Abstract: Improved devices and methods for the expression of milk from a breast are disclosed herein. A device for expressing breast milk may comprise a breast interface including a flange configured to engage a breast and fluidly seal thereagainst, and an actuatable assembly operably coupled to the breast interface and configured to apply vacuum pressure at the breast interface. The breast interface may be configured to apply anterior compression to an anterior portion of the breast when the actuatable assembly is actuated. The flange may be configured to apply posterior compression to a posterior portion of the breast when the actuatable assembly is actuated. The posterior compression can help improve the efficiency of milk expression by reducing the retrograde flow of milk.

Abstract: The breast shield is an apparatus for a resting position use by a nursing woman to capture expressed milk while using a breast pump comprising a breast receiving cone with a plurality of holes and a hole plug on the side of said cone for draining expressed milk away from the breast and into an attached tube for collection in a container. The apparatus is optionally configured with a one-way flow valve positioned in the cone above the nipple and below the holes to enable back-flow prevention of expressed milk. The apparatus is optionally configured with a one-way flow valve connected to any of the holes on the side to enable back-flow prevention of expressed milk.

Abstract: A manual pump apparatus and method for extracting breastmilk is disclosed. A pump head comprises a funnel-shaped breast shield portion and a neck portion leading to a collection container. A deformable elastic component is sealed within an opening formed in the neck portion and manipulated by a mechanical actuation device to engage the user's nipple within the pump head to simulate the suckling of an infant and to compress the nipple to control edema. The deformable elastic component is configured to move into the interior volume of the neck portion under an applied pressure such that the deformable elastic component compresses the nipple to control nipple edema. The deformable elastic component is also configured to move away from the axial center of the neck portion under an applied pressure to create a volume to create suction and extract breastmilk in a manner that closely replicates the suckling of an infant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure.

Abstract: An adapter for use in a system for collecting colostrum and/or milk from a breast may include: a body having a predominantly cylindrical shape; a first open end of the body for connecting to a funnel device; a second open end of the body for connecting to a source of suction; a side port between the first and second ends for connecting to a fluid collection device; a catchment area at or near the side port; and a blocking member between the side port and the second end, for preventing colostrum from passing beyond the side port and through the second end. The blocking member may include at least one aperture for allowing suction force to be transmitted from the second end to the first end.

Abstract: An adapter for use in a system for collecting colostrum and/or breast milk may include: a body having a predominantly cylindrical shape; a first open end of the body for connecting to a funnel device; a second open end of the body for connecting to a source of suction; a blocking member inside the body, between the first open end and the second open end; an aperture in the blocking member to allow suction force applied at the second open end to generate suction at the first open end; a reservoir extending off of a side of the body, between the first open end and the blocking member; and a port disposed on the distal end of the reservoir for connecting the adapter to a fluid collection device.

Abstract: A device for expression and collection of breast milk includes an actuatable assembly, a breast interface, and a tube. The breast interface is sized to receive a breast and form a fluid tight seal against the breast. The breast interface includes a deformable member disposed within at least a portion of the breast interface. The deformable member deforms in response to actuation of the actuatable assembly and applies vacuum pressure against the breast to express milk. The tube operatively couples the actuatable assembly to the breast interface.

Abstract: A hands-free breast pump system is disclosed. A breast shield having an adhesive inner surface for adhering to a woman's breast is disclosed. The breast shield may be connected to an adapter for transferring a vacuum generated by a pump to the breast. The adapter also allows milk expressed from the breast to drain from the adapter to a container. In the alternative, the breast shield may form part of a breast shield adapter system which is connected to a conventional breast shield by a drain line so that a conventional breast pump system is used to supply a vacuum and to collect the milk.

Abstract: A breast pump configured to interface with a breast via a cup. The breast pump comprising a manual bulb pump configured to be compressed by a user and an adapter end configured to removably receive a bag.

Abstract: When milk is expressed using a breast pump, milk residue is left on a surface of a breast pump funnel (13). The present invention relates to a breast pump with a vibrating means (30) which is configured to induce the breast pump to vibrate to promote the flow of residual milk on a surface of the funnel (13) to flow to a milk collecting vessel (14). The invention also relates to a method of collecting milk residue on a surface of a funnel for a breast pump by vibrating the breast pump after milk has been expressed from a user's breast.

Abstract: A breast pump provides multiple orientations of the pumping lever with respect to the breast shield. A breast pump includes a liner extending from the breast shield, through the suction chamber, and out of the suction chamber, which liner shields other components of the pump from contamination by the flow of milk through the pump during pumping operation. A breast pumping device includes a pumping lever for manually providing a cyclical vacuum within the suction chamber and an external pumping source, connected to the suction bell, that the user can activate to provide a cyclical vacuum within the suction chamber. A breast pump provides a smaller change in the grip width from when the lever is fully-extended to when the lever is fully-retracted, allowing more comfortable manual pumping.

Abstract: A breastpump assembly is disclosed. The breastpump assembly includes a breast shield within which a woman's breast is received, a conduit structure communicating with the breast shield, a container for collecting milk, and a valve mechanism closing the breastpump assembly from ambient air when initially provided to a user, the valve mechanism being opened to allow ambient air to pass into the breastpump assembly through removal of the container, so as to substantially disable the breastpump.

Abstract: A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as the general pumping mode.

Abstract: An implantable port with an integral attachment mechanism. The implantable port includes one or more suture needles enclosed within a port body, the suture needle(s) coupled to a movable member such that movement of the movable member results in movement of the suture needle(s) out of the port body and into the tissue of a body into which it is implanted. The movable member can be a cam or tensioning member that rotates about a central port axis. The movable member can be coupled to a gear to permit movement of the movable member following implantation of the port within a subcutaneous pocket.

Abstract: A massaging manual breast pump comprising a pumping assembly, a receptacle, a lid, a handle, and a cushion is provided.

Abstract: A barrier of a vacuum pump prevents contamination from entering a vacuum pump air line. The barrier separates parts of the pump and is moveable between an initial state and a distended state. The barrier is assembled within the pump with a pre-load. When the vacuum source is applied to the barrier, the barrier achieves a distended state and when the vacuum source is released, the barrier incrementally self returns to an initial state. The geometry and material construction of the barrier, along with the pre-load, assists in returning the barrier on its own to the initial state from the distended state.

Abstract: An insert for a breast-receiving funnel (10) of a breast pump comprising an elongate inflatable bladder (23) which defines a pressure chamber (26), the elongate inflatable bladder (23) being adapted to fit in a teat receiving space (11) of said breast receiving funnel (10) so that the bladder extends from an inner end of said funnel towards an outer end of said funnel, and lie between a user's teat and the funnel when a breast is inserted in the funnel, such that the elongate inflatable bladder is configured to deform towards a user's teat located in the teat receiving space in a predetermined manner when a pressure difference is applied between the teat receiving space and the pressure chamber such that a peristaltic action is applied to said user's teat, to aid the expression of milk therefrom.

Abstract: A portable breast pump has a suction unit and a collecting unit which is connected to this suction unit via a flexible suction line. The collecting unit comprises a breast shield, a milk-receiving container and a coupling element which connects the breast shield to the milk-receiving container. The suction unit has a housing with an operating means for operating the pump and a fastening means for fastening the housing on a carrying means, which can be fastened on the mother's body. This breast pump is easy to operate, allows the milk to be expressed even in confined areas with no set-down surfaces and, in addition, does not hinder the mother's mobility.

Abstract: An implantable port with an integral attachment mechanism. The implantable port includes one or more suture needles enclosed within a port body, the suture needle(s) coupled to a movable member such that movement of the movable member results in movement of the suture needle(s) out of the port body and into the tissue of a body into which it is implanted. The movable member can be a cam or tensioning member that rotates about a central port axis. The movable member can be coupled to a gear to permit movement of the movable member following implantation of the port within a subcutaneous pocket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable breast cup set which comprises a coupling element (2) to be coupled to a milk collection receptacle (1) and a breast cup connecting element (3) to be coupled to a breast cup funnel (5). The coupling element (5) and the breast cup connecting element (3) are interlinked via a tamper-evident element (4), said connection being destroyed when the coupling element (2) is for the first time separated from the breast cup connecting element (3) and preventing re-use of the set.

Abstract: A disclosed reclining breast pumping system includes a breast shield that forms a passageway. Material of the breast shield adjacent to a first end of the passageway is shaped to fit over an area surrounding the areola and nipple of a woman's breast. Material of the breast shield that extends from a second end of the passageway is formed into a tube. When the breast shield is fitted onto a woman's breast, the part of the passageway closest to but not touching the nipple of the breast extends in a direction that is non-perpendicular to the areola. Variations and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable, hands-free and user friendly breast pump for facilitating breast-feeding, incorporates a dome-shaped housing having a servomotor mechanism; a hat-shaped flange having a chamber portion, a brim portion and an outlet, the chamber portion being formed so as to be placed over a nipple on a breast so as to define a chamber between the flange and the breast, and the brim portion being formed to surround the nipple and thereby form a suction seal therebetween; and a one-way venting element formed to operatively communicate with the chamber so as to vent pumped milk from the chamber via the outlet. The housing, the flange and the venting element are connected into an integral device held against the breast and underneath clothing so as to keep the integral device hidden. Breast milk is collected via a plastic collection bag that connects directly with the pump underneath clothing such that the milk is isolated from any contaminants in the air and may be easily stored immediately after being collected.

Abstract: A portable, hands-free and user friendly breast pump for facilitating breast-feeding, incorporates a dome-shaped housing having a servomotor mechanism; a hat-shaped flange having a chamber portion, a brim portion and an outlet, the chamber portion being formed so as to be placed over a nipple on a breast so as to define a chamber between the flange and the breast, and the brim portion being formed to surround the nipple and thereby form a suction seal therebetween; and a one-way venting element formed to operatively communicate with the chamber so as to vent pumped milk from the chamber via the outlet. The housing, the flange and the venting element are connected into an integral device held against the breast and underneath clothing so as to keep the integral device hidden. Breast milk is collected via a plastic collection bag that connects directly with the pump underneath clothing such that the milk is isolated from any contaminants in the air and may be easily stored immediately after being collected.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus (10) for treating inverted nipples and/or the collection of NAF.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact and hands-free human breast milk collection device that fits into a mother's existing nursing or standard brassiere, or in another preferred embodiment, comprises a complete nursing brassiere and milk collection system. The invention can be attached to a regular electric pump or manual pump for active milk collection and also can be used without a pump for passive milk collection. The invention comprises a breast adaptor which is preferably a funnel-shaped inlet coupled to a reservoir, wherein when the breast is inserted into the breast adaptor, the expressed breast milk is expressed into the reservoir and is stored there until the device is removed and emptied.

Abstract: A suppository device has a shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end has a bulbous upper portion. The diameter of the wide section of the bulbous upper portion is between 6 millimeters and 12 millimeters. The shaft has a tapered surface extending toward the second end from the bulbous upper portion. The taper angle of the tapered surface is decreasing to virtually 0 degrees toward the second end. The diameter at the portion of the shaft, separated 4 cm from the wide section of the bulbous upper portion, is between ? and ? of the diameter of the wide section of the bulbous upper portion. The shaft has a length of no less than 4 centimeters.

Abstract: A breast pump includes a pump that produces both vacuum and pulsating pressure, at least one express kit, and hoses or the like for connecting the pump to the express kit. The express kit includes a manifold, a milk collection vessel, a rigid cup and a flexible liner. The liner is made of a pliable material, and includes a funnel and a throat. The inside surface of the funnel, which is between the liner and the cup when the liner is installed, has an optional honeycomb structure that creates a forced space between the liner and the cup, while maintaining some degree of flexibility. At the end of the liner inside the throat, a rigid insert or suitable bond maintains some rigidity inside the throat, supports the liner and creates a seal between the liner and the cup at the throat end of the liner.

Abstract: For safely inserting a catheter into a chest cavity of a child or corpulent patient to be retained therein and for preventing atmospheric air from proceeding into the chest cavity during a removal of a penetrating needle, discharge equipment for medical procedures is provided which equipment includes a connector cap and a storage bottle detachably connectable to each other, a connector to be connected to the catheter retained in the patient, a check valve including an outer periphery covered by a protective cover and being openable only toward a storage bottle side, and a coupling device to the storage bottle mounted on the connector cap. The storage bottle is a hollow container including an inlet port and a discharge port, a detachably connecting device for the connector cap mounted on the inlet port, and a check valve openable only toward an exterior of the storage bottle is mounted on the discharge port.

Abstract: A breastpump assembly includes a hood member having a funnel-shaped shield portion for placement over a breast and a sleeve portion extending from the funnel-shaped portion. The breastpump assembly includes a substantially rigid plastic housing connected to the extending portion of the breast hood. A pump is fixed or functionally attached to the housing for applying a negative pressure to the housing. A container is attached to the housing, the container being in fluid communication with the breast hood to receive expressed breast milk. At least a portion of the breastpump exterior surface includes a compliant portion.

Abstract: A device for expressing milk from one or more breasts has at least one, and preferably two expressors and a pump. The expressors each have a cup for fitting on the breasts and a cup outlet to which a vacuum created by the pump can be connected. A filter that is substantially permeable to air but substantially impermeable to milk and water prevents milk from entering the vacuum pump. The filter is preferably permeable to air even when wet, though, so that the device can still be operated, even as the filter collects fluid.

Abstract: A device for expressing milk from one or more breasts has at least one, and preferably two expressors and a pump. The expressors each have a cup for fitting on the breasts and a cup outlet to which a vacuum created by the pump can be connected. In use, the vacuum expresses the milk from the breast. The device has a vacuum adjustment and a vacuum release on each expressor. In this manner, the vacuum can be individually adjusted and released at the expressors. The pump includes a movable diaphragm in a chamber. The diaphragm is oscillated back and forth by a linear actuator motor such as a stepper motor. The motor has a shaft which moves back and forth axially, for direct linkage to the diaphragm, so that the size and weight of the pump are reduced. The expressors have a removable cap and removable cup assembly, and the cup assembly has a positively sealed liner, for easy disassembly and cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breast pump, which in addition to a drive motor (7), vacuum diaphragm pump (1) and programme-controlled electronics (4), comprises a vacuum chamber (12) with a separation diaphragm (13), which is connected between a pump intake conduit (9) and an extraction hood (11). The first chamber (14) is equipped with a device (16) for the negative or positive aeration of said chamber. Said device (16) is also programme-controlled by the electronics (4) during the normal continuous operation of the pump (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for accomplishing a noninvasive screen for breast disease markers, including breast cancer markers and cytologically abnormal cells. Intraductal fluid is noninvasively aspirated using compression, heating and suction cycles. The removed sample is thereafter assayed for the presence of cytologically abnormal cells and/or one or more breast disease markers. Sample size and intraductal mobility of breast disease markers may be enhanced by retrograde introduction of a carrier. Devices and assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for expressing milk from one or more breasts has at least one, and preferably two expressers and a pump. The expressers each have a cup for fitting on the breasts and a cup outlet to which a vacuum created by the pump can be connected. The cups have a flexible liner which collapses around the breast to establish the vacuum. Pulsating pressure is applied to the outside of the liner to increase the vacuum and stimulate milk production. The pressure is applied through lines which are vented to maintain adequate, consistent pressure pulses without stalling the pump.

Abstract: A concealed apparatus for hands free breast milk pumping and collection includes one or more low profile nipple caps held in place beneath a support brassiere or other minimally conspicuous confinement. The system permits substantially concealed, hands free breast pumping in a public environment without any remarkable change in the user's visible appearance. Milk is expressed from the breasts through novel, low profile nipple caps linked to a membranous collection reservoir which is optionally designed for milk storage and delivery to the infant user.

Abstract: A flexible resilient breast pump insert adapted to fit onto a vacuum generating breast pump operable to cyclically generate and release a negative pressure is disclosed. The insert has deformable zones (11, 14) spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of the insert which are connected to the source of negative pressure so that the zones (11, 14) are deformed sequentially when the negative pressure is applied, to cause them to move inwardly and outwardly relative to the users nipple and areola and apply a peristaltic pressure thereto.

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.

Abstract: A concealed apparatus for hands free breast milk pumping and storage includes one or more low profile nipple caps held in place beneath a support brassiere. The system permits concealed, hands free breast pumping in a public environment without any remarkable change in the user's visible appearance. Milk is expressed from the breasts through novel, low profile nipple caps linked to a reservoir via a milk storage conduit. A vacuum is applied to the storage reservoir by any suitable means such as an electric or manual vacuum pump. Suction is thus conveyed through related system components to express milk from the breasts and draw it into the storage reservoir, while being essentially unobserved by others.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin to a patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired Constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components obtained according to the above sample collection methods. Also provided within the invention are novel breast pump and breast pump adapter devices which incorporate a solid phase sample collection medium integrated within the breast pump or adapter or otherwise fluidly connected therewith.

Abstract: An iontophoretic drug delivery system of the present invention includes a controller interconnectable with a drug-filled patch. The controller includes electronic circuitry which monitors and controls the supply of electrical current to the drug-filled patch during delivery of at least one drug, and the electronic circuitry includes a circuit for causing a voltage step in a battery of a plurality of serially-connected cells. Specifically, the circuit causes one or more of the cells to discharge through a resistor at a higher rate than the other cells, thus producing a voltage step when the faster discharging cell dies before the other cells. A reverse-biased diode is connected in parallel to the faster discharging cell to cause the current to bypass the faster discharging cell after it has died, thus preventing it from reverse charging. This circuitry may be controlled to adjust the higher rate of discharge, and thus the time of occurrence of the voltage step.

Abstract: A flexible resilient breast pump insert (5) adapted to fit into the rigid funnel portion (1) of a vacuum generating breast pump operable to generate a negative pressure. The insert comprises a mouth portion (6) with an open end shaped to receive and contact the areola of a woman's breast and an inner portion (7) of reduced size to receive the woman's nipple. A lip (9) around the edge of the mouth portion allows it to be connected to the rigid breast pump funnel portion (1) to form a pressure tight seal therewith.

Abstract: A manual breast pump adapted for one-handed operation includes a pump body defining an inlet, an outlet and a vacuum port, a stationary handle connected to the pump body, and a movable handle connected to the manual breast pump and spaced from the stationary handle so that both handles can be grasped simultaneously between the palm and fingers of a hand. The movable handle is movable with respect to the stationary handle and is operably connected to a piston disposed within the pumping chamber so that movement of the movable handle with respect to the stationary handle results in movement of the piston within the pumping chamber to create a vacuum at the vacuum port. The invention provides a manual breast pump which can be easily and comfortably supported and operated using one hand.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods and kits are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin or an oxytocin analogue to a mammalian patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. The oxytocin is preferably administered intranasally and causes myoepithelial contraction of target alveolar-ductal tissues of the breast. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components.

Abstract: A breast pump for extracting milk from a human breast includes an extracting cup and has an engagement portion for engaging the breast. A container has a mouth portion connected to the extracting cup. A milk receiving bag is mounted to the mouth portion and suspended in the container. An air suction source is connected to the container in order to produce air suction inside the container. An air path connects the interior of the extracting cup and the inside of the container, wherein the air suction creates a negative air pressure condition to assist in the suction of milk. The milk flows by gravity through the extracting cup and into the milk receiving bag without contact with the air suction source or the inside of the container.

Abstract: A method for treating mastitis which comprises the use of an infusion of an effective amount of (mon)oxychlorosene or sodium oxychlorosene in an aqueous carrier is disclosed.A mastitis treatment infusion applicator which comprises a body portion including a compartment containing a first material which is an aqueous carrier, a cap portion including a compartment containing a second material which is (mon)oxychlorosene or sodium oxychlorosene, a seal arranged on either the body or cap portion to separate the two compartments, and seal-breaking means arranged on either the cap or body portion respectively, wherein the cap and body portion are movable relative to one another between a first position in which the seal is intact and a second position in which the seal is broken and in which the materials in the two compartments may come into contact, at least the surfaces contacting the second material being fluorinated is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liner for a breast pump which results in increased milk pumped from the female breast having a bell-shaped, flexible body which flares outwardly at one end to a size sufficient to fit over the female breast and narrows at the opposite end to an opening of a size sufficient to permit the flow of milk and which is provided with a circular extension to be connected to the pumping head. The body is provided on its outer surface with recesses providing a membranous wall portion thinner than the body.

Abstract: A breast milk pump with a hood insert for mechanically stimulating the nipples of a lactating woman. The insert has a nipple frame with openings that are covered by a flexible membrane. The membrane is drawn into the frame to gently massage the nipple area under action by a suction pump for the enhanced expression of milk.

Abstract: A method for treating mastitis which comprises the use of an infusion of an effective amount of (mon)oxychlorosene or sodium oxychlorosene in an aqueous carrier is disclosed.A mastitis treatment infusion applicator which comprises a body portion including a compartment containing a first material which is an aqueous carrier, a cap portion including a compartment containing a second material which is (mon)oxychlorosene or sodium oxchlorosene, a seal arranged on either the body or cap portion to separate the two compartments, and seal-breaking means arranged on either the cap or body portion respectively, wherein the cap and body portion are movable relative to one another between a first position in which the seal is intact and a second position in which the seal is broken and in which the materials in the two compartments may come into contact. At least the surfaces contacting the second material being fluorinated is also disclosed.

Abstract: A suction irrigation device for use in the lumbar interspace following conventional discectomy is disclosed. The device has an inflatable cuff to seal the interspace opening and permit the evacuation of residual disc fragments through a closed system so as to assure that such debris does not find its way into the spinal canal.

Abstract: A one-way valve positioned between the nozzle and container of a disposable douche, which is opened and closed by axial movement of the nozzle relative to the container, permitting discharge of the douche contents without permitting backflow. The neck of the container opening having an intermediate cap with axial discharge holes and a flexible valve disk overlying such holes all within the bore of the base of the nozzle. In the closed position, the inner shoulder of the nozzle base seat against the flexible valve disk presenting discharge of the contents through the discharge opening of the intermediate cap. With the axial displacement of the nozzle away from the main body of the container the valve disk, freed of the internal restraining shoulders of the nozzle base, can flex to permit flow of the contents of the container into the nozzle.