Method and apparatus for influencing the transport of blood carotenoids into intraductal breast fluid

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed for reducing the level of carcinogens in the breast, and influencing the transport of blood carotenoids into the intraductal environment. In one embodiment, the device comprises a pump having compression, suction, and heat adapted to optimize noninvasive extraction of intraductal breast fluid during periods of non-lactation, from a parous or nulliparous patient.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of elevating intraductal carotenoid levels in a non lactating breast in a patient, comprising the steps of removing intraductal breast fluid from the non lactating breast at least once every other day for at least five days.  
     
     
         2 . A method of elevating intraductal carotenoid levels in a non lactating breast as in  claim 1 , wherein the removing step comprises manual aspiration.  
     
     
         3 . A method of elevating intraductal carotenoid levels in a non lactating breast as in  claim 1 , wherein the removing step comprises the steps of applying suction and compression.  
     
     
         4 . A method of elevating intraductal carotenoid levels in a non lactating breast as in  claim 3 , further comprising the step of applying heat to the breast.  
     
     
         5 . A method of elevating intraductal carotenoid levels in a non lactating breast as in  claim 3 , wherein the compression comprises peristaltic compression.  
     
     
         6 . A method of elevating intraductal carotenoid levels in a non lactating breast as in  claim 3 , further comprising the step of increasing the oxytocin level in the breast prior to the removing step.  
     
     
         7 . A method of elevating intraductal carotenoid levels in a non lactating breast as in  claim 6 , wherein the increasing the oxytocin level step is accomplished by administering oxytocin to the patient.  
     
     
         8 . A method of elevating intraductal carotenoid levels in a non lactating breast as in  claim 6 , wherein the increasing the oxytocin level step is accomplished by nipple stimulation.  
     
     
         9 . A method of elevating intraductal carotenoid levels in a non lactating breast as in  claim 1 , wherein intraductal fluid is removed on at least two occasions over a period of no more than about two months.  
     
     
         10 . A method of removing intraductal breast fluid from a patient, comprising the steps of contacting the breast with a mechanical intraductal fluid aspiration device, and activating the device to apply peristaltic compression and suction to the breast during a period of non lactation to remove intraductal breast fluid.  
     
     
         11 . A method of removing intraductal breast fluid as in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of applying heat from the device to the breast.  
     
     
         12 . A method of removing intraductal breast fluid as in  claim 10 , wherein the removing step is repeated at least once.  
     
     
         13 . A method of removing intraductal breast fluid as in  claim 10 , wherein the patient is parous and at least three months post wean.  
     
     
         14 . A method of removing intraductal breast fluid as in  claim 10 , wherein the patient is nulliparous.