange member 16, and is designed primarily for supporting the breast support device 10 against the chest wall 22, and the weight of the breast 25 upon the upper flange member 16 so that the device is comfortably and securely held in position under the breast 25.

[0031] The upper flange member 16, which can have generally the same overall arcuate curvature as the concave central portion 13, extends generally upwardly and preferably the edge 43 (see FIGS. 2, and 5a and 5b) of upper flange member 16 curls out away from the underside of the breast 25 which it is configured to support. The arcuate curvature of the upper flange member 16 may be slightly different from the overall arcuate curvature of the concave central portion 13 and the lower flange member 19. The arcuate curvature of the upper flange member 16 may be slightly different since it is designed to conform comfortably to the underside 26 of the breast 25 rather than the chest wall 22. The upwardly extending upper flange member 16 is designed to comfortably support the breast 25 out away from the chest wall 22, and the concave central portion 13, in order to assist the concave central portion 13 in permitting air to circulate under the breast 25 and around the excoriated area 28. The lower flange member 19 extending from the lower side of the concave central portion 13 is designed to brace the concave central portion 13 and the upper flange member 16 against the chest wall 22 so that the weight of the breast 25 on the upper flange member 16 does not dislodge the breast support device 10. Depending on the particular patient and circumstances, an embodiment of the invention can include a securement member, or members, preferably, that are removable, for example, strap means 46, 48, (FIG. 1) for securing the breast support device 10 in position. The breast support device 10 can be held in place by positioning the straps 46, 48 around the patient's upper body 51, (FIG. 4) or portion thereof, for example the chest or the chest in combination with the neck, and then securing the free ends of the strap means 46, 48 together. This way, the strap means 46, 48 can help more securely hold the breast support device 10 in position to ensure that it does not become dislodged. Another possibility is that adhesives could be applied to the upper 16 and lower 19 flange members. However, since it would be undesirable to have adhesives in contact with excoriated area 28, the adhesives would be more useful where, for example, the outer portions of the upper flange member 16 and/or lower flange member 19 are in contact with skin that is not excoriated, and thus would not be irritated by the adhesive. Another feature which can be provided for increased comfort includes gently rounded corners 54, 57 (FIG. 2) at the intersections of the upper 16 and lower 19 flange members, respectively, with the concave central portion 13. Additionally, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the upper flange member 16 can have an inwardly curling edge 43 (FIGS. 2, 5a and 5b) as stated hereinbefore to avoid any potential scraping of any portion of the underside 26 of the breast 25. Likewise, the edge 60 of the lower flange member 19 can curve inwardly away from the chest wall 22 to avoid “digging” into the skin. Generally, the breast support device 10 preferably has no sharp edges or corners which cause discomfort.

[0032] Very simple alternative embodiments of breast support devices 70, 100, 120 and 122, according to the principles of the present invention, are illustrated in FIGS. 7a through 9b. The breast support device 70 (FIG. 7a) can simply be a hollow member 73 which is flexible enough to conform to the generally arcuate shape of the chest wall 22 below the breast 25. A channel for air circulation is provided through the center 76 of the hollow member 73 and preferably one or more perforations 79, e.g., holes, are provided through the wall of the hollow member 73 to permit the air flowing through the center 76 of the hollow member 73 to reach the excoriated area 28. The hollow member 73 is preferably soft and pliable so that it is very comfortable to the skin. Where a cylindrical tubular hollow member 73 is used, the outer diameter can be selected depending on the stiffness of the material from which the tube is made, as well as the size of the breast 25 which is to be supported, all of which will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art. A relatively large diameter can hold the breast 25 further out away from the chest wall 22. If the outer diameter is too small, the breast 25 could overhang the hollow member 73 too much resulting in part of the underside 26 of the breast 25 coming into irritating rubbing contact with part of the excoriated area 28 which may extend below the placement of the hollow member 73. This can depend mainly upon the size and physical condition, such as for example, firmness, of the breast 25 to be supported.

[0033] A similar breast support device 100 is shown in FIG. 7b, being a flexible hollow tubular member 102 with multiple perforations 104. However, in this embodiment, the perforations 104 can be provided, for reasons explained herein, in only a certain region, such as in the single row shown in FIG. 7b. Also, the hollow tubular member 102 can include end walls 106, 108 which generally enclose the interior of the hollow tubular member 102, except for the single row of perforations 104. Additionally, an end wall 106 can have a portion 110 with an opening 112 therethrough which provides access into the hollow interior of the tubular member 102. For the same reasons explained previously, a source of air, or oxygen, can be connected to the opening 112 for causing a flow of air or oxygen through the hollow tubular member 102 which can thus be delivered directly against excoriated area 28 via the perforations 104. The breast support device 100 can be rotated for positioning under the breast 25 such that the single row of perforations 104 is facing the excoriated area 28. In this way, the air can be purposefully conducted into direct contact with the excoriated area to speed healing. It should also be understood that portion 110 with opening 112 can alternatively be provided in the other end wall 108. Alternatively, both end walls 106, 108 can have openings, which can be closed, such as for example but not limited to, with removable plugs, in which case either end of the tubular member 102 can be connected to the source of air or oxygen.

[0034] Another design consideration is material stiffness. Soft, supple, pliable material is more comfortable. However, if the material does not have sufficient stiffness, the hollow member, for example the hollow member 73 of the breast support device 70 (FIG. 7a), could be deformed too much. This can result in two undesirable conditions. First, part of the breast 25 could overhang the hollow member 73 and establish rubbing contact with the chest wall 22. Second, deformation of the hollow member 73 can reduce, or entirely block, air circulation through the center 76 of the hollow member 73. In order to aid in holding the hollow member 73 in place, and/or causing the hollow member 73 to better conform to the generally arcuate shape of the chest wall 22, a strap member 82 (FIG. 8) can be, for example, threaded through the center 76 of the hollow member 73 (FIG. 7a), or attached at the ends of the hollow member 73. The free ends 84, 86 of the strap member 82 can be for example, but not limited to, tied or otherwise secured together around the patient's upper torso 51 as described previously to help more securely hold the breast support device 70 in position. Alternatively, the hollow member 73 could be pre-formed with a generally arcuate bend adapted to conform to the shape of the chest wall 22, and, if needed, the strap member 82 could be used to help hold the hollow member 73 in place. Moreover, it will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the breast support 70 need not be “tubular,” or cylindrical, and instead can alternatively be for example, but not limited to, a hollow triangular member 120, or a rectangular member 122, as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, respectively.

[0035] Other alternative configurations are possible within the teaching of the foregoing description. For example, the concave central portion 13 of the breast support device 10 could have closed ends so that air flow through the open region 27 would be prevented or greatly restricted. Nevertheless, one of more of the perforations 37 would permit some air circulation around the excoriated area 28 even if the ends were closed, since one or more of the perforations 37 would permit air to flow into the open region 27 through the concave central portion 13. Conversely, the perforations 37 further enhance air circulation when the ends of the concave central portion 13 are unobstructed. Additionally, as described above, where end walls close the open region 27, an opening can be provided through one of the end walls to allow for the flow of air through the open region 27 and out through the perforations 37, thus forcing air against the excoriated area 28 to speed healing. The alternative, hollow tubular breast support devices 70, 100 can function to support the breast 25 away from the chest wall 22 and prevent irritating skin-to-skin contact even if no perforations 79, 104 therethrough are provided to permit air circulation. With respect to the breast support device 70 (FIG. 7a), there is some airflow regardless of whether the ends of the hollow member 73 are open or closed off, since one or more of the perforations 79 permit air flow through the walls of the tubular member 73.

[0036] Another embodiment of an anatomical support device according to the present invention includes a scrotum support device 200 shown in FIGS. 10 through 14. The scrotum support device 200 can be constructed to accomplish similar purposes as the breast support device 10. The scrotum support device 200 can generally be an elongate member which tapers from a wider base portion 203 to a slightly narrower distal end 206, as shown best in FIG. 11. The wider base portion 203 is adapted to be positioned under the scrotum adjacent to a male patient's groin and perineal areas, as shown in FIG. 12. Opposite side portions 207, 208 (FIGS. 11 and 14) extend downwardly from a central portion 209. The central portion 209 can be shaped to create space between the scrotum and underlying skin in the groin and perineal areas to prevent irritating skin-to-skin rubbing contact. For example, the central portion 209 can have a generally concave shape which extends from the wider base portion 203 substantially entirely along the length of the elongate member to the distal end 206. The scrotum can be supported against the central portion 209 at the wider base portion 203, and the generally concave shape of central portion 209 creates space between the perineal skin and the central portion 209 to enhance air circulation. The downwardly extending side portions 207, 208 also provide the dual function of creating space between the groin area of the patient when the support device 200 is operatively positioned (FIG. 12) to enable better circulation of air to the affected tissue. Similar to the breast support device 10, the generally concave central portion 209 of support device 200 can have one or more perforations 212 for enhancing the circulation of air to and around affected tissue to speed healing. Furthermore, as shown best in FIG. 13, a raised channel 218 can be provided on the central portion 209, preferably on the underside of the central portion 209. The raised channel 218 can be closed at one end 220 and have an opening at the opposite end 221, thereby defining a generally enclosed region 222. The opening at the end 221 can be employed to provide the generally enclosed region 222 with the capability to receive flowing air, or oxygen, into the raised channel 218. At least one of the perforations 212, and preferably a central row 213 of the perforations 212, communicate with the generally enclosed region 221 within the raised channel 218. Thus, a forced flow of air, or oxygen, can be provided through opening 221 into the generally enclosed region 221 and thus directly into contact with the excoriated tissue via the central row 213 of perforations 212. This can be done by flowing air or oxygen into the opening at the end 221 of the raised channel 218. The direction of flow of the air is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 13. The end 220 is preferably the closed end of the channel 218 since that is the end of the elongate member which is positioned in juxtaposition to the scrotum, and thus there is a limited physical access to that end. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that alternative arrangements can be devised so that either, or both, ends 220, 221 can be provided with an opening, with one closed such as for example, but not limited to, by a removable plug, whereby either end of the raised channel 218 can be connected to a source of air or oxygen.

[0037] Additionally, open transverse channels 215 can be provided to further enhance air circulation between the support surface 209 and the underside of the scrotum and perineal areas. As shown best in FIG. 13, the scrotum support device 200 can further be provided with an undulating curvature along the length of the elongate member which is designed to comfortably conform to the curvature of the perineal area (FIG. 12). FIG. 14 shows that the opposite side portions 207, 208 extend downwardly from the central portion 209 and that at least a portion of the concave curvature along the length of the elongate member from the base portion 203 to the distal end 206 of the upper surface 240 of the central portion 209 of the support device 200 creates a space between the perineal area and enables air flow to the excoriated skin.

[0038] Although certain embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications to those details could be developed in light of the overall teaching of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only, and not limiting to the scope of the invention which should be awarded the full breadth of the following claims and any and all embodiments thereof.

Claims

1. A medical device for supporting a first body tissue away from a second body tissue, said medical device comprising:

a central portion having an upper side and a lower side;

an upper flange member extending from said upper side of said central portion, said upper flange member adapted to support a first body tissue;

a lower flange member extending from said lower side of said central portion, said lower flange member adapted for positioning adjacent a second body tissue; and wherein said central portion adapted to separate the first body tissue from the second body tissue when the first body tissue is supported on said upper flange member and said lower flange member is positioned adjacent the second body tissue.

2. The medical device of claim 1 wherein said first body tissue is the underside of a breast and wherein the second body tissue is the chest wall.

3. The medical device of claim 2 further comprising said central portion adapted to create space between the underside of the breast and the chest wall.

4. The medical device of claim 2 further comprising at least one perforation in said central portion for air to reach the underside of the breast and chest wall through said central portion.

5. The medical device of claim 4 further comprising:

a raised channel on a surface of said central portion said raised channel defining an enclosed region;

at least one of said perforations in said central portion communicating with said enclosed region defined by said raised channel; and

an end of said raised channel having an opening into said enclosed region such that a source of air or oxygen can be connected to said opening of said raised channel to cause said air or said oxygen to flow into said enclosed region and out through said at least one of said perforations and into said space created between the underside of the breast and the chest wall.

6. The medical device of claim 3 further comprising opposite ends of said central portion being unobstructed, and said space between the underside of the breast and the chest wall is an open region along said central portion for allowing for air circulation between said central portion and the underside of the breast and the chest wall.

7. The medical device of claim 3 further comprising said central portion being of a concave shape.

8. The medical device of claim 7 further comprising a plurality of perforations in said central portion for air to reach the underside of the breast and chest wall through said central portion.

9. The medical device of claim 2 further comprising said central portion having an arcuate shape along the longest axis thereof, said arcuate shape adapted to conform to the curvature of the chest wall.

10. The medical device of claim 9 further comprising said lower flange member having an arcuate shape.

11. The medical device of claim 9 further comprising said upper flange member having a second arcuate shape, said second arcuate shape adapted to conform to the curvature of the breast.

12. The medical device of claim 2 further comprising open transverse channels provided in said upper flange member to enhance air circulation between said upper flange member and the breast.

13. The medical device of claim 2 further comprising a securement member attached to at least one of said central portion said upper flange member and said lower flange member adapted to hold said medical device in place when positioned against the chest wall under the breast.

14. A medical device for supporting a breast away from a chest wall of a patient, said medical device comprising:

a hollow member adapted for positioning under the breast adjacent the chest wall, said hollow member capable of separating the underside of the breast from the chest wall; and

at least one perforation through said hollow member to permit air to reach the underside of the breast and the chest wall through said hollow member.

15. The medical device of claim 14 further comprising:

said hollow member having closed ends defining an enclosed region within said hollow member;

at least one perforation provided in a certain region along a length of said hollow member, said certain region facing the underside of the breast and the chest wall; and

one of said closed ends having an opening into said enclosed region such that a source of air or oxygen can be connected to said opening to cause said air or oxygen to flow into said enclosed region and out through at least one of said perforations and against the underside of the breast and the chest wall.

16. The medical device of claim 14 further comprising an elongated strap member for securing said medical device into position said strap member disposed through said hollow member and having opposite free ends adapted to be secured together subsequent to disposition through said hollow member and encirclement of at least a portion of a patient's upper body, said strap member adapted to secure said hollow member under the breast adjacent the chest wall and cause said hollow member to conform to the curvature of the chest wall.

17. The medical device of claim 14 further comprising said hollow member having a generally arcuate shape along a longest axis thereof adapted to conform to the curvature of the chest wall.

18. The medical device of claim 17 further comprising a strap member for securing said medical device into position said strap member disposed through said hollow member and having opposite free ends adapted to be secured together subsequent to disposition through said hollow member and encirclement of at least a portion of a patient's upper body, said strap member adapted to secure said hollow member under the breast adjacent the chest wall.

19. The medical device of claim 17 further comprising a pair of securement members, each of said securement members having a first end attachable to opposite ends of said hollow member and a second end adapted to fasten to each other subsequent to encirclement of at least a portion of a patient's upper body, said pair of securement members adapted to removably secure said hollow member under the breast adjacent the chest wall.

20. The medical device of claim 1 further comprising a pair of securement members, each of said securement members having a first end attachable to opposite ends of said central portion and a second end adapted to fasten to each other subsequent to encirclement of at least a portion of a patient's body, said securement members adapted to removably secure said medical device to said patient's body.

21. A medical device for supporting a scrotum of a patient away from underlying tissue, said medical device comprising:

an elongated member having a central portion and opposing side portions extending downwardly away from said central portion;

said central portion having a wider first end and a narrower distal end opposite said wider first end, said wider first end adapted for positioning at the base of the scrotum; and

said central portion adapted to support the scrotum away from the underlying tissue when the wider first end is positioned in juxtaposition to the scrotum and said opposing side portions are positioned in juxtaposition to the underlying tissue.

22. The medical device of claim 21 further comprising said central portion adapted to create space between the scrotum and the underlying tissue and said central portion.

23. The medical support device of claim 21 further comprising said central portion having at least one perforation therethrough to provide for circulation of air around the scrotum and the underlying tissue.

24. The medical device of claim 23 further comprising:

a raised channel on said central portion, said raised channel defining an enclosed region;

at least one of said perforation in said central portion communicating with said enclosed region defined by said raised channel; and

an end of said raised channel having an opening into said enclosed region such that a source of air or oxygen is connected to said opening to cause said air or oxygen to flow into said enclosed region and out through said at least one of said perforations and directed to the area of the scrotum and the underlying tissue.

25. The medical support device of claim 23 further comprising open transverse channels in said central portion to enhance circulation of air between the scrotum and the underlying tissues and said central portion.

26. The medical support device of claim 23 further comprising said central portion having a generally concave cross-section.

27. The medical support device of claim 23 further comprising part of said central portion having a generally arcuate shape along said elongated member from said wider first end to said narrower distal end.