Surgery: kinesitherapy – Kinesitherapy – Vacuum
Patent
1994-05-19
2000-01-04
Hafer, Robert A.
Surgery: kinesitherapy
Kinesitherapy
Vacuum
601 6, A61N 100
Patent
active
06010466&
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a suction nipple eversion device for the correction of inverted nipples.
Inverted nipples are a common problem caused by short lactiferous ducts. Many operative procedures are available for their correction but all have limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple device for correcting inverted nipples which obviates the need for operative intervention.
Accordingly, the present invention resides in a suction nipple eversion device comprising a nipple mould for receiving a nipple, the nipple mould being provided with a valve by means of which air can be withdrawn from the nipple mould and a sealing flange for sealing the nipple mould against a nipple areolar complex of the breast under negative pressure produced upon withdrawal of air and wherein in use the device is self-supporting.
In use, the device according to the present invention operates by producing a suction effect on the inverted nipple, the negative pressure acting to draw out the inverted nipple into the mould. Since the device supports itself, individuals are free to move about during use. The device is worn for intervals over a period of time resulting in stretching of the lactiferous ducts and thereby providing a simple means for the correction of inverted nipples.
Preferably, the valve is provided with a syringe port and is attached to the nipple mould by means of a flexible tube. When the device is held against the nipple areolar complex of the breast air can be withdrawn through the valve by means of a syringe.
The nipple may be visualised during use through a transparent mould.
Removal is effected by simply lifting the device off the breast from the edge of the sealing flange so disrupting the seal and equalising the pressure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suction nipple eversion device.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a syringe being used to extract air from the nipple mould of a suction nipple eversion device.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a suction nipple eversion device in use.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIGS. 1 to 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows a suction nipple eversion device 1 comprising a nipple mould 2 provided with a sealing flange 3 and a nipple reciving portion 8, including a sidewall 9 and a top portion 10. The mould 2 is provided with a valve 4 connected to the mould by means of a flexible tube 5. The valve 4 (details of which are not shown) has a syringe port 6 for receiving a syringe to extract air from the mould.
In FIG. 2 there is shown the suction nipple eversion device 1 of FIG. 1 held against a patient's breast. A syringe 7 is introduced into the device via the syringe port 6 whereupon valve 4 (details not shown) opens to allow withdrawal of air by the syringe 7. Once suction has been achieved the syringe 7 is withdrawn whereupon valve 4 closes to allow the mould to be retained in position over the nipple areolar complex as shown in FIG. 3.
A cross-section of the device 1 is shown at FIG. 4.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various types of valves may be utilized with the present invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
1. A suction nipple eversion device comprising: device, the nipple mould including mould; sealing the nipple mould against a nipple areolar complex of the breast under negative pressure produced upon withdrawal of air from the nipple mould; and fluid communication between the nipple mould and the valve; and tube by the vacuum source to create suction, the vacuum source is removed
REFERENCES:
patent: 196594 (1877-10-01), Patch
patent: 727464 (1903-05-01), Scott
patent: 1032518 (1912-07-01), Thieringer
patent: 1212845 (1917-01-01), Talley
patent: 1472234 (1923-10-01), Thomas
patent: 1922947 (1933-08-01), Grotte
patent: 3785369 (1974-01-01), Tallent
patent: 4111192 (1978-09-01), Wu
patent: 5032103 (1991-07-01), Larsson
Hafer Robert A.
Hanlon Brian E.
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