Breast implant and device for sensing abnormalities of a breast implant

Abstract

A breast implant is provided with a shell including an injection hole for injecting a filler and forming an outer skin, a filler in a gel state injected into the shell through the injection hole, a first patch sealing the injection hole at a first position of the shell toward an inside of a human body when the breast implant is inserted into a breast, and a second patch located outside a second position of the shell facing the first position or outside a third position to which a pressure due to gravity is applied in a state that the human body is upright when the breast implant is inserted into the breast. Each of the first patch and the second patch includes a first barrier forming a first surface toward the inside of the human body when the breast implant is inserted into the breast, a second barrier contacting the first barrier and forming a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a sensor module located on the first surface of the first barrier or between the first barrier and the second barrier. The sensor module includes at least one pressure sensor for sensing a pressure, a controller electrically connected to the pressure sensor and for transmitting a pressure signal sensed by the pressure sensor to an outside, and a wireless power reception unit for wirelessly receiving power from the outside and supplying the power to the controller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to breast implants and devices for sensing abnormalities in breast implants. Background Technology

[0002] Having beautiful, full breasts is a common desire for most women. Breast implants are one of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this goal.

[0003] Breast reconstruction using breast implants is a method used to ensure space for inserting breast implants into the breast and to increase breast volume by inserting breast implants into a safe space.

[0004] These breast implants are typically manufactured using a cohesive silicone gel. The advantage of this gel is that it provides a strong outer shell and naturally shapes itself after surgery, overcoming the disadvantages of traditional silicone gels (see, for example, Korean Patent No. 10-1235284, Korean Patent No. 10-1966979 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-534551).

[0005] Common side effects after breast reconstruction surgery with breast implants include rupture and capsular contracture.

[0006] When a rupture occurs and the silicone component remains in the body for an extended period, it may permeate through breast tissue, potentially causing difficulties in breastfeeding and breast cancer screening. Sometimes, due to a ruptured breast implant, silicone can seep into the lymph nodes. In such cases, the permeated silicone may not be completely removed, and lymphedema or the silicone spreading throughout the body may occur after removal.

[0007] Capsular contracture is a condition caused by the thickening of a newly formed capsule around a breast implant. It typically occurs within the first two years after surgery and is one of the most common side effects. Capsular contracture can lead to deformity and pain, and in more severe cases, requires repeat surgery to remove the breast implant and the capsule.

[0008] To check for two typical side effects after breast implantation, patients need to consult a doctor and undergo imaging examinations such as ultrasound and MRI. Even without specific symptoms, it is recommended to have an ultrasound examination annually after breast implantation. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical Purpose

[0010] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems. One technical objective of the present invention is to provide a breast implant that allows for efficient detection of abnormalities in the breast implant after it has been inserted into the breast.

[0011] Another technical objective of the present invention is to provide a device for sensing abnormalities in breast implants, which is capable of efficiently sensing abnormalities in breast implants after the breast implant has been inserted into the breast.

[0012] The challenges to be solved by this invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other unmentioned problems.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a breast implant is provided. The breast implant includes: a housing including an injection port and forming an outer cover of the breast implant; a gel filler injected into the housing through the injection port; a first patch configured to seal the injection port at a first location on the housing, the injection port pointing inwards when the breast implant is inserted into the breast; and a second patch configured to attach to at least one of the exterior of a second location and the exterior of a third location, the second location facing the first location on the housing, and pressure due to gravity being applied to the third location when the breast implant is inserted into the breast and the body remains upright without external pressure; wherein each of the first patch and the second patch includes: a first barrier, When a breast implant is inserted into the breast, the first barrier forms a first side facing the interior of the breast implant, the second barrier is positioned corresponding to the first barrier and forms a second side opposite to the first side, and a sensor module is disposed on the first side or between the first and second barriers; and wherein the sensor module includes: at least one pressure sensor configured to sense pressure; a controller electrically coupled to the at least one pressure sensor and configured to transmit pressure signals from the at least one pressure sensor; and a wireless power receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power from an external device and provide power to the controller.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the second patch is smaller than the size of the first patch.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a breast implant is inserted into the breast and the body remains upright without external pressure, a pressure sensor included in a first patch is configured to sense pressure applied inside the body, a pressure sensor included in a second patch attached to a second position is configured to sense pressure applied outside the body, and a pressure sensor included in a second patch attached to a third position is configured to sense pressure applied to the breast implant due to gravity.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second patch is disposed on the outer surface of the housing to which the filler has been injected, such that the first barrier contacts the outer surface of the housing.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module is formed in the form of a membrane, with a pressure sensor, a controller, and a wireless power receiving unit inserted between two protective membranes.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for sensing abnormalities in a breast implant is provided. The apparatus includes: a wireless power transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit power to a sensor module of each of a first patch and a second patch included in the breast implant; an abnormality sensing unit configured to receive pressure signals from the sensor modules and sense abnormalities in the breast implant based on the received pressure signals; and an alarm generation unit configured to generate an alarm when the abnormality sensing unit senses an abnormality in the breast implant.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the abnormality sensing unit is configured to store the initial pressure of each of the first patch and the second patch in a memory when the breast implant is inserted into the body, to compare the pressure indicated by the pressure signal received from the sensor module with the initial pressure, and to sense an abnormality of the breast implant when the comparison result indicates that the difference between the pressure indicated by the pressure signal received from the sensor module and the initial pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the threshold for determining an anomaly in the received pressure signal of the sensor module of one of the first and second patches is set to be greater than the threshold for determining an anomaly in the received pressure signal of the sensor module of the other of the first and second patches.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the threshold for determining anomalies in the received pressure signal for each sensor module of the first patch and the second patch is set to be different from each other.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device is configured as a computing device, which includes a smartwatch, a smartphone, a computer, a PDA, and a digital keypad.

[0024] Each embodiment of the present invention is described independently; however, multiple embodiments may be combined, and combined embodiments may also be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0025] The above description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but merely to describe it. In addition to the features and embodiments described above, additional features and embodiments will become clear from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0026] Effects of the present invention

[0027] According to embodiments of the present invention, a breast implant can be provided that can efficiently detect abnormalities in the implant after implementation.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, an implant abnormality sensing device can be provided, which can efficiently sense abnormalities in the implant after implementation.

[0029] The effects described above are not limited to those described above. From the following detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand other effects not described. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram used to explain the pressure applied to a breast implant inserted into the breast in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a patch including a sensor module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a sensor module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 and 7 This is a schematic diagram of a device for sensing abnormalities in a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of an attachment including a sensor module according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a functional block diagram of a device for sensing abnormalities in a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 10 to 13 This is a flowchart for explaining a method of manufacturing a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Preferred embodiment of the present invention

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, breast implants are made of, for example, silicone material and are used in plastic surgery procedures for the breasts, buttocks, etc., wherein the breast implant is inserted into the body and forms and maintains a constant shape within the body.

[0041] Although the example described in this specification is a breast implant for breast reconstruction, the breast implant and the device for sensing abnormalities in the breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention can be applied to most implants that include a shell and a gel-type filler and are inserted into the body for a specific purpose.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram used to explain the pressure applied to a breast implant inserted into the breast in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] exist Figure 1 The text uses breast implants as an example to explain breast reconstruction. Breast augmentation surgery using breast implants is a method used to ensure space for the breast implant to be inserted and to increase breast volume by inserting the implant into a safe space.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, when the breast implant 110 is inserted into the breast 100, under normal conditions where no external pressure is applied to the breast 100, pressure A is applied to the breast implant 110 from outside the body, pressure B is applied to the breast implant 110 from inside the body or relative to the inside of the body, and pressure C is applied to the breast implant 110 due to gravity.

[0045] Typically, silicone gel is inserted into the shell of the breast implant. The breast implant is sealed with a patch at the base of the implant (near the location indicated by B) in a manner that maintains constant tension. However, if a portion of the breast implant ruptures or capsular contracture occurs at a portion of the breast implant, at least one of the pressures A, B, and C is altered.

[0046] In the case of currently widely used viscous gel implants, even if part of the breast implant ruptures after insertion into the breast, the patient experiences almost no abnormality; this is known as silent rupture. In other words, even when the breast implant ruptures, the viscous gel remains in a gel state.

[0047] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most accurate methods to date for detecting ruptured breast implants. However, MRI itself still shows false positives and false negatives, and can be costly for patients.

[0048] When a foreign object enters the body, a capsule forms around it. Excessive formation and hardening of this capsule can lead to capsular contracture.

[0049] When a breast implant is inserted into the breast, platelets in the blood are activated and secrete a substance called transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). TGF-β acts to attract monocytes around the inflamed breast implant. Monocytes, a type of white blood cell, develop into macrophages near the inflammation and secrete TGF-β again. This leads to capsular contracture of fibroblasts and collagen synthesized by fibroblasts near the inflammation.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a breast implant 110 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, a breast implant 110 according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a housing 111 forming a teardrop-shaped or circular outer cover, a silicone gel 112 injected into the housing 111 as a filler, and a patch 200 for sealing an injection hole 113 for injecting the silicone gel 112.

[0052] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the patch 200 includes a sensor module that includes a pressure sensor for sensing pressure applied to the breast implant 110.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a patch 200 including a sensor module according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a patch 400 including a sensor module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 3 The patch 200 shown includes a first barrier (inner barrier) 211 and a second barrier (outer barrier) 212. The first barrier (inner barrier) 211 forms a first side facing the interior of the breast implant 110 after being attached to the breast implant 110 having injected gel-like filler. The second barrier (outer barrier) 212 faces the first barrier 211 and forms a second side opposite to the first side. A sensor module 300 is disposed on the first side of the first barrier 211.

[0055] exist Figure 4 In the patch 400 shown, the sensor module 300 is disposed between the first barrier 211 and the second barrier 212.

[0056] Figure 3 and Figure 4For clarity, the first barrier 211 and the second barrier 212 of patches 200 and 400 are distinguished. Patches 200 and 400 are unit components formed by the contact between the first barrier 211 and the second barrier 212. The first barrier 211 forms the inner side of patches 200 and 400, and the second barrier 212 forms the outer side of patches 200 and 400.

[0057] therefore, Figure 3 The patch 200 shown can be manufactured by forming a unit component having a first barrier 211 and a second barrier 212 in contact with each other, and then attaching the sensor module 300 to a portion of the outer surface of the first barrier 211. Figure 4 The patch 400 shown can be manufactured by sandwiching the sensor module 300 between the first barrier 211 and the second barrier 212.

[0058] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a sensor module 300 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the sensor module 300 is formed as a membrane including two protective films 310, 330 and a substrate 320 between the two protective films 310, 330. The substrate 320 is provided with at least one pressure sensor 323 for sensing pressure applied to the breast implant and outputting a pressure signal, a controller 322 for transmitting the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 323 to the outside, and a wireless power receiving unit 321 for receiving power from the outside and providing power to the controller 322.

[0060] When a predetermined pressure or force is applied, the pressure sensor 323 is an element that generates a signal proportional to the applied pressure or force. The pressure sensor 323 includes a diaphragm sensor that bends according to the applied pressure or force, a force-sensitive resistor (FSR) comprising two conductive plates and a conductive polymer between the two conductive plates, and a piezoelectric element that generates a voltage when pressure is applied.

[0061] Although a tension sensor that senses the tension of the breast implant housing can be used instead of a pressure sensor, the tension sensor is considered a type of pressure sensor in this specification because the change in tension is also a physical quantity that is proportional to the change in pressure caused by the rupture of the breast implant or capsular contracture.

[0062] In some embodiments of the invention, the sensor module 300 further includes a battery 324 for storing power received wirelessly by the wireless power receiving unit 321.

[0063] In other words, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor module 300 can operate by wirelessly receiving power only when there is no battery, or by charging the battery with the power received wirelessly.

[0064] Figure 6 and 7 This is a schematic diagram of a device for sensing abnormalities in a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a silicone housing 111, a silicone gel 112 filled in the housing 111, and at least one patch 200, 400.

[0066] Figure 6 The device 600 shown for sensing abnormalities in breast implants transmits power to a sensor module 300 of the breast implant, receives pressure signals from the sensor module 300, determines abnormalities in the breast implant based on the pressure signals, and outputs a determination result when an abnormality is determined.

[0067] The device 600 includes a computing device comprising a computer and a digital board, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) and a smartphone, with wireless communication and wireless power transmission capabilities.

[0068] Figure 7 The device 700 shown for sensing abnormalities in breast implants is in the form of a wearable smartwatch. The device 700 transmits power to a sensor module 300 in the breast implant, receives pressure signals from the sensor module 300, determines abnormalities in the breast implant based on the pressure signals, and outputs a determination result when an abnormality is determined.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the breast implant is inserted into the body, the devices 600 and 700 store the initial pressure sensed by the sensor module 300 in a memory (not shown), compare the pressure indicated by the pressure signal received from the sensor module 300 with the initial pressure, and sense any abnormality in the breast implant based on the comparison result.

[0070] In other words, when pressure changes due to rupture or capsular contracture, the system notifies the user of any changes in pressure, allowing them to take appropriate action at the right time. This helps alleviate the anxiety of needing to keep the breast secure for extended periods after implantation, while also reducing the inconvenience of regular ultrasound or MRI scans.

[0071] Figure 8A schematic diagram of an example of an attachment patch 200, 400 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown, each patch 200, 400 including a sensor module.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, when a breast implant is inserted into the breast, under normal conditions where no external pressure is applied to the breast, pressure A is applied to the breast implant 110 from outside the body, pressure B is applied to the breast implant 110 from inside the body or relative to the inside of the body, and pressure C is applied to the breast implant 110 due to gravity. Therefore, by placing patches 200 and 400 at at least one of positions A, B, and C, changes in pressure can be sensed when an abnormality exists in the breast implant, and the user can be notified of the abnormality.

[0073] like Figure 8 As shown, a patch 200 including a sensor module 300 on the surface of the first barrier 211 or a patch 400 including a sensor module 300 between the first barrier 211 and the second barrier 212 can be attached to position B. The patch 400 can be attached to positions A and C to prevent the sensor module 300 from directly contacting the skin tissue.

[0074] like Figure 1 and 8 As shown, location B may not show large pressure changes due to abnormalities in the breast implant because the fixation wall is formed relative to the body, and the sensor module 300 of the patch 200 located at that location senses the pressure applied to a large area forming the bottom of the breast implant 110.

[0075] On the other hand, in the case of position A or position C, since the mobility is relatively greater compared to position B, the pressure changes due to abnormalities of the breast implant may be relatively larger.

[0076] When an abnormality is detected in a breast implant, such as a ruptured implant, the implant is removed and a new implant is inserted. Therefore, errors in abnormality detection can have significant negative consequences.

[0077] To prevent such errors in anomaly determination, in some embodiments of the invention, the first patch (patch 200) and the second patch (patch 400) are attached to at least two of the positions B (first position), A (second position), and C (third position) to minimize errors in anomaly determination due to the relative amount of pressure variation.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, the diameter of the second patch (patch 400) attached to position A (second position) and position C (third position) is smaller than the diameter of the first patch (patch 200) attached to position B (first position).

[0079] This is because, such as Figure 8 As shown, compared to position B (first position), positions A (second position) and C (third position) have smaller areas that are flat enough to place the patch.

[0080] For the same reason, the diameter of the second patch (patch 400) attached to position C (third position) can be smaller than the diameter of the second patch (patch 400) attached to position A (second position).

[0081] In some embodiments of the present invention, devices 600, 700 will locate multiple positions (e.g., Figure 1 The initial pressure at each of the locations A, B, and C shown is stored in a memory. When the difference between the pressure indicated by at least one pressure signal received from the sensor module 300 located at the multiple locations and the initial pressure stored in the memory associated with the corresponding location exceeds a predetermined threshold, the devices 600 and 700 may output an abnormality in the breast implant.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, devices 600 and 700 set a threshold for determining an anomaly in a pressure signal received from one sensor module 300 to be greater than a threshold for determining an anomaly in a pressure signal received from another sensor module 300. By configuring devices 600 and 700 in this way, an anomaly can be determined using a pressure signal from one sensor module when the anomaly is significant, and no anomaly can be determined when the anomaly is minor and an anomaly in one sensor module is permissible, thus avoiding unnecessary anomaly alarms.

[0083] In some embodiments of the invention, devices 600 and 700 set different thresholds for multiple sensor modules to determine anomalies. For example, devices 600 and 700 place the base of the breast implant ( Figure 1 The threshold of the sensor module at position C) is set to be greater than or less than the threshold of the sensor modules at other positions. By configuring devices 600 and 700 in this way, appropriate determinations can be made based on pressure changes considering the position of the breast implant.

[0084] Figure 9 This is a functional block diagram of a device 600, 700 for sensing abnormalities in a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] like Figure 9As shown, the apparatus 600, 700 according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a wireless power transmission unit 910, an anomaly sensing unit 920, and an alarm generating unit 930. The wireless power transmission unit 910 is used to wirelessly transmit power to the sensor module 300 of the patch 200, 400 included in the breast implant 110. The anomaly sensing unit 920 is used to receive pressure signals from at least one sensor module 300 and sense an anomaly in the breast implant 110 based on the pressure signals. The alarm generating unit 930 is used to generate an alarm to the outside when the anomaly sensing unit 920 senses an anomaly in the breast implant 110.

[0086] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the breast implant 110 is inserted into the breast 100, the anomaly sensing unit 920 stores the initial pressure sensed by each sensor module 300 in a memory (not shown), compares the pressure indicated by the pressure signal received from the sensor module 300 with the initial pressure, and senses an anomaly in the breast implant 110 based on the comparison result. For example, when the difference between the pressure indicated by the pressure signal received from the sensor module 300 and the initial pressure exceeds a predetermined value (threshold), the anomaly sensing unit 920 determines that the breast implant 110 is abnormal.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the anomaly sensing unit 920 senses an anomaly in the breast implant 110, the alarm generating unit 930 generates an alarm through a video or audio signal that can be recognized by the user.

[0088] In other words, when the abnormality sensing unit 920 senses an abnormality in the breast implant 110, the alarm generating unit 930 visually notifies the user of the abnormality of the breast implant 110 through a display (not shown), and audibly notifies the user of the abnormality of the breast implant 110 through an alarm sound.

[0089] Breast implants, including a sensor module (pressure sensor), can be manufactured as follows.

[0090] Figures 10 to 13 This is a flowchart for explaining a method of manufacturing a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0091] exist Figure 10In the example shown, a method of manufacturing a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention includes the step of forming a housing of the breast implant, the housing including an injection port for injecting filler (step S1010), the step of injecting gel-like filler into the housing through the injection port (step S1020), and after injecting the filler into the housing, sealing the injection port with a patch including a first barrier, a second barrier facing the first barrier, and a sensor module between the first barrier and the second barrier, with a first barrier facing the inside of the housing and a second barrier facing the outside of the housing (step S1030).

[0092] This method involves manufacturing an implant using a patch that includes a sensor module during the implant manufacturing process. However, the following method can be used for implants manufactured using a standard patch without a sensor module.

[0093] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, a method of manufacturing a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention includes the step of preparing a breast implant including a shell filled with filler (step S1110), and the step of attaching a patch including a first barrier, a second barrier facing the first barrier, and a sensor module on the outer surface of the first barrier or between the first barrier and the second barrier with the first barrier facing the outer surface of the shell (step S1120).

[0094] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, a method of manufacturing a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention includes the steps of forming a housing of the breast implant, the housing including an injection port for injecting filler (step S1210), injecting gel-like filler into the housing through the injection port (step S1220), sealing the injection port with a patch including a first barrier, a second barrier facing the first barrier, and a sensor module between the first and second barriers after the filler has been injected into the housing, with a first barrier facing the inside of the housing and a second barrier facing the outside of the housing (step S1230), and attaching the patch including the sensor module to at least one of a second position and a third position (step S1240).

[0095] exist Figure 13 In the example shown, a method of manufacturing a breast implant according to some embodiments of the present invention includes the steps of preparing a breast implant including a shell filled with filler (step S1310), attaching a patch including a first barrier, a second barrier facing the first barrier, and a sensor module on the outer surface of the first barrier or between the first barrier and the second barrier with the first barrier facing the outer surface of the shell (step S1320), and attaching the patch including the sensor module to at least one of a second position and a third position (step S1330).

[0096] In the method of manufacturing a breast implant as described above, the sensor module includes at least one pressure sensor for sensing pressure and outputting a pressure signal, a controller for transmitting the pressure signal from the at least one pressure sensor, and a wireless power receiving unit for wirelessly receiving power from an external device and providing power to the controller.

[0097] In the method of manufacturing a breast implant as described above, the sensor module also includes a battery for storing power received wirelessly by a wireless power receiving unit.

[0098] In this way, according to some embodiments of the invention, the breast implant monitors the pressure applied to the breast implant via a body-inserted sensor tag including a battery or a battery-free body-inserted sensor tag, and transmits a signal notifying the abnormality to a device for sensing the abnormality of the breast implant when the pressure change exceeds a threshold.

[0099] For example, wireless communication and wireless power transmission and reception can be achieved by adding a magnetic resonance function coupled to an ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID communication device or by using a near-field communication (NFC) method.

[0100] As described above, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a patch for implantation can be provided for efficiently sensing abnormalities in the implant after implementation.

[0101] In addition, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a breast implant may be provided including a patch equipped with a sensor, which can efficiently detect abnormalities in the breast implant after it has been inserted into the breast.

[0102] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a device for sensing abnormalities in a breast implant can be provided, which can efficiently sense abnormalities in a breast implant after the breast implant has been inserted into the breast.

[0103] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a breast implant can be provided, the breast implant including a patch equipped with a sensor, which can efficiently detect abnormalities in the breast implant after it has been inserted into the breast.

[0104] In other words, according to the present invention, patients can quickly and immediately perceive any abnormalities in the implant after surgery. Patients no longer need to go to the hospital out of fear, leading to a better quality of life. This invention can help patients recognize the need to go to the hospital more quickly and accurately.

[0105] This disclosure should not be limited to these embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications within the subject matter, spirit, and scope of this disclosure as claimed herein. For the sake of brevity and clarity, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the claimed invention is not limited to the embodiments explicitly described above, but rather to the claims and their equivalents.

[0106] Industrial applicability

[0107] Because this disclosure provides a breast implant that can efficiently detect abnormalities in implants inserted into the body, it can be applied to a variety of fields, including cosmetic surgery using breast implants.

Claims

1. A breast implant, comprising: A housing, the housing including an injection port and forming an outer cover of the breast implant; A gel-like filler is injected into the housing through the injection port; A first patch, configured to seal the injection port at a first position on the housing, wherein the injection port points inward when the breast implant is inserted into the breast, the first patch including a first sensor module, wherein when the breast implant is inserted into the breast and the body remains upright without external pressure, the first sensor module is configured to sense pressure applied to the breast implant between the filler and the body; and A second patch is configured to be attached to at least one of a second position and a third position, the second position facing the first position. When the breast implant is inserted into the breast and the body remains upright without external pressure, pressure due to gravity is applied to the third position. The second patch includes a second sensor module, wherein when the breast implant is inserted into the breast and the body remains upright without external pressure, the second sensor module attached to the second position is configured to sense pressure applied to the breast implant from outside the body, and / or the second sensor module attached to the third position is configured to sense pressure applied to the breast implant due to gravity. Each of the first sensor module and the second sensor module includes: At least one pressure sensor, the at least one pressure sensor being configured to sense pressure and output a pressure signal. A controller, configured to transmit the pressure signal from the at least one pressure sensor, and A wireless power receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power from an external device and provide the power to the controller.

2. The breast implant of claim 1, wherein each of the first patch and the second patch comprises A first barrier, forming a first side facing the interior of the breast implant. The second barrier faces the first barrier and forms a second side opposite to the first side. A sensor module is disposed on the first side or between the first barrier and the second barrier.

3. The breast implant according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the second patch is smaller than the size of the first patch.

4. The breast implant of claim 2, wherein the second patch is attached to the outer surface of the housing in which the filler is injected, such that the first barrier contacts the outer surface of the housing.

5. A device for sensing an abnormality in a breast implant, the device comprising: A wireless power transmission unit, the wireless power transmission unit being configured to transmit power wirelessly; An abnormality sensing unit is configured to receive a pressure signal from at least one of the first sensor module and the second sensor module of the breast implant according to claim 1, and to sense an abnormality of the breast implant based on the pressure signal. and An alarm generating unit is configured to generate an alarm when the anomaly sensing unit senses the anomaly in the breast implant.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the abnormality sensing unit is configured to store initial pressure sensed by the first sensor module and the second sensor module in a memory when the breast implant is inserted into the body, to compare the pressure indicated by the pressure signal received from the first sensor module and the second sensor module with the initial pressure, and to sense the abnormality of the breast implant based on the comparison result.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the threshold for determining the abnormality of the breast implant for at least one of the first sensor module and the second sensor module is set to be greater than the threshold for determining the abnormality of the breast implant for the other sensor modules.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the thresholds for determining the abnormality of the breast implant for the first sensor module and the second sensor module are set to be different from each other.

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