US20030207649A1

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Info

Publication number: US20030207649A1
Application number: US10/136,591
Authority: US
Inventors: Shirley Reeder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-05-01
Filing date: 2002-05-01
Publication date: 2003-11-06

Abstract

An anatomical support device for post radiation cancer treatment, such as for breast or prostate cancer, including a breast support device for supporting the breast away from the chest or a scrotum support device for supporting the scrotum away from the groin and perineal areas. Each support device includes a central portion configured to create space between the affected part of the anatomy and underlying skin to prevent irritating friction contact. The central portion has one or more perforations therethrough and/or open transverse channels for providing and/or enhancing circulation of air to and around the affected tissue to speed healing. An enclosed raised channel is provided on the central portion in communication with at least one of the perforations through the raised channel and be delivered to the affected tissue.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention[0001]

The present invention relates generally to an anatomical support device which is particularly suitable for use as a post treatment medical aid for women and men who have had radiation therapy for breast or prostate cancer, respectively. More specifically, the invention relates to a support device for preventing skin to skin contact against a treated, irradiated portion of the body, such as the underside of a woman's breast or the underside of a man's scrotum, and/or perineal area and which also creates space therebetween for air to circulate to speed healing.[0002]

2. Description of the Background Art[0003]

Treatment of breast cancer often involves radiation therapy. Typically, the breast is lifted and the underside of the breast and chest wall is irradiated to destroy potentially cancerous cells in that region. Due to the high vascularity of that region, any cancerous cells which remained in that region could quickly spread throughout the patient's body. The same can generally be true of certain treatments for prostate cancer, involving irradiation of the skin under the scrotum in the groin and perineal areas. The following description is in terms of breast cancer radiation treatment, but is also generally applicable to, for example but not limited to, prostate cancer radiation treatment.[0004]

Radiation therapy excoriates, or bums, the treated area. Thus, the irradiated region is very painful and sensitive after treatment. Conventionally, after the radiation therapy, the woman's breast is simply allowed to return to its normal position over top of the irradiated area. The bum itself is painful, but this pain can be greatly exacerbated due to skin-to-skin rubbing contact between the underside of the breast and the chest wall. In addition to the rubbing and irritation, the excoriated area is covered by the breast, which prevents air from circulating around the excoriated area. This can result in lengthening the time it would otherwise take for the irradiated skin to heal.[0005]

The breast support device according to the present invention aids in reducing irritation and speeds up healing time after the radiation therapy by supporting a woman's breast away from the chest wall. By supporting the breast away from the chest wall, the excoriated skin on the underside of the breast and/or chest wall is not further irritated by rubbing contact. Moreover, faster healing of the excoriated skin can be promoted because the breast support device can also be configured to permit air to circulate through and around the breast support device, and thus under the breast and around the excoriated skin. Accordingly, it is both desirable and useful to have such a breast support device and a scrotum support device which can both reduce pain, by preventing rubbing contact, and speed up the healing time, by allowing air to circulate around the excoriated skin.[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A medical anatomical support device is provided for supporting a first body tissue, such as for example, a female breast or male scrotum, away from a second body tissue, such as for example, a chest wall or the male groin area, respectively. The medical anatomical device of the present invention is useful as a breast support device for women who have undergone radiation treatment for breast cancer. The breast support device of the present invention has a central portion with flange members extending from upper and lower sides thereof. The central portion is generally arcuate shaped to conform to the curvature of the chest wall at a location just below the breast. The central portion is further generally concave at the side positioned facing the chest wall. The concavity of the central portion creates space between the underside of the breast and the chest wall, which provides space for air to circulate around the excoriated region. Thus, the central portion not only separates the underside of the breast from the chest wall, but also creates space therebetween through which air can freely circulate to promote faster healing of the excoriated skin. Circulation of air is permitted by unobstructed open ends of the concave central portion at either side of the arcuate structure. Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the concave central portion can have multiple perforations through the structure itself to further enhance air circulation around the excoriated skin. In a further embodiment, a generally enclosed raised channel can be provided on the underside of the central portion, opposite the space created between the underside of the breast and the chest wall, defining a generally enclosed region. The raised channel can be closed at one end and have an opening at the other end to which can be connected a source of air or oxygen. At least some of the perforations through the concave central portion can communicate with the generally enclosed region defined by the raised channel such that a flow of air can be delivered through the raised channel and delivered directly against the excoriated tissue via the perforations.[0007]

The flange member extending from the upper side of the concave central portion, which has the same arcuate curvature as the central portion, extends generally upwardly and the edge curls out away from the underside of the breast which it is configured to support. The upwardly extending and outwardly curling shape is designed to comfortably support the breast out away from the chest wall and the concave central portion, to assist the concave central portion in permitting air to circulate under the breast and around the excoriated skin. The flange member extending from the lower side of the concave central portion is designed to brace the concave central portion and the upper flange member against the chest wall so that the weight of the breast on the upper flange does not dislodge the breast support device.[0008]

Similarly to the breast support, a scrotum support device of the present invention can be constructed to accomplish like purposes as the breast support device, and comprises an elongate member which tapers from a wider base portion toward a slightly narrower distal end. The wider base portion is adapted to be positioned adjacent a man's groin area, under the scrotum and in proximity to the perineal area. The generally concave central portion of the elongate member can have an arcuate curvature along its length. The generally concave central portion, particularly at the wider base portion adjacent the scrotum, creates space between the underside of the scrotum and underlying perineal skin which prevents irritating skin-to-skin contact. Like the breast support device, the concave central portion creates space for air flow, and multiple perforations through the central portion, and/or open transverse channels at spaced apart positions can be provided along the length of the elongate member for providing/enhancing air circulation along the length of the elongate member to the irradiated tissue. In another embodiment of the present invention concerning the scrotum support device, a generally enclosed raised channel, similar to the one described above for the breast support device, is provided on the underside of the central portion to direct a forced flow of air or oxygen to the excoriated tissue to speed healing.[0009]

Various other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings figures of certain embodiments thereof.[0010]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:[0011]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of a breast support device of the present invention.[0012]

FIG. 2 is a section view taken through line II-II in FIG. 1.[0013]

FIG. 3 is a section view taken through line III-III in FIG. 1.[0014]

FIG. 4 shows a human chest and excoriated area (partially shown by parallel lining) on the chest wall behind the breast.[0015]

FIG. 5[0016]aillustrates the placement of the breast support device of the present invention under the breast.

FIG. 5[0017]bis a larger view, showing the cross section of a presently preferred embodiment of the breast support device of the present invention under the breast.

FIGS. 6[0018]a-6care cross section views illustrating alternative embodiments of the breast support device of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7[0019]ais a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the breast support device of the present invention.

FIG. 7[0020]bis a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the breast support device shown in FIG. 7a.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to as shown in FIGS. 7[0021]aand7b, except shown having an induced, or pre-formed, curvature.

FIGS. 9[0022]a-9billustrate alternative embodiments of the breast support device shown in FIGS. 7aand8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of a scrotum support device of the present invention.[0023]

FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.[0024]

FIG. 12 illustrates the placement of the support device of the present invention under the scrotum and perineum region of a human male.[0025]

FIG. 13 is a section view taken through line XIII-XIII in FIG. 10.[0026]

FIG. 14 is a section view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13.[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawing figures wherein like reference numbers refer to similar parts throughout the several views, a presently preferred embodiment of a breast support[0028]

medical device

10 is shown in FIGS.1-5, having a generally arcuate shape along the longest dimension of theoverall device10. The breast support device preferably has a generally concavecentral portion13 with upper16 and lower19 flange members extending from upper and lower sides, respectively, of the concavecentral portion13. The generally arcuate shape along the longest dimension of thebreast support device10 is designed to conform comfortably to the curvature of thechest wall22 just behind thebreast25, since that is where thebreast support device10 will be positioned (see FIGS. 5a-5b). The concavity of thecentral portion13 extends outwardly from the side of the arcuate structure which is designed to be positioned adjacent thechest wall22, thus both separating theunderside26 of thebreast25 from thechest wall22 and creating space for air to circulate under thebreast25. This prevents painful skin-to-skin rubbing contact between theunderside26 of thebreast25 and thechest wall22 and promotes faster healing of the excoriatedregion28 that occurs on and around thechest wall22 that is behind thebreast25. Excoriatedregion28 is partially shown by the closely spaced parallel lines in FIG. 4. As best seen in FIGS. 5aand5b, the generallyconcave center portion13 creates a generally arcuateopen region27 which provides a pathway between theunderside26 of thebreast25 and thechest wall22 through which air can circulate to promote faster healing. Circulation of air is permitted by the unobstructed open ends of the generally concavecentral portion13 at eitherside31,34 (see FIG. 1) of the arcuatebreast support device10. The open ends permit air to freely circulate through the open region27 (see FIGS. 5aand5b). The concavecentral portion13 can have one ormore perforations37 through the structure itself to further enhance air circulation to and around the excoriatedarea28. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the breast support device further includes a generally enclosed raisedchannel39 on thecentral portion13, shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and5b, and most preferably on the underside of thecentral portion13, (i.e., the side opposite the open region27). The raisedchannel39 can be closed at one end40aand have an opening at theopposite end40b, defining a generally enclosed region41 (see FIG. 3). However, at least some of theperforations37, and preferably a central row38 (FIG. 1) of theperforations37, communicate with the generally enclosedregion41. Thus, a forced flow of air or oxygen can be provided through the raisedchannel39 to deliver air directly against the excoriated tissue via therespective perforations37 in communication withenclosed region41 and more preferably via acentral row38 ofperforations37. This is done simply by connecting a source of pressurized air or oxygen to the opening at theend40bof the raisedchannel39. The direction of flow of air is indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 2, 3 and6a-c. It should also be understood either of theends40a,40bof the raisedchannel39 could be provided with an opening. Alternatively, both ends can have openings, and can be closed, such as for example but not limited to, with removable plugs, in which case either end of the raisedchannel39 could be connected to a source of air or oxygen as desired.

Although the presently preferred embodiment of the[0029]

central portion

13 is described as generally concave, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes could easily be substituted which also create space for air to circulate between the underside of thebreast25 and thechest wall22. Some examples of alternative shapes are illustrated in FIGS. 6athrough6c. Thecentral portion13 clearly need not be concave to function satisfactorily. One of ordinary skill in the art would immediately recognize that thecentral portion13 could be formed in many alternative configurations, including being formed from two

angled sides

88,90, or three

sides

92,94,96 forming an open channel, as shown in FIGS. 6aand6b, respectively. Alternatively, thecentral portion13 could simply be a flatsingle side98 between the upper16 and lower19 flanges as shown in FIG. 6c. As in the previous embodiment, the alternatively configured breast support devices shown in FIGS. 6athrough6ccan likewise include a generally enclosed raised

channel

91,97,99, respectively, to direct a forced flow of air, or oxygen, (flow direction shown by arrows) directly against the excoriated tissue.

The[0030]

breast support

10 is designed to be positioned under thebreast25, between thebreast25 and thechest wall22, (as shown in FIGS. 5aand5b) to comfortably separate theunderside26 of thebreast25 away from thechest wall22 to prevent irritating rubbing contact therebetween. Normally, the breast would be permitted to rest in its normal position, over top of and in contact with the excoriatedarea28, as shown in FIG. 4. However, permitting thebreast25 to remain in this position can cause increased pain due to rubbing, skin-to-skin contact between thechest wall22 and theunderside26 of thebreast25, one or both of which may be excoriated from the radiation treatment. Additionally, covering the excoriatedregion28 with thebreast25 prevents air from circulating around the excoriatedarea28 and can thus increase the amount of time needed for healing. Similarly to theperforations37 in the concavecentral portion13, circulation of air around theunderside26 of thebreast25 can be promoted by one or more open transverse channels42 (FIG. 1) provided at one or more spaced apart locations along theupper flange member16 which supports thebreast25, as shown in FIGS. 5aand5b. These open transverse channels42 (FIG. 1) create space for air flow between theunderside26 of thebreast25 and theupper flange16. In a preferred embodiment theupper flange16 can be slightly longer than thelower flange member19 since it must extend outward further to adequately support thebreast25 out away from thechest wall22. Thus, the length of theupper flange member16 may be different for different women depending upon the size of thebreast25. Thelower flange member19 may be slightly shorter than theupper flange member16, and is designed primarily for supporting thebreast support device10 against thechest wall22, and the weight of thebreast25 upon theupper flange member16 so that the device is comfortably and securely held in position under thebreast25.

The[0031]

upper flange member

16, which can have generally the same overall arcuate curvature as the concavecentral portion13, extends generally upwardly and preferably the edge43 (see FIGS.2, and5aand5b) ofupper flange member16 curls out away from the underside of thebreast25 which it is configured to support. The arcuate curvature of theupper flange member16 may be slightly different from the overall arcuate curvature of the concavecentral portion13 and thelower flange member19. The arcuate curvature of theupper flange member16 may be slightly different since it is designed to conform comfortably to theunderside26 of thebreast25 rather than thechest wall22. The upwardly extendingupper flange member16 is designed to comfortably support thebreast25 out away from thechest wall22, and the concavecentral portion13, in order to assist the concavecentral portion13 in permitting air to circulate under thebreast25 and around the excoriatedarea28. Thelower flange member19 extending from the lower side of the concavecentral portion13 is designed to brace the concavecentral portion13 and theupper flange member16 against thechest wall22 so that the weight of thebreast25 on theupper flange member16 does not dislodge thebreast support device10. Depending on the particular patient and circumstances, an embodiment of the invention can include a securement member, or members, preferably, that are removable, for example, strap means46,48, (FIG. 1) for securing thebreast support device10 in position. Thebreast support device10 can be held in place by positioning the

straps

46,48 around the patient'supper body51, (FIG. 4) or portion thereof, for example the chest or the chest in combination with the neck, and then securing the free ends of the strap means46,48 together. This way, the strap means46,48 can help more securely hold thebreast support device10 in position to ensure that it does not become dislodged. Another possibility is that adhesives could be applied to the upper16 and lower19 flange members. However, since it would be undesirable to have adhesives in contact with excoriatedarea28, the adhesives would be more useful where, for example, the outer portions of theupper flange member16 and/orlower flange member19 are in contact with skin that is not excoriated, and thus would not be irritated by the adhesive. Another feature which can be provided for increased comfort includes gently roundedcorners54,57 (FIG. 2) at the intersections of the upper16 and lower19 flange members, respectively, with the concavecentral portion13. Additionally, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, theupper flange member16 can have an inwardly curling edge43 (FIGS. 2, 5aand5b) as stated hereinbefore to avoid any potential scraping of any portion of theunderside26 of thebreast25. Likewise, theedge60 of thelower flange member19 can curve inwardly away from thechest wall22 to avoid “digging” into the skin. Generally, thebreast support device10 preferably has no sharp edges or corners which cause discomfort.

Very simple alternative embodiments of[0032]

breast support devices

70,100,120 and122, according to the principles of the present invention, are illustrated in FIGS. 7athrough9b. The breast support device70 (FIG. 7a) can simply be ahollow member73 which is flexible enough to conform to the generally arcuate shape of thechest wall22 below thebreast25. A channel for air circulation is provided through thecenter76 of thehollow member73 and preferably one ormore perforations79, e.g., holes, are provided through the wall of thehollow member73 to permit the air flowing through thecenter76 of thehollow member73 to reach the excoriatedarea28. Thehollow member73 is preferably soft and pliable so that it is very comfortable to the skin. Where a cylindrical tubularhollow member73 is used, the outer diameter can be selected depending on the stiffness of the material from which the tube is made, as well as the size of thebreast25 which is to be supported, all of which will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art. A relatively large diameter can hold thebreast25 further out away from thechest wall22. If the outer diameter is too small, thebreast25 could overhang thehollow member73 too much resulting in part of theunderside26 of thebreast25 coming into irritating rubbing contact with part of the excoriatedarea28 which may extend below the placement of thehollow member73. This can depend mainly upon the size and physical condition, such as for example, firmness, of thebreast25 to be supported.

A similar[0033]

breast support device

100 is shown in FIG. 7b, being a flexible hollowtubular member102 withmultiple perforations104. However, in this embodiment, theperforations104 can be provided, for reasons explained herein, in only a certain region, such as in the single row shown in FIG. 7b. Also, thehollow tubular member102 can include end

walls

106,108 which generally enclose the interior of thehollow tubular member102, except for the single row ofperforations104. Additionally, anend wall106 can have aportion110 with an opening112 therethrough which provides access into the hollow interior of thetubular member102. For the same reasons explained previously, a source of air, or oxygen, can be connected to the opening112 for causing a flow of air or oxygen through thehollow tubular member102 which can thus be delivered directly against excoriatedarea28 via theperforations104. Thebreast support device100 can be rotated for positioning under thebreast25 such that the single row ofperforations104 is facing the excoriatedarea28. In this way, the air can be purposefully conducted into direct contact with the excoriated area to speed healing. It should also be understood thatportion110 with opening112 can alternatively be provided in theother end wall108. Alternatively, both

end walls

106,108 can have openings, which can be closed, such as for example but not limited to, with removable plugs, in which case either end of thetubular member102 can be connected to the source of air or oxygen.

Another design consideration is material stiffness. Soft, supple, pliable material is more comfortable. However, if the material does not have sufficient stiffness, the hollow member, for example the[0034]

hollow member

73 of the breast support device70 (FIG. 7a), could be deformed too much. This can result in two undesirable conditions. First, part of thebreast25 could overhang thehollow member73 and establish rubbing contact with thechest wall22. Second, deformation of thehollow member73 can reduce, or entirely block, air circulation through thecenter76 of thehollow member73. In order to aid in holding thehollow member73 in place, and/or causing thehollow member73 to better conform to the generally arcuate shape of thechest wall22, a strap member82 (FIG. 8) can be, for example, threaded through thecenter76 of the hollow member73 (FIG. 7a), or attached at the ends of thehollow member73. The free ends84,86 of thestrap member82 can be for example, but not limited to, tied or otherwise secured together around the patient'supper torso51 as described previously to help more securely hold thebreast support device70 in position. Alternatively, thehollow member73 could be pre-formed with a generally arcuate bend adapted to conform to the shape of thechest wall22, and, if needed, thestrap member82 could be used to help hold thehollow member73 in place. Moreover, it will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that thebreast support70 need not be “tubular,” or cylindrical, and instead can alternatively be for example, but not limited to, a hollowtriangular member120, or arectangular member122, as shown in FIGS. 9aand9b, respectively.

Other alternative configurations are possible within the teaching of the foregoing description. For example, the concave[0035]

central portion

13 of thebreast support device10 could have closed ends so that air flow through theopen region27 would be prevented or greatly restricted. Nevertheless, one of more of theperforations37 would permit some air circulation around the excoriatedarea28 even if the ends were closed, since one or more of theperforations37 would permit air to flow into theopen region27 through the concavecentral portion13. Conversely, theperforations37 further enhance air circulation when the ends of the concavecentral portion13 are unobstructed. Additionally, as described above, where end walls close theopen region27, an opening can be provided through one of the end walls to allow for the flow of air through theopen region27 and out through theperforations37, thus forcing air against the excoriatedarea28 to speed healing. The alternative, hollow tubular

breast support devices

70,100 can function to support thebreast25 away from thechest wall22 and prevent irritating skin-to-skin contact even if no

perforations

79,104 therethrough are provided to permit air circulation. With respect to the breast support device70 (FIG. 7a), there is some airflow regardless of whether the ends of thehollow member73 are open or closed off, since one or more of theperforations79 permit air flow through the walls of thetubular member73.

Another embodiment of an anatomical support device according to the present invention includes a[0036]

scrotum support device

200 shown in FIGS. 10 through 14. Thescrotum support device200 can be constructed to accomplish similar purposes as thebreast support device10. Thescrotum support device200 can generally be an elongate member which tapers from awider base portion203 to a slightly narrowerdistal end206, as shown best in FIG. 11. Thewider base portion203 is adapted to be positioned under the scrotum adjacent to a male patient's groin and perineal areas, as shown in FIG. 12. Oppositeside portions207,208 (FIGS. 11 and 14) extend downwardly from acentral portion209. Thecentral portion209 can be shaped to create space between the scrotum and underlying skin in the groin and perineal areas to prevent irritating skin-to-skin rubbing contact. For example, thecentral portion209 can have a generally concave shape which extends from thewider base portion203 substantially entirely along the length of the elongate member to thedistal end206. The scrotum can be supported against thecentral portion209 at thewider base portion203, and the generally concave shape ofcentral portion209 creates space between the perineal skin and thecentral portion209 to enhance air circulation. The downwardly extending

side portions

207,208 also provide the dual function of creating space between the groin area of the patient when thesupport device200 is operatively positioned (FIG. 12) to enable better circulation of air to the affected tissue. Similar to thebreast support device10, the generally concavecentral portion209 ofsupport device200 can have one ormore perforations212 for enhancing the circulation of air to and around affected tissue to speed healing. Furthermore, as shown best in FIG. 13, a raisedchannel218 can be provided on thecentral portion209, preferably on the underside of thecentral portion209. The raisedchannel218 can be closed at oneend220 and have an opening at theopposite end221, thereby defining a generallyenclosed region222. The opening at theend221 can be employed to provide the generallyenclosed region222 with the capability to receive flowing air, or oxygen, into the raisedchannel218. At least one of theperforations212, and preferably acentral row213 of theperforations212, communicate with the generallyenclosed region221 within the raisedchannel218. Thus, a forced flow of air, or oxygen, can be provided throughopening221 into the generallyenclosed region221 and thus directly into contact with the excoriated tissue via thecentral row213 ofperforations212. This can be done by flowing air or oxygen into the opening at theend221 of the raisedchannel218. The direction of flow of the air is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 13. Theend220 is preferably the closed end of thechannel218 since that is the end of the elongate member which is positioned in juxtaposition to the scrotum, and thus there is a limited physical access to that end. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that alternative arrangements can be devised so that either, or both, ends220,221 can be provided with an opening, with one closed such as for example, but not limited to, by a removable plug, whereby either end of the raisedchannel218 can be connected to a source of air or oxygen.

Additionally, open[0037]

transverse channels

215 can be provided to further enhance air circulation between thesupport surface209 and the underside of the scrotum and perineal areas. As shown best in FIG. 13, thescrotum support device200 can further be provided with an undulating curvature along the length of the elongate member which is designed to comfortably conform to the curvature of the perineal area (FIG. 12). FIG. 14 shows that the

opposite side portions

207,208 extend downwardly from thecentral portion209 and that at least a portion of the concave curvature along the length of the elongate member from thebase portion203 to thedistal end206 of theupper surface240 of thecentral portion209 of thesupport device200 creates a space between the perineal area and enables air flow to the excoriated skin.

Although certain embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications to those details could be developed in light of the overall teaching of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only, and not limiting to the scope of the invention which should be awarded the full breadth of the following claims and any and all embodiments thereof.[0038]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A medical device for supporting a first body tissue away from a second body tissue, said medical device comprising:

a central portion having an upper side and a lower side;

an upper flange member extending from said upper side of said central portion, said upper flange member adapted to support a first body tissue;

a lower flange member extending from said lower side of said central portion, said lower flange member adapted for positioning adjacent a second body tissue; and wherein said central portion adapted to separate the first body tissue from the second body tissue when the first body tissue is supported on said upper flange member and said lower flange member is positioned adjacent the second body tissue.

2. The medical device ofclaim 1 wherein said first body tissue is the underside of a breast and wherein the second body tissue is the chest wall.

3. The medical device ofclaim 2 further comprising said central portion adapted to create space between the underside of the breast and the chest wall.

4. The medical device ofclaim 2 further comprising at least one perforation in said central portion for air to reach the underside of the breast and chest wall through said central portion.

5. The medical device ofclaim 4 further comprising:

a raised channel on a surface of said central portion said raised channel defining an enclosed region;

at least one of said perforations in said central portion communicating with said enclosed region defined by said raised channel; and

an end of said raised channel having an opening into said enclosed region such that a source of air or oxygen can be connected to said opening of said raised channel to cause said air or said oxygen to flow into said enclosed region and out through said at least one of said perforations and into said space created between the underside of the breast and the chest wall.

6. The medical device ofclaim 3 further comprising opposite ends of said central portion being unobstructed, and said space between the underside of the breast and the chest wall is an open region along said central portion for allowing for air circulation between said central portion and the underside of the breast and the chest wall.

7. The medical device ofclaim 3 further comprising said central portion being of a concave shape.

8. The medical device ofclaim 7 further comprising a plurality of perforations in said central portion for air to reach the underside of the breast and chest wall through said central portion.

9. The medical device ofclaim 2 further comprising said central portion having an arcuate shape along the longest axis thereof, said arcuate shape adapted to conform to the curvature of the chest wall.

10. The medical device ofclaim 9 further comprising said lower flange member having an arcuate shape.

11. The medical device ofclaim 9 further comprising said upper flange member having a second arcuate shape, said second arcuate shape adapted to conform to the curvature of the breast.

12. The medical device ofclaim 2 further comprising open transverse channels provided in said upper flange member to enhance air circulation between said upper flange member and the breast.

13. The medical device ofclaim 2 further comprising a securement member attached to at least one of said central portion said upper flange member and said lower flange member adapted to hold said medical device in place when positioned against the chest wall under the breast.

14. A medical device for supporting a breast away from a chest wall of a patient, said medical device comprising:

a hollow member adapted for positioning under the breast adjacent the chest wall, said hollow member capable of separating the underside of the breast from the chest wall; and

at least one perforation through said hollow member to permit air to reach the underside of the breast and the chest wall through said hollow member.

15. The medical device ofclaim 14 further comprising:

said hollow member having closed ends defining an enclosed region within said hollow member;

at least one perforation provided in a certain region along a length of said hollow member, said certain region facing the underside of the breast and the chest wall; and

one of said closed ends having an opening into said enclosed region such that a source of air or oxygen can be connected to said opening to cause said air or oxygen to flow into said enclosed region and out through at least one of said perforations and against the underside of the breast and the chest wall.

16. The medical device ofclaim 14 further comprising an elongated strap member for securing said medical device into position said strap member disposed through said hollow member and having opposite free ends adapted to be secured together subsequent to disposition through said hollow member and encirclement of at least a portion of a patient's upper body, said strap member adapted to secure said hollow member under the breast adjacent the chest wall and cause said hollow member to conform to the curvature of the chest wall.

17. The medical device ofclaim 14 further comprising said hollow member having a generally arcuate shape along a longest axis thereof adapted to conform to the curvature of the chest wall.

18. The medical device ofclaim 17 further comprising a strap member for securing said medical device into position said strap member disposed through said hollow member and having opposite free ends adapted to be secured together subsequent to disposition through said hollow member and encirclement of at least a portion of a patient's upper body, said strap member adapted to secure said hollow member under the breast adjacent the chest wall.

19. The medical device ofclaim 17 further comprising a pair of securement members, each of said securement members having a first end attachable to opposite ends of said hollow member and a second end adapted to fasten to each other subsequent to encirclement of at least a portion of a patient's upper body, said pair of securement members adapted to removably secure said hollow member under the breast adjacent the chest wall.

20. The medical device ofclaim 1 further comprising a pair of securement members, each of said securement members having a first end attachable to opposite ends of said central portion and a second end adapted to fasten to each other subsequent to encirclement of at least a portion of a patient's body, said securement members adapted to removably secure said medical device to said patient's body.

21. A medical device for supporting a scrotum of a patient away from underlying tissue, said medical device comprising:

an elongated member having a central portion and opposing side portions extending downwardly away from said central portion;

said central portion having a wider first end and a narrower distal end opposite said wider first end, said wider first end adapted for positioning at the base of the scrotum; and

said central portion adapted to support the scrotum away from the underlying tissue when the wider first end is positioned in juxtaposition to the scrotum and said opposing side portions are positioned in juxtaposition to the underlying tissue.

22. The medical device ofclaim 21 further comprising said central portion adapted to create space between the scrotum and the underlying tissue and said central portion.

23. The medical support device ofclaim 21 further comprising said central portion having at least one perforation therethrough to provide for circulation of air around the scrotum and the underlying tissue.

24. The medical device ofclaim 23 further comprising:

a raised channel on said central portion, said raised channel defining an enclosed region;

at least one of said perforation in said central portion communicating with said enclosed region defined by said raised channel; and

an end of said raised channel having an opening into said enclosed region such that a source of air or oxygen is connected to said opening to cause said air or oxygen to flow into said enclosed region and out through said at least one of said perforations and directed to the area of the scrotum and the underlying tissue.

25. The medical support device ofclaim 23 further comprising open transverse channels in said central portion to enhance circulation of air between the scrotum and the underlying tissues and said central portion.

26. The medical support device ofclaim 23 further comprising said central portion having a generally concave cross-section.

27. The medical support device ofclaim 23 further comprising part of said central portion having a generally arcuate shape along said elongated member from said wider first end to said narrower distal end.