Bioactive Mesh for Breast Implant Ptosis Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast reconstruction techniques after mastectomy often result in ptosis due to the sagging of tissues under the weight of breast implants, as they lack the suspensory ligaments that normally distribute the weight of the breast, leading to abnormal weight distribution and proprioceptive changes in patients.
Innovation Solution
A bioactive matrix combined with a biopassive synthetic mesh is interposed between the skin and the pectoralis major muscle, forming a containment structure for the breast implant that absorbs the weight of the implant and prevents capsular fibrosis, mimicking the function of suspensory ligaments to maintain the breast's anatomical position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breast implant is placed in an under-muscular pocket after mastectomy, then breast reconstruction is achieved, but ptosis occurs due to sagging tissues under the implant weight
Solution Approach 1:
A suspensory device made of bioactive matrix (collagen, fascia, or dermis) is introduced as an intermediary structure between the breast implant and the pectoralis major muscle. This device mimics the function of natural suspensory ligaments by distributing the implant weight across multiple attachment points on the muscle, thereby preventing tissue sagging and ptosis while maintaining breast reconstruction stability
Solution Approach 2:
The suspensory device combines bioactive matrix materials (collagen, fascia, or dermis) with a mesh structure to create a composite construction. This composite material provides both the mechanical strength needed to support the implant weight and the biological compatibility required for integration with surrounding tissues, resolving the contradiction between structural support and tissue compatibility
2Ease of manufacture
If the pectoralis major muscle is dissected to create an under-muscular pocket, then implant placement is enabled, but muscle functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suspensory device is divided into multiple segments or strips that can be individually attached to different locations on the pectoralis major muscle. This segmentation allows for distributed weight bearing across the muscle surface, reducing the need for extensive muscle dissection while maintaining adequate support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The suspensory device acts as an intermediary structure that transfers the implant weight to the muscle without requiring direct implant-muscle contact or extensive muscle disruption. This mediator approach enables implant placement while preserving muscle integrity and function
3Shape
If traditional reconstruction methods are used, then breast shape is restored, but capsular fibrosis develops due to abnormal weight distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The suspensory device serves as a mediator between the implant and surrounding tissues, distributing mechanical stress evenly across the breast structure. This even weight distribution prevents the abnormal stress concentrations that trigger capsular fibrosis, while still achieving natural breast shape restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the mechanical parameters of the breast reconstruction system by introducing distributed support points and altering the stress distribution pattern. This parameter change from concentrated to distributed loading reduces the mechanical stimuli that lead to pathological capsular formation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical device for breast reconstruction that helps to prevent the ptosis of tissues due the yielding of the tissue under the weight of a breast implant.