Method of opening a ductal sphincter using controlled fluid pressure
View Patent ↗The invention provides methods, devices, and systems for collecting breast ductal fluids. The devices include a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The methods comprise the opening a ductal sphincter or the manipulation of a breast duct using controlled fluid pressure through a ductal access device.
1. A method for passing a medical instrument through a sphincter, said method comprising:
bringing a medical instrument into proximity to a sphincter;
introducing a pressurized fluid through said medical instrument such that said fluid comes into contact with said sphincter thereby opening said sphincter;
passing the medical instrument through to said opened sphincter.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said medical instrument is a catheter.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein an increase in fluid pressure causes said sphincter to open.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said fluid pressure is applied by a fluid pump, mouth pipetting, or gravity.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said fluid is warmed to body temperature before being introduced into said catheter.
6. A method for passing a catheter through a ductal sphincter, said method comprising:
bringing a catheter into proximity to a ductal sphincter;
introducing fluid through said catheter such that said fluid comes into contact with said ductal sphincter;
applying pressure to said fluid such that an increase in fluid pressure causes said ductal sphincter to open;
passing the catheter through to said opened ductal sphincter.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said fluid pressure is applied by a fluid pump, mouth pipetting, or gravity.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein said ductal sphincter is located in a breast duct.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein said fluid is warmed to body temperature before being introduced into said catheter.
10. A method for passing a catheter through a duct that is difficult to cannulate, said method comprising;
bringing a catheter into proximity to a duct;
introducing fluid through said catheter such that said fluid comes into contact with said duct;
applying pressure to said fluid such that an increase in fluid pressure causes said duct to open or straighten;
passing the catheter through to said opened or straightened duct.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said fluid pressure is applied by a fluid pump, mouth pipetting, or gravity.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein said fluid is warmed to body temperature before being introduced into said catheter.