Absorbable Matrix Brassiere for Circum-Mammary Ligament Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical methods fail to effectively prevent breast sagging (ptosis) by strengthening the superficial fascial system, particularly the circum-mammary ligament, which is weakened by breast implants or mastectomy, leading to loss of breast shape and support.
Innovation Solution
A pre-fabricated internal brassiere device made of long-term absorbable materials, comprising a ring member and a cup member, designed to mimic the breast's natural fascial system, is placed around the circum-mammary ligament to provide support and projection, using absorbable and non-absorbable sutures to anchor the breast tissue and prevent sagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If breast implants are used to achieve breast enlargement and augmentation, then breast volume and shape are improved, but the circum-mammary ligament is weakened leading to breast sagging and loss of support
Solution Approach 1:
A mesh device made of long-term absorbable material is introduced as an intermediary between the breast implant and the circum-mammary ligament. This mesh reinforces the weakened ligament structure, distributing the mechanical load and preventing direct stress concentration that would cause sagging. The mesh acts as a mediator that maintains both the volume enhancement from implants and the structural support of natural tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines synthetic long-term absorbable mesh material with natural breast tissue and implant materials to create a composite support system. The mesh material provides temporary structural reinforcement that gradually integrates with and is replaced by natural tissue over time, creating a hybrid structure that maintains both implant volume and natural tissue strength.
2Reliability
If mastectomy is performed to treat breast cancer, then cancer is removed, but the breast's natural support structure is damaged leading to loss of shape and ptosis
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh device is implanted during the mastectomy procedure itself, before the breast tissue is removed or before reconstruction begins. This preliminary placement establishes a supportive framework in advance that will maintain the chest wall structure and prepare the site for future reconstruction, preventing immediate sagging and shape loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh serves as an intermediary structural framework between the removed breast tissue and the reconstructed breast. It maintains the anatomical space and support structure during and after mastectomy, allowing for proper positioning and shaping of reconstructed tissue while preventing the chest wall from collapsing or sagging.
3Shape
If traditional bras or corsets are used to provide breast support, then breast shape and position are maintained, but the solution is external and does not address internal tissue weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh device is implanted internally within the body, allowing the patient's own tissue to grow into and integrate with the mesh structure. This creates a self-sustaining support system where the patient's biological processes actively participate in maintaining breast shape and support, eliminating the need for external bras or corsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from two-dimensional external compression (bras and corsets) to a three-dimensional internal structural framework. The mesh device creates a volumetric support structure within the tissue that provides multi-directional reinforcement, addressing the fundamental weakness of external devices that can only apply surface-level pressure.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent non-absorbable materials are used for breast support devices, then long-term structural support is achieved, but the risk of complications such as infection, erosion, and chronic pain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the support device are changed from permanent non-absorbable to long-term absorbable. This parameter change allows the device to provide structural support for an extended period (months to years) while gradually being broken down and absorbed by the body, eliminating the long-term presence of foreign material that causes complications while maintaining sufficient support duration for tissue integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh device is designed to be temporarily present in the body to provide necessary structural support during the critical healing and integration period, then gradually discarded through biological absorption. The body recovers by growing its own tissue into and replacing the mesh, eliminating the need for permanent foreign materials while maintaining support function during the transition period.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal long term absorbable matrix brassiere including a ring member adapted to be fixed to the chest of a woman and a frusto-conical, pleated scaffold member, fixed within the ring member.