Patent ID: 7575557

Claim:
A closed loop heating system for a nipple aspirate fluid aspiration device, comprising a plurality of inflatable bladders configured to be arranged in series from a first bladder to a last bladder and removably connected to the nipple aspirate fluid aspiration device to provide circumferential compression of a breast for the expression of intraductal fluid; a reservoir; and a series fluid flow path comprising an inflow line operably connected to the first bladder in the series and an outflow line operably connected to the last bladder in the series for placing the bladders in fluid communication with the reservoir; wherein the entire closed loop heating system can be operated and removed without exposing a fluid within said closed loop to the outside of the closed loop system; wherein each bladder has an inflated width of no more than about 3 inches and an inflated length of no more than about 4 inches; and wherein said fluid flow path comprises a movable wall such that fluid in the system can be moved by application of external pressure to the movable wall.